SG Woman Expresses Frustration Over Parents’ Refusal to Fund University Education While Expecting Future Support
In a poignant social media post, a young woman from Singapore has shared her distress over her parents’ refusal to finance her university education, despite their expectation that she will provide for them in their later years. This situation has sparked a conversation about parental responsibilities and the expectations placed on children in Asian cultures.
The woman, who posted on Reddit, explained that she had made the decision to attend a local university with the intention of alleviating her parents’ financial strain. However, she was taken aback when they informed her that they would not be covering her tuition fees. This revelation was particularly shocking to her, as she believed it was a common understanding in Singaporean society that parents typically support their children’s education, with the expectation that the children would later reciprocate through financial support and adherence to filial piety, a value deeply rooted in Confucianism.
When the relationship becomes a transaction, things go ugly
After processing the initial shock, she attempted to come to terms with the situation, expressing confidence in her ability to manage her finances in the future. However, her feelings of frustration intensified when her parents began boasting to their friends about her acceptance into two prestigious universities, the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU). She felt that their pride was misplaced, as they were not contributing to her education yet expected her to support them financially down the line.
The young woman recounted her experiences of verbal abuse from her parents during her junior college years, particularly when she sought additional help for her studies. She described how her father would dismiss her requests for tuition, suggesting that she should ask her tutor to cover the costs instead. This pattern of behavior left her feeling unsupported and frustrated.
Adding to her concerns, she expressed anxiety over the possibility of her parents invoking the Parents’ Maintenance Act, which allows parents aged 60 and above to seek financial support from their children. She fears that while they may not be willing to invest in her education, they would not hesitate to pursue legal action to secure financial assistance from her in the future.
This situation raises important questions about the dynamics of parental support and the expectations placed on children in various cultures. The young woman’s story resonates with many who find themselves navigating the complexities of familial obligations and personal aspirations. What would you do if you were in her position?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.Bookmark messageCopy messageExport