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Sandwiched Families: A Cultivate Commune (May) update
With delayed marriages and parenthood, low fertility rates and a rapidly ageing population, the number of sandwiched couples who have to care for both young and old is projected to increase. At our Commune on 16 May, we had a candid and uplifting discussion with two speakers in these circumstances, who left us with much encouragement and food for thought.
How “Helicopter Parenting” Harms Children, and the Culture
Helicopter parenting cause harm to children in the long-term. It hinders development of essential life skills and resilience in children, and also make things difficult for others when they unfairly criticise, harass or even sue those they disagree with. We need a reasonable balance between protecting children and allowing them to take risk.
Eyes on the Price: A Cultivate Commune (March) update
The more people prize parenthood, the less deterred they are by its perceived price. The reverse is also true. These were the findings from our “Eyes on the Price” supplementary analysis released at our Commune on 28 March. With our society becoming more atomised and narratives thinking of children as a burden, can we refocus our values and priorities as a society?
Even in Old Age, Marriage Matters
As the foundation of family life, the benefits of marriage for children are well-known. But what about the elderly? Elderly who never married or are divorced or separated tend to have weaker intergenerational connections, being less likely to provide and receive support from their families. In “super-aged” Singapore, strengthening marriages must be a key priority, even as we look out for vulnerable seniors.
Sandwiched Families: Too Many Ways to Make a “Sandwich”?
Conceptually, there is no one definition of a “sandwiched” family, ranging from those who live together or nearby, to different kinds of support or care provided to young and old. A reasonable estimate suggests there are more than 100,000 sandwiched households in Singapore. Perhaps valuing and supporting people in their caregiving journeys may be a more constructive way forward.
