During my recent trip to Europe, I noticed how young couples have kids in tow at many of the public places of interest. I am particularly impressed by the young fathers who were spending quality time with their kids alone.
I think if we want our fertility rate to rise, we need to do the following :
(a) redefine 'success' - stop this over-worshiping of materialism - and you see that in the main media - this almost grovelling reports of how the rich live their lives etc. Cut our young mothers and fathers some serious slack - let them enjoy marriage and families. Give them a reason and cause to start families of their own without having to worry about the high costs and pressures of raising children.
(b) create spaces - for families to enjoy quality time - open spaces that is not about the stresses of rush and shove of shopping malls - even our restaurants can be very highly stressed places to spend time with families.
(c) allow for 'alternative families' - this is a highly controversial subject - I think there are many single women or men who do have maternal/paternal instincts - but not the temperament for marriage. It sounds like an oxymoron - but I feel it is true. Allow them to adopt - by all means put in very stringent checks and criteria - but kids brought up by single parents who shower them with love can grow up to be highly adjusted members of society. I am sure family members of these single parents are equally important support network for them too. I have come across many adoptive families that provided even more than couple ones. I also know of single women who have adopted kids and raised them very well. I think we can definitely allow more.
My two cents...
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