KiasuParents - Parenting in Singapore

I have heard that by end of year 2 in IP school, the students must start to think about the subjects they want to take in year 3. Example of combinations are triple Science, Science with humantieis .... I am thinking, before the students select the subjects, they must roughly have an idea which career line they want to go to so as to select the correct faculty in Uni.

Any parents out there already has something in mind for their children and encouraging or motivating them working along the path ? Or maybe your children have something in mind, what they want to be, what faculty they want to choose in Uni and is working towards this goal ?

Is it too early to start planning now ? My girl was saying, its like in P1 and starting to plan for PSLE, a bit kiasu.

Daisyt,

I also heard about that. In fact, I was discussing this with my husband a few days ago, both of us think this is too early for a 14-years-old to plan for her/his career path. They still have a long way to go...why make the decision so early. They almost change their likes and dislikes daily.

However I have asked my daughter to do some research during the June school holiday. What is the career path she wants to go for and which Uni she wants to go, so that she can have a target to work on.

I do not want to plan the career for my girl, my parents planned the 'Engineering/IT' path for me when I was in high school, now I am regret I have followed that. so don't want to repeat the same mistake.

To me, I think 14 year old is not young already to think, I regret my parents never plan for me or even ask me about tis issue. when I finished 'o' level, i dun even have a clue where to go.

smurf wrote:To me, I think 14 year old is not young already to think

I thought differently.
My parents never planned for me, i chose what i had chosen. Did what I had done passionately. Now on career hiatus. And even if next time wanna change line it's also my decision.
My husband planned for his own, then blamed himself for the type of degree he took (he chose what is 'easy' over what he 'like'). Luckily found a job that match his character (after months of being a SAHD) but with no relevance to his degree.

I guess it would be cool if the parents can get relatives/friends who are in similar line to just chat with the kid to give a better insight of the 'path' to be taken.

JMHO.

I think by 14 years, the child should already know what he/she is interested in and good at. Science or Humanities. Basically, just a decision between these 2 streams but not so much on deciding the career. Or can also opt for Science + Humanities, if you are good at both.

You don't need triple science now, to do Medicine. And with the contrasting subject requirements in JC, the children can switch a little easier than compared to our time. Science students can still opt to do law, to become a lawyer. Of course, humanities students will not be able to do medicine.

One Bro-in-law was asking me what career path we have planned for my elder boy (sitting for PSLE this year). I was like

jedamum wrote:

smurf wrote:To me, I think 14 year old is not young already to think

I thought differently.
My parents never planned for me, i chose what i had chosen. Did what I had done passionately. Now on career hiatus. And even if next time wanna change line it's also my decision.
My husband planned for his own, then blamed himself for the type of degree he took (he chose what is 'easy' over what he 'like'). Luckily found a job that match his character (after months of being a SAHD) but with no relevance to his degree.

I guess it would be cool if the parents can get relatives/friends who are in similar line to just chat with the kid to give a better insight of the 'path' to be taken.

JMHO.

er, but when did u started to plan/think? after 14? I never even started or thought about it even when I was 16 year old. so pathetic right? cos my parents simply are those 'bo chap' kind. they are those, if can study can study one lor, cannot study force also no use.haha. but at leats should have talk to the kids right? They never lor.

lizawa wrote:I think by 14 years, the child should already know what he/she is interested in and good at. Science or Humanities. Basically, just a decision between these 2 streams but not so much on deciding the career. Or can also opt for Science + Humanities, if you are good at both.

You don't need triple science now, to do Medicine. And with the contrasting subject requirements in JC, the children can switch a little easier than compared to our time. Science students can still opt to do law, to become a lawyer. Of course, humanities students will not be able to do medicine.

Lizawa - how old are your children?

I think the most important is still interest. And aptitude?

Our 15yo doesn't have all that much idea what she wants to do either. So she selected her combination for sec 3 based on her ability/interest.

Any parent can give some feedback about Bicultural programe ? What is your opinions about this programe and the career path ?

It consists of
* Biculturalism, Language and Culture in Society
* Research Methods
* Chinese Studies
* Chinese Culture
* Literature and Language with Translation

phankao wrote:[

Lizawa - how old are your children?

I think the most important is still interest. And aptitude?

Our 15yo doesn't have all that much idea what she wants to do either. So she selected her combination for sec 3 based on her ability/interest.

Hi phankao,

My children are 13 and 11.

My 13 year old boy is telling me he is interested in Humanities now, after 4 months into Sec 1. He has better results in Science and Maths. It's exploration stage for him now. I will guide him and provide advice along the way. Luckily, he / we still have plenty of time to think about it.

So is your daughter happy with her decision ?