Forum: Parenthood and a strong marriage must go hand in hand
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As a parent of two married children, I fully understand the challenges of caring for a newborn as highlighted by Yeow Ming Zhen in her article, “Nothing tests a dual-income marriage like a new baby” (July 22). I am grateful that she has drawn attention not only to the practical difficulties of raising children but also to the importance of helping couples remain strong partners after becoming parents.
When my wife and I were raising our two children in the 1980s, there was far less government support than there is today.
As I was busy with work and part-time studies, my homemaker wife shouldered most of the responsibilities of caring for our children.
Today’s parents enjoy much greater support, but they also face new pressures, including demanding careers, long working hours and the challenge of balancing work with family life. These realities mean that government assistance alone cannot guarantee a happy family.
Singapore’s future depends on its people. With our total fertility rate at just 0.87, ensuring the well-being of parents and children must remain a national priority. While encouraging parenthood is important, helping couples maintain healthy and supportive marriages is equally crucial, as a stable family provides the best environment for children to grow up in.
Ng Choon Lai
