SINGAPORE: “Why did you choose to have such a big family?”
Believe it or not - I don’t get asked this question as often as you think I would.
The more common question by far, after counting off my kids when we’re out as a family, is: “Wah, five! Did you give birth to all of them?”
(The answer is “yes”, in case you were curious.)
But coming back to the first question, which begs for a more thought-out response, I have to confess that I don’t really have a clear answer either.
With just 3.2 per cent of ever-married resident women in my age group of 30 to 39 in Singapore having four or more children as of 2022, my family is clearly a statistical minority. Especially here in Singapore, where birth rates are plummeting, and marriages are taking place at a later age.
For those who choose to have little ones, most ever-married women in my age group have two children (33.5 per cent), while 29.1 per cent of them have one child.
My choice to have five children in fast-paced, high-pressure, and time-pressed Singapore may seem counterintuitive, but I’m really enjoying being a mum and all that it entails.
Before anyone comes at me, I’m not saying that everyone should have five kids - or any kids, for that matter. I firmly believe that parenthood is a lifelong commitment that should not be taken lightly. And so, the decision of when to have children or how many to have is deeply personal, and should not ever be influenced by external pressures.
This is just mepara casino, hoping to give others a glimpse into the family I’m pouring my heart and soul into building, finding great meaning and joy in my days.
"The more common question by far, after counting off my kids when we’re out as a family, is: 'Wah, five! Did you give birth to all of them?'" (Photo: Kelly Ang)