President Tharman's Report Card: A Story of Supportive Parenting

Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam's candid interview with Mothership reveals a surprising aspect of his upbringing. In a recent TikTok video, President Shanmugaratnam shared his experience of receiving a report card filled with bad grades. Instead of punishment, he received support and encouragement from his parents. "My father looked at it and smiled, saying, 'You'll have to make your own life,'" recounts President Shanmugaratnam. This anecdote highlights a unique parenting approach that fostered independence and self-reliance in the young Tharman. The video, a collaboration with the President's Challenge, has gone viral, amassing thousands of views and sparking widespread discussion about parenting styles and academic pressure in Singapore. The relaxed approach of President Shanmugaratnam's parents stands in contrast to the often intense academic pressures faced by students in Singapore today. This story offers a heartwarming and inspiring message, reminding us that success is not solely defined by academic achievements.