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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 

Overprotective Parenting
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 

eyes on the price text
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 

old asian married couple with their foreheads touching
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.

More For You

Human Rights of the Family (Part 2): Family as the Basic Building Block of Society 

Consistent with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Singapore Government has affirmed and emphasised the foundational importance of the family unit in its laws and policies. This is even in the midst of debates over the meaning and definition of “family”.

Human Rights of the Family (Part 1): The Universal Declaration of Human Rights 

10 December 2023 marked the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. One provision declares that “The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State.” How did this come about?

Words make conversation

Words make conversation, and clarity breeds communication. We can grow the good, one conversation at a time because interpersonal dialogue humanises us.

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Articles here are for perspective and may not represent our views