We caught up with Seth in Australia, where his parents moved to when he was 6 after finding the schools in Singapore not flexible enough. Now, he’s a socially-awkward 13 – and being known as the “high IQ” boy who’s far ahead of the class has led to challenges like bullying.
What struck writer Neo Chai Chin, though, was how undemanding and supportive his parents were. “They came across as wanting the best for him, accepting and loving him exactly the way he is,” she said.
Aarushi, meanwhile, is focused on a surprising new passion. But it was tough having been pigeonholed publicly as a “math and chess whiz”, when she lost her spark for one of these interests. Far from being disappointed, her parents assured her “it was okay to let go” as “things change”.
Many parents are obsessed with giving their children a headstart. I mean, check out the nearly 4 million views racked up by another video from our archives, How To Train Your Baby To Be Super Smart.
But what stood out to Chai Chin about Seth’s and Arushi’s parents was how far removed they were from the ‘tiger parents’ some expect them to be. For the kids, “having their interests and talents nurtured, without the weight of unhealthy expectations, has made a difference.
“‘Gifted’ or not, every child is so much stronger and equipped to face the world if they know they have their parents’ unwavering support.”
Yvonne Lim
Deputy Chief Editor (CNA Insider)
