One parenting responsibility I am not looking forward to (in addition to changing diapers) is the education of our child here in Singapore. Already G and I have been inundated with horror stories about how even the rich and well-connected parents have to spend years volunteering as crossing guards just to have a shot at placing their kid in the island’s “top” primary schools. Aside from the intense competition for a leg-up education-wise, it’s a bit disturbing that the Asian mentality is that even at such a young age where you get your education is important, nay, absolutely vital.

Today’s newspaper had a number of education-related stories including results of the ‘O’ level exams. The highlights of which were also broadcasted on local radio stations yesterday. In addition, there was a story about the overnight queue (line) for parents hoping to get on the wait list of the hottest preschool in town.  Some parents even brought their newborns along!  Based on the timing, we’ll have at most 5 months after birth to prep our kid to be interview-ready for said preschool.  I better triple G’s dosage of fish oils now just to be safe.

If you’d like a small inkling of just how hyper-competitive education here is, check out this blog, Kiasu parents, and their ranking of primary schools.