Acting MOTHERS SUPPORT
The capability to let go of control on the home front was what I found to be the hardest in returning to the business world.
In my first few weeks of work, I would watch the home’s Video closely to make sure my kids were eating and that they had finished their foods. When I was focusing on my children’s happiness during meetings, it was difficult for me to stay focused.
As I slowly adjusted to my new programs, the mental and physical stress were difficult in the first weeks. However, the most challenging aspect was having to travel to work even when the children were tired. I may kiss them good while they cried at the doorway, then I would run away and groan in agony in the car or lift, racked with guilt.
More people have joined the workforce in the last ten years, according to official statistics, but the statistics still lag behind males: as of June 2023, the entire female labor force participation rate was 62.6 percent, compared to 74.9 % for men. One of the main motivations for leaving the workforce was to take care of one’s home.
Paternity leave paid by the government was lately increased from two months to four days on a voluntary basis. In Singapore, parenthood is taking a step up.
In Budget 2024, Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced a number of family-friendly measures, including more school subsidies and funding for young couples who need immediate housing assistance.
But remember when I said that the term “working fathers” was n’t a common one? If childcare duties continue to fall squarely on the arms of mothers, we cannot hope both males and females to contribute financially.
Because a new mother’s inability to balance care and labor is not what prevents her from working again. The absence of reliable help for her kids while she is away at work is what causes a woman to give up her career.
There has been a lot of support for accommodating working conditions as a way to motivate mother to join the workforce. The definition parent will generally receive the short end of the stick until there is a major shift in the perspective that both parents should be responsible for childcare.
Non-default parents have discovered that they can find a exercise or rest in instead of commuting to work since the execution of function- from- home arrangements.
However, default parents or main caregivers also find themselves waking up early to pack breakfast for school-going kids and squeeze in a couple loads of laundry before work meetings begin.
So how can fathers be persuaded to assume more of the care and home duties? Telling them, along with everyone who works with them, that they are extremely significant in the beginning of a new career is the first step.