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Despite the regular doling out of (some might say, extensive) financial incentives to encourage baby-making, Singapore's total fertility rate hit a historic low of 0.97 in 2023 and 2024.
What are the missing parts to this puzzle? Can those concerns ever be addressed?
For starters, let's put it out there.
Two Tired Mums Episode 4 – What's Stopping Couples From Having Kids In Singapore?
In episode 4 of Two Tired Mums, The Weekly's editor-in-chief Estelle Low and SPH Media's senior producer-presenter Jill Lim spill the tea on the real cost of parenthood in Singapore.
It's not just about financial costs, but also costs to career, mental health and overall well-being. They're not holding back on what needs to change – from cost-of-living expectations to childcare leave and workplace practices – and how we can do better to support parents.
Timestamps
0:55 - 2:34: The Fertility Rate Situation
Singapore’s total fertility rate hit a historic low of 0.97 in 2023 and 2024. Can we afford to bring more lives into the world, given the cost of living in Singapore?
2:35 - 5:02: The Financial Compromises Parents Make
Jill weighs in on lifestyle choices such as overseas holidays, $8 coffee, and $25 cocktails. Estelle reveals how having kids shaped her financial decisions for the better.
5:02 - 6:02: Evolving Attitudes Towards Financial Planning
Jill reflects on early money management lessons, and how financial goals differ across generations. With side hustles and building passive incomes becoming a norm, having children is no longer regarded as a security blanket.
6:03 - 7:47: Managing Cost-Of-Living Expectations
Estelle opens up about how her financial habits changed after becoming a mum. She highlights optional expenditure such as paying for branded preschools.
7:48 - 11:13: What Society & Workplaces Can Do To Better Support Families
Jill raises the possibility of introducing more leave for pregnant women at work. Estelle adds that it's important to ensure reasonable workload distribution for all employees.
11:13 - 12:59: The Realities Of Covering Colleagues Who Are Parents
Jill shares her experiences before and after becoming a parent — including having to cover for other colleagues' parental leave in her radio job.
13:00 - 13:58: The Importance Of Empathy & Compassion At The Workplace
Family-supporting policies are great. But above all, supervisors need to practise humanity. Estelle shares a horror story she heard from a mum friend.
13:59 - 16:40: Issues With The Current Childcare Leave System
Are six days of childcare leave a year really enough for working parents, especially those with more than one child? Estelle and Jill propose offering childcare leave on a per-child basis. Also, extending childcare leave to parents of primary school kids (more than two days a year).
18:06 - 20:24: The Career-Family Dilemma
Many women fear having children and being on leave for extended periods will set them back in their career — and this fear is valid.
20:25 - 21:14: Mothering Needs To Be Recognised As A Legit Job
Mums should be promoted, not penalised. Being a parent builds valuable skills that can translate into stronger performance at work.
21:15 - 22:34: Wrap Up
More childcare leave, flexible work arrangements and understanding at the workplace are on the wish list. Big ask, but how about offering mothers free transport?
Hosts: Estelle Low and Jill LimProducer: Maya EmanArt direction: Michelle LeeVideography, studio setup and digital backdrop: Joel Chng, Marc De Souza and Zeke TanStyling: Angela ChuMakeup: Dorcas YamHairstyling: Pattama PhumriewOutfits: Kate Spade
Produced by: The Singapore Women's WeeklyPost-production: Studio+65
Two Tired Mums is a talk show hosted by The Weekly’s editor-in-chief Estelle Low and SPH Media’s senior producer-presenter Jill Lim. Diving into touchy topics, the millennial mums unpack the reality and hard truths of motherhood and parenting in Singapore today. Expect hilarious and “me too!” moments in their intimate and unscripted conversations over a cuppa – the kind of catch-ups mums need to have more of.
