Commentary: What people tell me when they hear I have 5 children

When it comes to the logistics of managing seven individual schedules, my mantra is” If it’s not on the Google calendar, it does n’t happen”.

Every child on the Google calendar has one color and every exercise of their choosing, from the smallest things like writing tests and daily regular classes to the fun things like friends ‘ birthday parties and special occasions like competitions and performance dates. &nbsp,

Running our plan like a mechanical may seem like a nightmare to understand, but it actually helps me organize our time so that I can provide each child the personalized attention they need each day and spend quality time together over dinner and before bed. &nbsp,

In terms of budget, we’re not prosperous by any material span: My father is a teacher, while I do a little independent writing on the side to plug the gaps. &nbsp,

Children are expensive, no matter where you live in the world. And while there are many factors a few might not want to have children, the most frequently cited explanation is the cost of the child. Depending on who you ask, the cost of raising a child in Singapore ranges between S$ 200, 000 and S$ 1 million a child.

We make what we have work for us, but I do n’t have S$ 5 million stashed away. We take good care of our income and have proven ourselves adept at limiting our spending. &nbsp,

A no-frills car that seats seven, sporting activities at the group league or the government-run ActiveSG areas, and home-cooked foods are our daily reality. To save money on enhancement expenses, I double up as the teacher for my kids.

We purchase our foods in large quantities from various shops to take advantage of special offers or discounts. ( My all-time favorite is to get three trays of thinly sliced pork for$ 2.)

You may say we bulk-buy the boys ‘ clothes because they only like to use the same number of outfits, but we do. Our ladies are blessed to get lots of hand-me-downs from friends, and each piece can be worn by the next girlfriend whenever it’s grown.

Our one purchase in lifestyle is on vacation, but we try to keep this in search by travelling to neighbouring places like Bangkok, Hua Hin, Phuket, Bali, Kuala Lumpur, and Johor Bahru. When we travel to such sites, the favorable exchange rates and lower prices for food and lodging actually help us.

For instance, the Baby Bonus Scheme, Child Tax Reliefs, and Child Care Subventions, there are also federal subsidies that ease the financial strain in the earlier centuries of marriage.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced that the government would offer more assistance to parents considering a second kid, or those with three or more young children, during his speech at the National Day Rally on August 18. I’m certainly looking forward to the information.