Parenting in Singapore has changed a lot over the years. Many of us were brought up in strict households where rules were rules, and children were expected to follow them without question. But as times change, so do our parenting styles. Today’s mums and dads are trying new ways to raise happier, healthier, and more balanced kids.
Here are some modern parenting tips that are quite different from how we were raised, and why they matter.
Listening More, Scolding Less
In the past, many of us grew up hearing things like “Because I said so” or “Don’t talk back.” It was normal for parents to shut down conversations quickly, especially if it seemed like a child was being rude.
Today, more parents are making an effort to listen. If a child says “I don’t want to go for tuition today,” instead of scolding, a parent might ask, “Why? Are you feeling tired? Is something bothering you?”
This doesn’t mean letting kids do whatever they want, but it’s about understanding their feelings and working through things together.
Talking About Feelings
Most of us weren’t taught how to deal with emotions. If we cried, we might hear “Stop crying” or “Don’t be so weak.” Emotions like sadness, fear, or frustration were often brushed aside.
Modern parenting is different. Parents are now encouraging kids to talk about their feelings. You might hear a mum say, “I can see you’re upset. Do you want to tell me what happened at school?” or even, “It’s okay to feel sad sometimes.”
This helps children grow up emotionally stronger and better at handling life’s challenges.
Less Focus on Grades, More Focus on the Child
When we were young, doing well in school was everything. If you got 95 marks, someone would ask why you didn’t get 100. Many of us remember being sent for multiple tuition classes, sometimes even before we started Primary 1.
Now, some parents are choosing a different path. They still care about school, but they also want their kids to enjoy learning. Instead of pushing for straight As, they ask, “Did you try your best?” or “What did you learn today?”
More parents are also signing kids up for sports, music, or coding—not just for competition, but to let them explore their interests and build confidence.
Teaching Safe and Smart Use of Technology
We used to hear things like “Don’t play computer games” or “TV is bad for your eyes.” Back then, screen time was seen as a waste of time.
But in today’s world, technology is everywhere. Instead of banning devices, many parents now teach kids how to use them wisely. They talk about things like setting time limits, not sharing personal details online, and spotting fake news.
For example, one dad I know created a simple family rule: no phones during meals, but it’s okay to play educational games after homework is done. It’s all about balance.
Shared Parenting, Not Just Mum Doing Everything
When we were growing up, many dads worked long hours and left most of the childcare to mums. It wasn’t unusual to hear, “Go ask your mum” when you needed something.
Now, more fathers are involved. Dads today help with school runs, change diapers, and attend parent-teacher meetings. Some even take paternity leave to bond with their newborns.
This shared parenting helps kids see that both parents are equal partners at home. It also sets a good example for boys and girls to grow up with a healthy view of gender roles.
Encouraging Instead of Comparing
Many of us were compared to siblings, cousins, or neighbors. “Your cousin got top in class, why can’t you?” was a sentence some of us heard too often.
These days, parents are trying to stop the comparison cycle. Instead, they focus on each child’s own progress. They say things like “I’m proud of how you handled that tough situation” or “You’ve improved so much since last term.”
This helps kids build self-confidence and learn that it’s okay to go at their own pace.
Parenting in Singapore is changing. We’re moving away from the old “tough love” methods and shifting towards connection, communication, and compassion. It’s not about being a perfect parent. It’s about growing alongside our children and adapting to their needs in a world that’s changing every day.
We may not be raising our kids exactly the way we were raised, but that’s okay. In fact, that might be the whole point.
