The Challenge of Raising Twins with Different Learning Styles
Raising twins is never easy, but raising twins who learn in completely different ways is a whole new challenge. My son, E, has always been bright, curious, and full of questions. But while his twin sister thrived in structured academic settings, E struggled with the same demands.
As a mother and an educator, I quickly realised that traditional measures of success didn’t fully capture E’s strengths. His journey through PSLE, secondary school, and beyond taught me that sometimes, the path less celebrated can still lead to remarkable growth.
PSLE & JC Setbacks: Why “Rescuing” Wasn’t the Answer
When E completed his O-Levels, his results were not what we had hoped for. As parents, we were tempted to step in — to “rescue” him with options like international school or overseas study. But deep down, I knew that rescuing him would send the wrong message.
If we gave him an expensive fresh start, what would that teach him? That mistakes can be erased with money? That responsibility can be avoided? That wasn’t the lesson I wanted him to carry into adulthood.
Instead, we decided as a family that he would go to Polytechnic. At that time, it felt like a difficult choice — but it turned out to be exactly what he needed.
The Polytechnic Path: Why It Was the Right Fit
Polytechnic gave E the structure and accountability he needed, while also allowing him the freedom to explore his passions.
What made all the difference was that poly wasn’t just about academics — it was about real-world skills, independence, and responsibility. E began to see that education wasn’t just about exams. It was about preparing for life.
Beyond Grades: Leadership, Service, Financial Responsibility
E found his own way to shine:
- Leadership & Service: His strongest lessons came not from the classroom, but from serving in his secondary school uniform group, which he continues to contribute to even after graduation.
- Financial Responsibility: Working part-time during poly, he saved enough to buy his own endowment policy — something that made him immensely proud.
- Intellectual Curiosity: Whether it was politics, world history, or debates, E showed me that real learning doesn’t always happen in the classroom.
Takeaway: Sometimes, Children Need Space to Grow at Their Own Pace
E’s story reminds me — and I hope, other parents — that success is not one-size-fits-all. Some children thrive when they are not overprotected. When given the space to stumble, reflect, and stand again, they often grow into more resilient, grounded individuals.
If you’d like to explore how parents can empower children to embrace their unique strengths I invite you to join my upcoming Primary 6 seminar. I’ll share more real stories from my own family, and as Indigo’s Deputy Principal, I’ll walk you through how to evaluate these options for your child.
About Ms. Shereen Ng
Ms. Shereen Ng is Indigo Education’s Deputy Principal and Head of English & General Paper, with over 20 years in education. A mother of three, she believes learning begins with curiosity and grows through connection. Shereen helped shape Indigo’s renowned General Paper curriculum, blending rigor with real-world relevance to prepare students for a fast-changing world. In the classroom, she uses Socratic questioning to draw out students’ voices and builds safe, supportive spaces where they can think critically and learn from mistakes. Before Indigo, she taught General Paper at Temasek Junior College and Hwa Chong Institution, and served as a College Admissions Counsellor at Raffles Institution—experience that deepened her insights into post-A-level pathways. Today, Shereen mentors a team of teachers and continues to innovate programmes that nurture confident thinkers and responsible global citizens—at school and at home.