I wanted to be a better dad. So I left a well-paying job to become a preschool teacher

However, it hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows. 

During my attachment as a trainee teacher, I observed apprehension from some parents towards me as a male educator, especially for those with daughters. I could understand their concern, but it was sometimes still a difficult pill to swallow. 

With regular interactions over time, these parents usually became more comfortable with me. Some even approached me to seek advice on how to better support their child’s development. 

I recall one instance where two parents asked for advice on how to wean their two daughters off wearing diapers to sleep at night. 

I advised them on how to speak to their children about trying to urinate less while sleeping, and to ease the transition by using waterproof bed pads to protect the mattress. I also addressed their concerns about this transition period being tiring due to the repeated washing of clothes and bed pads – but reassured them that it’s a natural part of supporting their young children’s development and that things will improve. 

It was pretty simple advice to me, but their faces instantly lit up and it was clear they appreciated the insights. I was glad they could see my passion for supporting their children’s growth and development. 

DOING WORK OF VALUE

Making the switch to join the early childhood sector was admittedly a gamble. Most people might balk at the thought of leaving a stable career for a vocation that typically offers less conventionally attractive prospects for salary and status progression. 

But I feel that it’s given me exactly what I wanted: To be able to connect more with my son, and to better support his development and learning.  

This path isn’t easy. There are many days when I have to put in extra hours to prepare for classes. 

However, I see a lot of value in all the work I do now, nurturing children who are, like my son, in need of good support and guidance as they grow. My own family and friends have come around as well to realise the importance of better early childhood development skills, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.  

For me, what makes each day worth it is no longer a pay cheque, but the sense of fulfilment I get to take home with me. 

Joel Ng, 31, is a student at the National Institute of Early Childhood Development and a trainee teacher at a preschool. Most proudly, he is father to five-year-old Aidan.