SINGAPORE - Whenever I speak to parents, telling them I have five children sometimes helps to break the ice. They seem to appreciate that I am able to understand their concerns as a parent and not just as an educator.

Two of my children went through the Normal stream. My wife and I have spent an inordinate amount of time explaining to "concerned" family members and friends why we are perfectly comfortable with this academic pathway for our children. After all, we have to remind ourselves not to live our own unfulfilled dreams through our children. They have their own to create.