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Building an (Un)anxious Generation
The move from a play-based childhood to a phone-based childhood has led to the rise in anxiety across the world. Social psychologist and author Jonathan Haidt made this case in his 2024 book “The Anxious Generation”. Drawing from his findings, our research and policy lead Daniel Lim spoke at The Helping Hand “Ride and Run to Restore” on 18 April 2026, on the topic “Building an (Un)anxious Generation”. Here is an edited extract from the talk.
- 10 July 2026
How Delayed Marriage and Parenthood Result in Sandwiched Families
Singaporeans are marrying later and having children later. Demographically, this increases the risk of acute sandwiched family struggles, especially with two or more generations of delayed marriage and parenthood. While it is important to support families in such situations, it is also important to encourage earlier marriage and parenthood planning. A version of this article was presented at our Commune on 16 May.
- June 30 2026
“Achievement-orientated Values” (Part 2 of 2): How this 1971 speech suggests solutions to fertility rates today
The 1971 speech by Parliamentary Secretary Inche Sha’ari Bin Tadin captured the heart and motivation of Singapore’s population control campaign. To pursue achievement and a high standard of living, “adaptations” had to be made to family life and childbearing, education and our value systems. To improve our fertility rates, we should perhaps do the opposite what he was calling for at the time.
- June 22 2026
“Achievement-orientated Values” (Part 1 of 2): This 1971 speech explains why our fertility rates are so low (and hints at how we can raise it)
Singapore’s total fertility rate hit a new record low at 0.87 in 2025, a long consequence of the overwhelming success of the “Stop at Two” population control campaign launched in 1972. Just a year prior, Parliamentary Secretary Inche Sha’ari Bin Tadin gave a speech capturing the heart and motivation of the campaign. Could this speech also contain hints of how we can reverse our low birth rates?
- June 22 2026
More For You
Update from Cultivate Commune: The Roles of Fathers and Mothers in Parenting
Our first Cultivate Commune – a breakfast conversation where we explore how big ideas are planted in real community experiences - kicked off on Friday, 12 April 2024. We saw two stay-home fathers anchoring an insightful discussion over various topics centred around parenting and children.
- 15 May 2024
Prime Minister-in-waiting Lawrence Wong: What Challenges Lie Ahead?
Lawrence Wong will take over as Singapore’s fourth Prime Minister on 15 May. Some of his immediate challenges include the rising cost of living, falling total fertility rate, and threats posed by divisive identity politics and tribalism. Will he be able to rally the support of society to tackle them?
- 13 May 2024
How Monogamy Led to Prosperity and Progress for Singapore
Largely banning polygamy was one of the major social reforms by the Government in the early days of Singapore. This was not only a step forward for women, but also for children and the whole of society, leading to prosperity and progress for the nation.
- 10 May 2024
