Like the parents mentioned in the article, 'Oh boy, no break for tots, too?' (The Sunday Times, June1), mine, too, sent me for such enrichment classes when I was little. I am now an adolescent.

I believe these lessons should be encouraged, provided they are delivered in an environment that is not unduly stressful.

These lessons can have a positive impact on the child - such as helping to develop creative thinking and encourage self-discovery and character-building. Many of my peers have found passion in various sports and performing arts through such early exposure.

Most importantly, those of us who have gone through such enrichment classes have pleasant memories.

However, if high expectations and tremendous stress are applied to the learning environment, these lessons should not be encouraged. Learning in a fearful and highly stressful environment might lead a young child to develop a phobia associated with that particular activity, thus affecting him adversely.

Darren Gan

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