how to make couples have or have more children

The last time, an increase to 3 mths maternity leave and 2 days annual child care leave, didn't seem to do the trick. So let's see if FOUR months maternity and SIX days child care leave will help.

What do you think?

The day after the speech, we spoke about it a bit, at the office. None of them whom I spoke to, were inclined to have more. Two is enough. Sounds very familiar.



These are the posters from 1970s to 80s. I like that alien family logo, at the bottom left corner of the red poster. :)

Ok, ok now, that is past. Now we need MORE.
But why are they not responding?

Apparently, it's not only about having longer maternity leave or more child care leaves. It's time and money. Everyone is busy everyday and 6 days child care leave is not the answer to taking care of more children. The children are there, 365 days a year.

And everything is expensive now. Considering some school fees, transport, kumon, piano lessons, ballet class, nintendo, psp, crocs, billabong.. I'd say - it IS expensive.


I'm sure it's more of a mentality or mindset issue. Having a clear set of priorities in life. Learning that happiness comes from contentment. Contentment cannot come from more wealth or higher status. There are more chances of contentment from having a big, CLOSE-KNITTED family.

But sadly, right now, Singapore is not 'built' that way. Generally, bosses, especially local ones, do not have so much empathy for.. not just family life - sometimes even personal life. Singaporeans have been shaped over the last 30-40 yrs or so, to live and survive in this kind of environment. It's only business, nothing personal. But having a big family is very personal.

Just look at how employers are reacting to this, and mind you, this is coming from a lady : "Is this fair to her employer and colleagues who are covering for her? This might sound selfish, but when you have to deal with higher costs and increased workloads, there might be little room for sympathy."

So with such kind of reactions from employers - I don't see how, the new benefits will help much.

IMHO, the government will just have to do more towards changing the nation's mindset on work and life, both couples and employers. And having flexible working hours, and an understanding employer would probably prove more effective in encouraging couples to have children or more children.


NO.
I'm done with four, thank you.

Illa masyaAllah.

p.s. this is kind of unplugged. I'm tired.
goodnight.