Living in Singapore

[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.

[zac's mum]

There have been many such “have (more) babies” campaigns over the years. Maybe i noticed them more because my parents have always pointed them out when we watched tv together. These have not worked to change ppls’ minds. Babies are super cute yes yes, but no one shows the overnight crying and night feeds. Even if they do, the “story” always ends on a high note.

[MyPillow]

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.

ya, since its own business, usually most will work till ripe old age , more fulfillment i guess. your kids can have more children without much worry on child care assistance when young

[00skyblue00]

Many youngsters including young couples, would rather have pets than have children after marriage. Know a few younger colleagues who have set their minds like that. Designed their home for pets and no child. They choose lifestyle over life completeness. In future, they must accept the reality of the caring staff, nurses, doctors, drivers, deliveries etc will be all foreigners. Those changing their beds, bathing them in old age will be their maids or hired helpers from…


Met a young female colleague in mid 20s, newly married who confided that her hub is strong faith type, do not like to put off having children. But she was worried abt career disruption.
Now her child is a few years old, she is glad to start own family younger. She carries her baby in carrier everywhere, no lack of energy and good spirit. Have not seen her for a while, but I am not surprised if she has her sevond.
Hub close buddy from sec sch too. Alr decided to not have children. Alr got enough for comfortable retirement and no work worries. But all around them in their circle, started to have first babies. they felt sense of vacuum in their comfortable life, changed mind in the end, to just have 1 is manageable. Now their two boys are alr in sec sch. We all have same sentiment, feel no regret, even though the additions weren’t easy to juggle and will continue to be challenging.

I see young adult nieces and nephew, all are attached and even houses hopping for CNY. them and their big groups of friends who weren’t pressured in academics results, incidentally gone poly then uni, all seems ready for marriage.

Is the low birth rate specifically from the higher tiered? Too stressed out? Sees life too much suffering, no joy?
Not finger pointing but just wondering.

[bbbay]

I think the hard to resolve issue may not be not wanting to get married or have children. It may be not wanting to have many children. And the logical number is go for only 1 child? Thus our low fertility rate of around one.