Parents that cant afford to have children should not have children
Here’s a little background about myself and my family:
We are a family of 4 and earn just enough to not qualify for any financial aid, however we are also in debt.
My sibling and i are matriculating into nus this year.
I have watched my parents work so hard to bring the both of us up and I am very grateful for that. Recently, I decided to find out how much does it take to raise a child in Singapore and after factoring my parents’ income and the cost of living in Singapore, i was devastated. We literally scrapped through every month with little to no savings. I feel like such a burden to my parents, stopping them from living their lives. They were really living just to support me and my sister.
Now having found a full time job whilst waiting for my matriculation, I’m really glad that I’m able to give my parents allowance to make up for their support while bringing us up. However i am worried that they will be pressured when i have to quit working and start studying this coming August.
Hence i feel that if a couple can’t afford to have children, they shouldn’t have kids. When the child finds out about how hard their parents have to work to bring them up, it really takes a toll on their mental health.
Here are what netizens think:
- Let government pay for the retirees then. After all that is what public sector encourages.
- If your really want to contribute, take up a part time job. It will teach you, even more, the value of money. You can give some cash to your parents while supporting yourself. Things like buying your own food, drinks, getting yoyu driver ‘s license or your mobile phone using your own money. They probably will be using their CPF for your education. Take a loan on your own if you don’t want to burden them. You just need someone to be your guarantor. You can also ensure you excel in your studies and get some scholarships and paid internships (though i don’t think these exist anymore). You’ve been very lucky and blessed to have not gone through hardship.
- Bringing children up especially if the parents are not well -to- do is a noble sacrifice. One does not have a give the child the latest gadget, lots of pocket money, plenty of enrichment classes, go eat at restaurants, etc. What children want is their parents’ time, care and concern. Most of all, a safe home where they can go back to, with food on the table.
- I agree with you. Those who never brought up in a poor family and struggles for next meal can never understand.