Forum: Parents and teachers have distinct yet complementary roles

Education Minister Chan Chun Sing emphasises the importance of parents and teachers partnering in raising the next generation of Singaporeans, and I agree with his perspective (Parents need to partner with teachers, not see them as service providers: Chan Chun Sing, Sept 20). 

While he focused on setting boundaries to protect teachers’ roles, I would like to add to this by considering what truly benefits children.

Parents and teachers have distinct roles – parents are there to parent and teachers to teach. However, these roles often overlap and boundaries can blur.

As a literacy educator, I’ve seen that while teaching a child to read is a teacher’s job, fostering a genuine love for reading requires consistent encouragement and routine – something that extends beyond the classroom.

Parents play a crucial role here, creating the environment to nurture a child’s interest in reading. This demonstrates how parents and teachers can work together for the child’s benefit.

In Singapore’s work culture, some parents tend to prioritise work over parenting. I admit I’ve faced this challenge too. There have been instances where the lines between parenting and teaching responsibilities blur.

For example, I saw a social media post about a school offering a workshop on how parents can read to their pre-schoolers. Some parents questioned why this wasn’t being fully addressed in school, showing a misconception about each party’s role in a child’s reading journey.

Similar challenges arise with families relying heavily on domestic helpers, to whom parenting duties are sometimes outsourced. While domestic help is invaluable, it’s essential to maintain clear boundaries and ensure parents actively bond with their children.

Based on my experience, my child thrived in pre-school when my wife and I collaborated with teachers to address behavioural challenges, resulting in significant progress within six months.

Likewise, in my work with the Dyslexia Association of Singapore, students whose parents actively engage with us and their mainstream school teachers show the fastest progress.

As Mr Chan noted, parents today are more educated. This knowledge must be used to collaborate effectively with teachers. By respecting the distinct yet complementary roles of parenting and teaching, we can build a supportive environment that nurtures well-rounded, resilient and confident children.

Edmen Leong

Director of Specialised Educational Services
Dyslexia Association of Singapore