Living in Singapore

[Funz]

I was a ftwm so settling my newborn into a routine was important for me for when I go back to work. And at that time when I had DD, maternity leave was only 8 weeks. From the time that we got back from the hospital, I fixed her meal time, nap time and bedtime. Rest of the activities will have to be worked around those timings. Before she was 2yrs old, my parents helped me look after her and they understood and could see the merits of this method.


I know there are those in the ‘baby led’ camp, I lean towards the fixed routine camp. Sounds draconian but it makes life a lot simpler for working mums.

I do not see myself being a main babysitter for DD’s or DS’s kids since I am still running my business and do not see myself retiring anytime soon. Given the business that I am in though, DD and DS can enjoy free childcare if they want.

[Estéema]

Funz\" post_id=\"2130702\" time=\"1710402612\" user_id=\"6230:

I was a ftwm so settling my newborn into a routine was important for me for when I go back to work. And at that time when I had DD, maternity leave was only 8 weeks. From the time that we got back from the hospital, I fixed her meal time, nap time and bedtime. Rest of the activities will have to be worked around those timings. Before she was 2yrs old, my parents helped me look after her and they understood and could see the merits of this method.

I know there are those in the 'baby led' camp, I lean towards the fixed routine camp. Sounds draconian but it makes life a lot simpler for working mums.

I do not see myself being a main babysitter for DD's or DS's kids since I am still running my business and do not see myself retiring anytime soon. Given the business that I am in though, DD and DS can enjoy free childcare if they want.

Agree. Those who are FTWP, will hv to make alternative childcare arrangements. It’s not easy for FTWM.

I wasn’t very rigid abt my baby’s feeding time, mainly coz apart fr daytime feeding, my babies usually will doze off once appetite satisfied but eveningtime, will not sleep till daddy’s voice is heard home & they hv daddy’s cooing time. Nightime, I don’t hv big issue woken up by baby for feeding after last night feed. As a couple, we believe spending time with our babies gives them lots of sense of security & comfort. Initially, tough to give up my corporate paycheck but now assured all my sacrifices hv not gone in vain.

I know it’s tough for the young to juggle career & raising a family. I guess they’ll hv to find a balancing point that works best & know they can’t hv everything perfect. Wished my niece can appreciate SIL’s contribution despite not fitting perfectly into her ideal of baby care. Not nice to fight with the only family who is willing to give love & care for the grandchild. I doubt a helper can do as perfectly as wld hv expected.

Funz,
You and your grandchildren will hv the best of both worlds! Close supervision & a thriving bz that affords plenty of babies’ social interaction!

[lee_yl]

10 years from now, we won’t be comparing how many ‘A’s our children score but more like how many 宝贝金孙 we have??


I’m not greedy, if I can get to see 1 or 2 宝贝金孙, i am ok to leave this world.

I tested my DD2, she said she is likely to settle down before 35yo and have 2-3 kids. Wa, I really rejoice upon hearing that. But I scare by the time she is 35yo, it’s not easy to get pregnant.

Just wondering do girls who attend SAP schools 三从四德？Angmo 派 ones yearn for more freedom? My sample size is too small too reach a conclusion.

[bbbay]

We are still part of our children life, not on lookers, even after they grow into adults. We can be the silent supporter behind them. Like the comfort food whenever they need? Key is to willing to support them at the back ground. Maybe they will somehow feel the bliss of kinship amid the drama of their daily adult life outside. And it may change their outlook on the importance of family, willing to accept family is about sacrifices and tolerance and be happy to start their own family one day.

[lee_yl]

Something needs to be done urgently because for the first time in history, our nation’s birth rate fell below one. Below one means not even enough to replace oneself. Two at least can replace husband and wife.

[doodbug]

Need TFR of 2.1 for replacement 😀

[bbbay]

We have been seeing government produce, few minutes long micro movie on TV, on encouraging less salt intake, and many other social themes. Some of them are realistic and have touching story line. Maybe government can use the same micro movie story telling on TV, with a story line that promote family bliss.


On the other hand, the on going backup plan has been with topping up with immigrants.

On personal level, we can try out the suggestion mentioned earlier

[sharonkhoo]

bbbay\" post_id=\"2130718\" time=\"1710460265\" user_id=\"175278:

We have been seeing government produce, few minutes long mini story on TV, on encouraging less salt intake, and many other social themes. Some of them are realistic and have touching story line. Maybe government can use the same mini story telling on TV, with a story line that promote family bliss.

Touching stories are all very well, but if they don't carry the ring of truth, they will dismissed a propaganda. If the young people have not had good models of \"family bliss\" and their experience and memories of family life are not blissful, then the storytelling is not likely to help much. Especially as this is asking them to give of themselves, not something of direct benefit to themselves (like eating healthier). Frankly, I find most of the storytelling in such promos not very convincing, and often over-pushing.

[bbbay]

To target those section of population that are from relatively blissfully family but these young people are too caught up by careers and overlook what has been happening around? Say a 10% improvement in willingness to start a family is still better than doing nothing? Yes a credible story line is important. Thus the suggestion did not avoid the “sacrifice” part of the reality. I remember there was this touching true event micro movie on a father got himself tattooed on the face, to make his child with a face birth mark feel better for as long as possible . Some story along this line. The less salt type of story line is not the right approach to promote starting family - it’s a comedy


Often we are too caught up with what are just ahead and before us. If we can be shown the longer horizon, often our perspective will change. Most of us can attest to it, after our years of living experiences -“ if only I can re do it all over”

[sharonkhoo]

Stories and campaigns also much tread lightly so as not to hurt those unable to start or have families even more. Some people never find the "right one", or are widowed, etc. Some are unable to have kids, or have kids who die young.