Call for change in parenting attitudes to tackle low fertility rate

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PARENTING CAN BE TOUGH

Attitudes towards parenting need to be changed to tackle Singapore's low fertility rate, says Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports, Madam Halimah Yacob.

Chairing a population dialogue session on Thursday night by the National Population and Talent Division, Mdm Halimah said one key issue raised in the break-out sessions was the lack of role models on the positives of parenting.

And that stories on parenting for example revolved around the stress they face finding their child their preferred choice of school.

Mdm Halimah said: "People don't feel that being a parent is a joyful event. That it is something that is so wonderful that you are a parent, you are taking care of a child who brings you happiness and fulfilment. I think we ought to bring that back into parenting. And people will feel like it's not a burden or a liability but a joy."

The dialogue involved 100 participants comprising youths, businesses, grassroots and the community sector.

Suggestions raised included giving singles grants to participate in social events and educating employers on work life balance.

On immigration, some suggested re-designing unpopular low-paying jobs and ensuring that all hiring options are exhausted before turning to foreigners.

Mdm Halimah said the general sense she got from the discussion is that there is a recognition that the door cannot be closed on immigration but Singaporeans should not feel marginalised as a result.

She added that discussions brought up the fact that the priority should be the quality and not the quantity of foreigners coming in to Singapore.