Couples lack finances & mental preparedness for children

[Oppsgal]

slmkhoo:

Nebbermind:

Perhaps the baby bonus stuff is not really to entice childless couples, BUT to discourage those who already have children from making DISCOURAGING comments on how difficult it is to raise up children in SG and affecting those who are half-hearted.

Yes, I believe that there should be more focus on couples who are enjoying kids even without the 'good life'. I find that 'successful' families featured tend to be the more well-off ones who have kids + dual careers + maid(s) + grandparents' help + kids doing well in school, and the message is \"you can have it all\". What about featuring families who don't have some of these things but are happy with less?

Also, as a SAHM, I feel that the 'family-friendly' policies have omitted one thing - how to help well-educated SAHM back into the workforce after looking after home and kids for 10 yrs or so. Not everyone can (or wants to) manage a career and kids all at once, but it doesn't mean that they cannot work outside the home after that period. There seems to be some moves to help SAHM get jobs as cashiers and service staff etc, but what about those who are looking at returning to professional-level work?

What about SAHM who can contribute by working from home?

Not much such jobs.

[Micaela]

Thanks for sharing. :rahrah: :rahrah:

[Chenonceau]

slmkhoo:

Yes, that too. I think their search for role models should be much wider than it is now.

I am not sure if this helps... but awhile back I read some stats on USA about women and small businesses. It seems that women owned small businesses are more successful than those run by men (or something like that). The reason given was that highly talented women like yourself find it hard to re-integrate the workforce OR have problems finding work that allows work-family balance. They start small businesses and since they're talented anyway, they have a high chance at doing well in whatever they undertake.

I know a lady banker who married and went to Tasmania. Of all things, she managed to find her niche in jewelry making. None of her friends could believe it. She just did not seem like the sort who would be that \"gu niang\" but there you have it. She now is a successful jewelry designer with a growing distribution network. Her designs are often featured in jewelry and handicraft magazines.

Worth looking at what you can create for yourself... instead of work you can find that will challenge and interest you.

[Chenonceau]

slmkhoo:

Business - not really for me as I hate to look at numbers! I don't mind being a freelancer though. My case is probably not a 'fair' case as I have been a SAHM longer than expected due to living overseas, partially homeschooling and having a somewhat special needs child. Perhaps I would have found some way to balance home and work earlier if I had stayed in Singapore, I don't know. I plan to figure out how to do it starting next year when we finally return, but of course my kids are already teens and quite independent. Will see how it goes.

I am sure you will cope fine. You sound like a plenty resourceful person with a cool head on your shoulders. Jiayou!!

:rahrah: :rahrah: :rahrah:

[DesertWind]

It takes tremendous courage to get married…to have faith that it will work out well.


It takes tremendous courage to have children too…to be responsible to look after them until they grow up.

But really, having kids is such a joy and I cannot imagine being single anymore.

One cannot think too much else the challenges may get too overwhelming and nothing gets done.

[janet88]

DesertWind:

It takes tremendous courage to have children too....to be responsible to look after them until they grow up.

But really, having kids is such a joy and I cannot imagine being single anymore.

Yes, they are a joy and a headache.
Before I had kids, I couldn't imagine myself having to eat and wash them when they are done with their 'biz' in the loo...it was disgusting.
When they start schooling, think my neighbours (upstairs and downstairs) can hear me scream their names.
But after screaming and I have headache, my son quickly gets me Panadol with water :faint:

[janet88]

Kids complete the family.

My hubby do asks sometimes what would it be like without kids…like his brother. Always buying latest gadgets and going for cruise as and when. Loads of money to spend and never understand why his siblings are broke.

When they are awake and make lots of noise, I will scream. Whole morning so peaceful…come 2pm, they quarrel and turn house upside down.
One doesn’t understand what it means to be a parent until they are in it…you will automatically make that sacrifice. That’s life.