Introduction

In a thought-provoking online discussion, a Singaporean man revealed a unique expectation from his parents regarding education and finances. When asked whether parents are obligated to cover their children's university fees, he shared that his upbringing included the belief that children should finance their own education and later contribute a chunk of their earnings back to their parents.

Personal Experience

“My parents told me it was customary for us to handle our own university expenses,” he explained. “They expected my siblings and me to not only pay our tuition ourselves but also give them a third of our salaries once we started working. When my elder sibling got married, my parents even insisted on keeping all the monetary gifts received at the wedding.”

Surprisingly, he claimed to have mixed feelings about this arrangement. “Honestly, I don’t feel too resentful. Now that my siblings and I financially contribute, they can’t use the typical parental guilt of ‘we raised you’ during arguments,” he said. However, he admitted there was a tinge of bitterness when he observed other parents who saved money for their children’s education or set aside their children’s Chinese New Year red packets for future use. “My parents took our red packets and our weekly allowances when we were younger, so we really started from scratch,” he lamented.

Public Reaction

This sentiment sparked a lively debate in the comments section, with many users weighing in on whether parents should cover their children's university fees. Some users argued that if parents have the means to help, they should take on the financial burden to ease the path for their children. “Why load your kids with debt before they even graduate?” one commenter questioned, highlighting the stress of managing student loans early in a career.

Conversely, others believed that financing one’s own education fosters responsibility. One user shared, “Even though my parents could afford my education, they encouraged me to take a bank loan because they viewed a degree as optional. I understood their reasoning; financial stability is essential, especially as they age.” This perspective is aligned with views that emphasize personal accountability.

Student Loans as a Solution

A common solution that emerged was the use of student loans, which allow students in Singapore to either manage their own or their parents’ funds for education. “This teaches kids the importance of financial responsibility rather than relying solely on their parents,” another commentator pointed out.

Mental Health Considerations

In a related discussion about mental health, another user expressed their struggles with job-related stress, claiming to have been “crying almost every day” since their responsibilities changed. The ripple effect of work pressure on mental health remains a pressing issue, proving that the challenges young adults face extend beyond finances.

Conclusion

As Singapore navigates the balance between familial expectations and financial independence, this debate raises crucial questions about the role of parents in supporting education and the burdens this places on the next generation. Will societal norms shift towards full financial independence, or will parental support continue to dominate?