QUOTE(nihility @ Apr 24 2024, 10:00 AM)
A lot of pubic got it wrong. It is not the present generation alone themselves to raise the children.
Raising the children, you need the combination of 3 generations - there is proverb stating "it takes a village to raise a child". If any of these elements are missing, you will experience the extreme condition to raise the children.
If the elder generation refuse / not willing to help the current generation in raising a next generation, thing is a lot more difficult. If you have elder parent who loves the children, raising the younger generation will be much more easier. No new parent have the experience to raise the children except the previous generation - this is the fact.
What is scarce nowadays is the "quality time". The period of raising the children from new born to 3 ~ 4 years old is the most tedious & difficult. It will drain away a lot of you daily energy if the mother is working + no one is helping out. If you experience this, you will be certain to think twice to have another newborn & repeat the process again. This process itself creates fear even to the couple earning decent living.
Nowadays, a lot of the previous generation emphasis on freedom of living, asking them to take care their grandchildren is a no no as they will feel that their time will be "binded" toward the commitment.
Those who have the previous generation who loves the children & willing to do anything for their grandchildren are the most blessed couple out there.
nowadays don't talk about 1 area/section/ village 1st, just your left and right neighbor do you really build good relationship with them? Many doesn't, don't know them is 1 thing, don't even talk or greet but want to geh poh matters of others is worst.

i'm lucky my neighbors are quite friendly as long you are friendly and chill. my children even interact with them.
i'm a father of 2... of course i know their rebellious stage but i still have to prepare myself for their teen rebellious stage

even my elder son who is 6, still quite rebellious at times but i know it's bcoz he is scared that he fail to achieve 1 matter. my young son is 4 and everyday still dealing with drama

but i'm very grateful he has stopped pampers and pacifier earlier than many kids, even than his brother.
if my in law still around, i know my kids will be spoiled to rot, especially my in laws loves boy than girl. my parent are still working as it's their business thus is a no no. once a while play around is ok. for now we are still doing our best for our children with minimum helps from others. but still i'm grateful that my in law's maid is helping to take care of my monkeys during weekdays.