Value Bookshop’s Reading Notes is all about helping parents to help their children learn. Since becoming a mother myself, I’ve come to know the worries and struggles of a parent trying to get their child off on a good footing when it comes to learning and education. However, most of us are not scholars in childhood education and therefore we stumble as we strive to do what we think is best.

In Malaysia and Singapore, “kiasu” is a term that many are familiar with. It is a hokkien word and literally means “fear of losing.” Many parents succumb to “kiasu-ism” when they enroll their child in countless programs and activities even before the child can walk. The will try anything and everything that promises to make their child better and smarter. The goal of “kiasu-ism” is to get ahead, stay ahead and not lose out to anyone. You cannot really blame a parent who walks that path. Every parent wants the best for their child. Many parents are becoming aware of this “kiasu-ism” and are trying to avoid it.

My purpose in bringing up the topic of “kiasu-ism” is to show how confused many of us are when it comes to deciding about our children’s education. Many questions to ponder:

  • When should I start reading to my child?
  • How do I choose books?
  • What do I do if they are not interested?
  • How do I even begin to teach my child to read?
  • Can’t I just leave this to the kindergarten and schools?
  • Which kindy or school should I enrol my child in?
  • I think my child has a problem learning. What do I do?

Oh, many, many countless questions loom in front of us. Well, this is what this blog is for. I figured as long as I am reading about such matters, why not share my findings with other parents who might be as confused as I am. So tune in to this blog and looking forward to sharing with like minded parents.