A lot of pubic got it wrong. It is not the task of 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.

This post has been edited by nihility: Apr 24 2024, 10:05 AM

No, nowadays we hardly know our neighbors due to a lot factors :-

1) time scarcity - ppl nowadays go to work before sunrise, come back home already sunset. Sometimes, even weekend need to work. With the time scarcity, we will emphasis more on the activities they can have with their families vs the activities with communities.

2) many ppl never treat their current living place as their staying place to raise > 3 generations. As a result, neighborhood harmony is the least of their priority. During major festive seasons, everyone rushing back to their village or hometowns, ppl within the neighborhoods hardly know each other traditions. Unlike the village / hometown, the friends & neighbors back then seem more closer.

3) Due to the neighborhood are not close, the sense of security also drops. We try to limit of children to interact around for the fear of their safety. Unlike the new village / new village, we get to know each family by the house number. Everyone will look after each another at smaller town / village.

It will takes awhile before this scenario take the changes for good. Our society will always self correct itself. Only we may not life long enough to witness the changes taking place.

I'll say it is not compulsory because the present generation may need to respect the elder generation decision also. If the previous generation not willing, then the present generation must be ready for more tougher environment when raising their own kids.

That's why I mentioned, if you have the elder generation who are willing to do anything for their grand children, you will be the most blessed couple.