I am writing in response to last Sunday's article, 'Sleepy kids'.

One of the reasons cited for schoolchildren not getting enough sleep was homework and supplementary lessons.

As a parent and former primary school teacher, I do realise that over the years, the practice of having supplementary lessons has become somewhat the norm, and takes place even during school holidays.

Why is there a need for such lessons in the first place? Are such classes held to supplement the regular curriculum, or are they a means to complete curriculum content that cannot be finished during regular school hours?

If it is the former, do parents have the option to take their children out of these lessons?

If it is the latter, why is the curriculum not completed during regular school hours? If the reason is a lack of time during school hours, then the Ministry of Education should review the curriculum content. It is illogical to load so much content into the curriculum.

My child is currently in Primary1. I might be in the minority but to me, his attaining top-notch results in the Primary School Leaving Examination is not a priority.

I dread the day when he will be piled with supplementary lessons. When that day comes, I would like to know if I have the option to take him out of these lessons.

Sleep is a precious commodity and mental health is my top priority for my child.

I will never want him to be so fatigued that he sees learning as something to be dreaded rather than embraced with enthusiasm, a state which some of our children have already sadly reached.

Parents in Singapore should take a step back and ask themselves what is truly important.

You cannot put a price on time, sleep and emotional health. Children are children only once. No amount of money will bring back a childhood that has been lost.

Elaine Ong (Mdm)

This article was first published in The Straits Times on July 27, 2008.