Young parents are constantly performing a high-wire act, trying to balance their family responsibilities with their career aspirations. But what does this juggling act look like in real life? And how can society provide a safety net for these brave performers?
Ever feel like you’re a juggler in the circus of life, constantly trying to keep family and work from crashing to the ground? Well, you’re not alone. This was the theme of a riveting discussion at the Institute of Policy Studies’ (IPS) Singapore Perspectives 2024 conference held on January 29, 2024.
The panel, aptly named “Youth and Family”, featured a trio of speakers no strangers to this juggling act. Shannon Ang, an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Darius Cheung, co-founder of 99.co, and Yuvan Mohan, a Council Member for Families for Life and the National Youth Council (NYC), shared the stage.
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“Family and work cannot both be first for young parents,” declared Ang, setting the tone for a lively discussion. The panellists tackled topics such as the increasing acceptance of singledom, delay in marriages, and the continued decline in the total fertility rate across Singapore’s shifting demographics.
The conversation took a deep dive into the various obstacles young people face regarding family aspirations. They also offered insights on how we can better support young parents as they navigate the tightrope between raising children and nurturing their careers.
Relative Scarcity as An Unseen Pressure on Young Parents
Darius Cheung brought to light the concept of ‘relative scarcity’, a silent pressure faced by many young parents. Despite having their basic needs met, they worry about providing the best for their children. This includes the ability to afford premium preschools which leads to unnecessary stress. Could standardizing preschools be the answer to alleviating such pressures, ensuring equal opportunities for all children?
Redefining Family as A Need for Inclusivity
Shannon Ang raised an important point about the need to expand the traditional definition of family. By embracing diverse family structures such as single parents, companions, and same-sex couples, resources can be better distributed, mitigating disparities. Shouldn’t policies, like public housing allocation, evolve to accommodate these changing family dynamics?
The Cost of Parenthood: Career or Family?
The financial and opportunity costs associated with parenthood were highlighted by the panel. Many young parents find themselves sacrificing annual leave and career advancement opportunities to care for their children. Is it fair that starting a family often leads to delays in career growth due to the trade-off between work and childcare responsibilities?
Is it Time for Young Parents to Hit the Brakes
Societal pressure for early achievements can cause undue stress for young parents. The competitive housing market and career advancement criteria are just two examples of this. Isn’t it time we shift away from valuing precocity and allow individuals to pursue both career and family goals at their own pace?
A Geographical Solution for Young Parents
Yuvan Mohan emphasized the importance of proximity in daily activities for young parents. Decentralizing services like schools and healthcare facilities could reduce commuting time, providing families with more quality time together. Could this be the key to alleviating the strain on young parents managing multiple responsibilities?
Elder Care and Child Care: Two Sides of the Same Coin for Young Parents
Recognizing the dual responsibility of caring for both young and elderly family members, Yuvan Mohan proposed treating elderly care akin to childcare. This calls for societal support in managing caregiving responsibilities, including acceptance of institutionalized elder care options. Isn’t it time we destigmatize such solutions to help families balance their obligations while maintaining their own well-being?
Young Parents Deserve Support
The insights from the panel underscore the urgent need to support young parents as they navigate the complexities of modern life. From redefining family structures to promoting work-life balance, concerted efforts are required to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all families. Isn’t it time for policymakers, employers, and communities to prioritize the well-being of young parents and their children? Let’s not just watch the high-wire act; let’s ensure there’s a safety net too.
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