Wednesday, August 20, 2008

The Question is... Can I Do It?

Our PM and gang brainstormed on ways to generate the nation. Finally, they offered us...

  • FOUR months maternity leave;
  • SIX days childcare leave for every child under-7(heard from a friend. To be confirmed);
  • increased baby bonus for 1st and 2nd child; up to $4K.
  • increased subsidy rates for childcare fees; up to $300.

    they are seRIOUSly serious about us procreating.

    Mr PM spoke about changing the mindsets - of father's roles and responsibilities; parenting cultures and practices; and so on...
  • "Mr PM, after looking at your offer to child-bearing women like me, I must say it is indeed an advantageous offer. Its getting better by the year. I see hope in the future for my own daughters when they decide to have kids. Personally, Mr PM, I want to have more babies. I do. I wished to have FOUR, just like the people around me. Yet, I have my worries, sir. I share your sentiment about changing of mindets, especially one that involves fathering role. Yes, I agree. Something should be done. If the parenting 'system' works consistently and equally between husband and wife, then it would be a successful and positive child-rearing experience. I watched the news or read somewhere that "the culture of fatherhood (in S'pore) has definitely changed many years back, however its time to look at the practices. Mr PM, I present thee my worries..."

    1. Husband & Wife relationship became once-upon-a-time (personal level of emotional needs varies as new member joins in).

    2. Lack of time: to relax; quality time with spouse; with own parents; with own hobbies.

    3. Managing priorities: I love my family AND my career. I am "growing" along with my career. So many things to explore, yet my young children are slowing my opportunities. On the other hand, I love my family. I want to give the best for them, but with the cost of living very high, I must work, to earn money for basic basic use; which means sacrificing time to be with them.

    4. Family Finance (which is a minor setback. Least worried.) Baby Bonus and subsidies make a LOT of difference. Thank you for that initiative. It is what it is - a bonus. With that, I am able to place my child in a preferred school with a good programme. I want quality, so I pay more.

    5. Workplace mindset. You give us more days off. We welcome that, but do you think the workforce think likewise?? No. The last time I utilised the 3rd-mth maternity perk, I was arranged to take leave as and when it was deemed "non-peak". At the discretion of my supervisor. It was totally the opposite of the whole main purpose.

    "Suggestions, Mr PM? I suppose! Give me months to think about it"

    5 comments:

    madame blossom said...

    insyaAllah.. semuga u CAN.

    can lah.. can lah.. 1 or 2 more..

    Edleen said...

    come on Cousin! more Babies for you! you gotta catch up with me ok? ;)

    have a nice weekend and Happy Teacher's Day to you Dear!!!

    Raudha Robu said...

    Ed,

    I'll catch up! Pass me the baton.
    Thanks. Happy Teacher's Day to you too!!! U've taught me quite a bit on scrapping.

    Ah yes, Blossome (another mother of 4).
    Can lah hoh. But den hoh, new house coming our way leh - 2013.

    chocoholic said...

    hahahaha! DHA, ako AGREE! biler PM nak bacer bende ni??? kalo dia jawap, bilang ako! kekekekekekeke

    Raudha Robu said...

    Zilah,

    Bila eh??? Bila dia tgh ROC (relak one corner).

    I re-read my post and i was a bit unclear of what i wrote. Sleepy perhaps. Geez.