Exams for 7 year olds

This week has been busy with studying for my daughter's exams. She has malay, chinese and english language exams, maths and science in chinese and english and morals - yes, they have a whole subject devoted to good manners here - right up til grade 6!

I'm not crazy about the school system here, but it is what it is. But the exams really get me. To see my daughter stress because she doesn't think she knows enough is awful. I do my best to coach her, but in the end, she has to do it. And at her age, I don't think she should have to do anything of the sort. In fact, I feel for all the kids here, not just her. She's actually not that disadvantaged anymore, now that she can speak chinese. As far as reading and writing are concerned, when she started school, she was better off because she was already reading and writing in English - hence, one less language to learn.

These kids go to school and then their free time is taken up with tuition classes till late, english classes and most of them learn piano or other instrument. their time is never their own. I often wonder when they get to play. I make sure my kids get time to play, but it's still not as much as I would like them to have.

But, we'll support her in whatever way we can and just tell her to try her best. I hope she believes me when I tell her that even if she doesn't do well in her exams, she'll be OK.