Parents Expect Children to Pay Their Own University Fees? A Singaporean's Unconventional Experience

In a recent discussion on a Singaporean forum, a user posed the question: "Are parents obligated to cover their child's university fees?" This sparked a revealing response from one man who shared his unique upbringing. According to him, his parents instilled the belief that not only should their children bear the financial burden of their university education, but they should also give a third of their salary to their parents once they start working.

He expressed uncertainty about the origins of this tradition but noted, "My parents expected my siblings and I to pay our own fees, and that was what we did." He elaborated that when his elder sibling got married, their parents also collected all the traditional red packets (monetary gifts) received during the wedding festivities.

Interestingly, he noted that this financial independence has changed the dynamics of their relationship. "Now that we’re the ones giving them money, they have nothing to ‘threaten’ us with," he shared, adding that arguments have become less contentious as they no longer leverage the sacrifices made during his upbringing against him.

Nevertheless, the man's sentiment reveals a touch of bitterness. Whenever he sees other families where parents save their children's red packets for future needs, he can't help but feel envious. "My parents took all of ours, along with our remaining weekly allowance when we were young," he recounted, indicating that he essentially started his adult life with no financial support from his parents.

The conversation drew varied reactions from other forum users. Some emphatically argued that financially well-off parents should cover the costs of their children’s education, suggesting it was unjust to burden young adults with debt before they even commenced their careers. One comment highlighted, "If parents can clearly afford it, then they should pay. Why burden your kids before they even graduate?"

On the flip side, others advocated for personal financial responsibility regarding education costs. Some pointed out that their parents chose not to finance their degrees, arguing that it teaches valuable life lessons. One user mentioned their own experience of taking a bank loan for university, stating, "I cleared the debt within a year after I got my job as a fresh grad," reinforcing the idea of self-reliance.

The discourse around who should shoulder the financial responsibilities of higher education continues to evolve in Singapore. As the cost of living rises and educational expenses soar, young adults are left to navigate their own paths. This has led to discussions about student loans and part-time jobs becoming increasingly prevalent.

In a somewhat related topic, another user recently opened up about the emotional struggles stemming from her job, revealing that changing responsibilities had left her in tears almost every day. This highlights the broader mental health challenges many face in today's fast-paced work environment, a reminder that the pressure from both financial and professional expectations can be overwhelming.

As Singapore grapples with these issues, it's clear that the conversation around education costs and parental responsibilities will remain relevant, igniting debates about the balance between financial support and the nurturing of independence in adulthood.