When I Was Young

From TODAY, Voices
Friday August 29, 2008

RAISING CHILDREN
Childless couples can help, too, by baby-sitting friends’ kids

Letter from Dr Peter Goh Kok Yong

AMID the lively discussion on the new parenthood incentives, the spotlight is certainly on married couples. Two other groups of people might feel slightly sidelined — barren couples and singles. But they need not be, as they too can contribute to the baby efforts.

One reason many young couples choose to have only one or at most two children is their unwillingness to forego their social life, interests and pursuits. They fear being left behind as they find themselves locked in by the endless demands of their children.

While their single or childless couple friends keep themselves tuned to the latest developments in the social scene, movies, fashion and so on, those with young children find themselves knowledgeable only in nursery rhymes. This prospect leads many young couples, especially the yuppies, to adopt a “stop at one” policy.

This is where their barren couple and single friends can help. First, they can volunteer to babysit for their parent friends on a regular basis so as to give them a breather. Tired parents can spend some quality time together or do their own thing, while the volunteers get to share in the joy of parenthood.

Second, these friends who are more well-tuned can certainly keep the busy parents up-to-date with the latest happenings, so that the parents do not feel so out of touch with life beyond diapers and talcum powder.

These contributions may not amount to dollar and cents, but they certainly make a difference to modern parents who value their individuality as much as their responsibility as parents.

Barren couples and singles need not feel sidelined. They can count too when it comes to baby efforts.