SG Child Support Package: Is $62,000 really enough?

Everyone has a different enough value.

• Not enough to boost birthrate.

People who want kids will have them anyway, and those who don't won't be convinced—no matter the incentive. Singapore's competitive environment simply disincentivizes having children.

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• Not enough in amount

Raising a child takes about $350k from birth to 18 years old, so $62k is only about 20% of the cost. The package just reduces early-stage cashflow shock and ensures no Singaporean is priced out of having a baby at a baseline level.

It all boils down to one word: money. When you're poor, you even have to worry about eating; you have to check the menu prices before going out to eat. Let alone getting married and having children. Instead of trying to change those poverty-stricken mindsets, let's change those mindsets first. Once life gets better, marriage and pregnancy will be a natural progression.

Solid helping hand from the gov, though calling it “enough” feels like a stretch when childcare, schooling, healthcare and everyday expenses can add up so quickly