If you thought parenthood meant colourful toys, messy handprints and sleepless nights, now add escalating bills to the mix, and welcome to the new parenting reality.
According to a recent poll by Answers.sg, a hefty 91% of respondents agreed that being a “young parent” in Singapore has become too costly.
That’s nearly everyone. So whether you’re browsing Instagram baby-clothes ads or crunching numbers in your head, one thing’s clear: someone’s going to feel the pinch.
Why Does It Feel So Expensive?
Parenting never came cheap, but the variety and unpredictability of expenses these days make it feel downright luxurious.
Then there are childcare and preschool fees. Even with subsidies, private pre-school bills often remain stubbornly high, especially if you’re after quality.
As children grow, education (tuition, enrichment classes, extra lessons, gadgets), healthcare, and even social activities all add up. Sometimes at a rate that far outpaces pay rises.
Medical costs are a shocker for many parents, especially when unexpected hospital bills balloon into “tens of thousands”.
Falling for the F.O.M.O. Trap
It’s not just about what your child needs but also what other children have.
Many parents may feel the urge to “keep up” with peer expectations, from enrichment classes to branded baby gear. And that impulse can quickly ramp up spending.
Even when you can’t afford expensive stuff, the pressure to outperform other parents often wins out.
With Singapore’s notorious kiasu culture (fear of missing out), the expenses can quickly add up before you even realise it.
In other words, raising children has become more than feeding, clothing, and loving them. It may also be about meeting an unofficial checklist set by society, and that checklist carries a steep price tag.
Who Suffers Most (And Who Gets a Break)
It’s no surprise that the burden hits hardest when you’re young, single, or juggling low income.
Single mothers feel particularly disadvantaged because some benefits may not apply to them, like the paid cash gift from Baby Bonus.
Lacking access to certain government schemes made parenting “more financially taxing”.
Contrast that with families who can afford hand-me-downs, rely on relatives for babysitting, or are willing to compromise on enrichment classes; they often describe parenting as “manageable”.
If you’re a young couple planning for three kids, it would, of course, be overwhelming. Not just due to the sleepless nights (this may pass), but because of the upfront costs and long-term financial burden: resale-flat payments, childcare, school fees, and everything in between.
Is It All Doom and Gloom? Not Quite.
Fortunately, there’s more to parenthood than empty wallets.
With realistic expectations, thoughtful prioritisation, and a bit of humility, parenting can still work out.
Some practical strategies shared:
- Delay enrichment classes until they’re fairly necessary, instead of enrolling infants blindly.
- Let grandparents or relatives help, or use hand-me-downs for baby gear rather than always buying new.
- Clarify needs vs wants; prioritise must-haves over nice-to-haves.
And let’s not forget: the government in Singapore does offer support – with schemes like Baby Bonus, preschool subsidies, and housing support aimed at easing the financial burden.
So, perhaps the cost squeeze isn’t universal. Maybe it’s a question of balancing societal expectations, personal values, and financial reality.
What Parents Can Do – How to Survive (and Thrive)
Here are a few thoughts if you’re reading this and thinking, “Okay, but we still want kids.”
Here are some things to keep in mind before you start making a bun in the oven:
- Budget realistically: Before queuing for that stroller or signing up for enrichment classes, write down expected expenses. Diapers, healthcare, childcare, education. Add a financial cushion for unexpected costs (medical bills, sudden childcare needs).
- Needs vs wants: Do you really need a brand-new baby stroller or the latest baby gear? Could hand-me-downs do the job just as well? Do enrichment classes add real value or just pressure (and bills)?
- Leverage support: Use available subsidies and benefits (childcare grants, Baby Bonus, preschool subsidies). Also lean on extended family or friends when possible — grandparent babysitting, shared childcare, etc.
- Stop competing: It can be easy to get caught up in “my child must do better than yours.” But sometimes what’s best for your child is a stable home, love, and a sensible budget.
- Plan ahead: If you intend to have more than one child, factor in compounding costs (housing, education, childrearing). Saving early, planning housing wisely, and managing expectations can make a big difference.
Perspective Matters
Yes, being a parent just got a lot more expensive. But perhaps what’s rising even faster is expectation: to give your child the best toys, best preschool, best enrichment, best everything.
At the same time, what hasn’t (and shouldn’t) change is the value of stable love, care, and presence.
If you ask me, the real price tag on parenthood isn’t measured in dollars. It’s measured in choices — about what you value, how you raise your children, and how you define “good enough”.
Because in the end, being a parent isn’t about giving your kids the most expensive start. It’s about giving them a good one.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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