Intensive parenting then and now

Many mothers feel the need to be as involved as possible in their children's development. Experts and mums share their take

Ms Suhaila Subtu with her children (clockwise from left) Ayla Zulaykha, four; Sara Syaakirah, 14; Umar Abdul Aziz, 12; and Huda Nusaybah, nine. Ms Suhaila, who has taken parenting classes, says there is a lot to keep up with for each child and his or her
Ms Suhaila Subtu with her children (clockwise from left) Ayla Zulaykha, four; Sara Syaakirah, 14; Umar Abdul Aziz, 12; and Huda Nusaybah, nine. Ms Suhaila, who has taken parenting classes, says there is a lot to keep up with for each child and his or her activities. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
Mrs Sarojini Padmanathan and her husband T. Padmanathan with their daughters (from far left) Uma, Bhaama and Hema and son-in-law Daryl Cheng in 2016. She says the focus on academics is not new.
Mrs Sarojini Padmanathan and her husband T. Padmanathan with their daughters (from far left) Uma, Bhaama and Hema and son-in-law Daryl Cheng in 2016. She says the focus on academics is not new. PHOTO: COURTESY OF SAROJINI PADMANATHAN
Ms Elizabeth Li with her children Chelsea, 13, Christian, 11, and Chasten, five. She practised breastfeeding on demand and making purees from scratch for them when they were younger and does not regret the labour-intensive practices.
Ms Elizabeth Li with her children Chelsea, 13, Christian, 11, and Chasten, five. She practised breastfeeding on demand and making purees from scratch for them when they were younger and does not regret the labour-intensive practices. ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG
Venessa Lee
Senior Correspondent
Updated
Mar 03, 2019, 05:00 AM
Published
Mar 03, 2019, 05:00 AM
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In previous generations, children typically scoot away to play when mum is making dinner.

But even if she is busy cooking, stay-at-home mother Suhaila Subtu will at times try to be involved when her youngest child, Ayla Zulaykha, four, is drawing or playing.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on March 03, 2019, with the headline Intensive parenting then and now. Subscribe

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