'This is perhaps the best time in S'pore to start & raise a family': MP Cassandra Lee says govt 'determined' to support young parents

The Singapore government is determined to support young parents in juggling their responsibilities, making it the best time to start and raise a family, Member of Parliament (MP) for West Coast-Jurong West GRC Cassandra Lee said in parliament on Sep. 24.

"This Government is listening, learning, and determined to act," Lee said.

Family Puzzle Piece

In her speech, she highlighted that young parents "are stretched" balancing their careers and caregiving responsibilities while dealing with high costs and unpredictability of early childhood.

Young families face three pressing issues, she said, namely a widening care gap, the role of technology in raising children and the need for connections among seniors in a fast-changing world.

"Over the years, the Family Puzzle Piece has changed shape. It no longer fits as before."

"If the pieces do not align, the picture will reveal its fault lines," Lee warned.

Widening care gap

Caring for young children, ageing parents and coping with rising costs of living often leave young parents, especially in dual-income families, "stretched", she said.

Pointing out that four in 10 young people cite stress as the main factor in not wanting children, Lee added that "we are ambitious, but often exhausted."

Facing mounting pressure to excel in both work and domestic life, parenthood is no longer the default option for many young people.

"Let’s not make them choose between work and family. Let’s empower them to thrive in both," she said.

She acknowledged the financial and manpower costs of such reforms, clarifying she "[does] not want to introduce these suggestions at the expense of businesses".

However, she said a mindset shift is needed from both employers and employees to make this change, including by restructuring childcare leaves, providing flexible work arrangements and strengthening workplace culture and HR practices, Lee added.

Technology

Parents also need to be better equipped to raise children in a digital age, Lee said.

"Google, TikTok, Youtube, Instagram and ChatGPT have stepped in. But the Internet is no wise elder, and viral content often outruns accurate advice."

She added that government policies will need to help young parents make wise decisions pertaining to children's food, schooling and well-being to "ease their burdens".

Connecting with seniors

On the third issue, Lee said connecting with senior residents emotionally is important to keep them relevant amidst fast-paced economic and social changes.

"Empowering seniors to find their second lease of life will also ease the load on their children as they balance work and caregiving."

Actively involving senior citizens is also key, she added, including engaging them with youths, intergenerational sports and tapping on their life lessons.

"What the Singapore Puzzle will look like at SG100 depends most of all on today’s young parents, and those deciding whether to be parents," Lee concluded.

Top image via MDDI/Youtube