In Asian culture, it’s accepted as the societal norm that once you reach a certain age, multiple things are expected of you; to get married, have children and to make a family. But in modern times, is such a culture absolutely necessary for all people?
Singaporean TikTok creator and gamer Le En recently shared a video to her page @goofyfeline expressing why she believes that it is not always important to have children. At the beginning of the clip, Le En states that while she understands how a lot of parents may not agree with her thoughts, not every person has the resources, capabilities, and suitable mentality to raise a child properly.
“Having kids right, is so expensive,” said Le En in the video.
Aside from that, the gamer also spoke about the bodily changes women go through after having children, and how that evolution is often not discussed.
“When dealing with kids at their later stages of life, you need to have the actual patience of Mother Theresa,” said Le En in a light-hearted manner.
Carrying on, Le En elaborated on how potential parents need to be selfless as a whole to raise a child and resolve personal issues they may have gone through in order to not project such emotions onto their kids. On top of that, the gamer also stated that while one can raise children with love and care, the influences of the outside world can also impact the way they view their parents.
“When they grow up, you cannot expect them to take care of you. They didn’t have a choice coming into this world, but they have a choice to not take care of you,” added Le En.
Admitting to the potential controversy of her final point, Le En opined that having a child with special needs or a rare medical condition can bring on a large expenditure in money, with parents of such children needing to spend the rest of their lives caring for the child.
“When I say things like this right, a lot of people think that I am overthinking, but these are real concerns. These things actually happen and it might happen to you. If you’re not prepared for that kind of thing, then how?” said Le En at the end of her video.
However, the gamer also added that these were merely her opinions and that having children can be a wonderful thing, wishing her viewers with kids and those who are pregnant the best when raising them.
Receiving an overwhelmingly positive response to her video, many commenters applauded Le En for saying things that most of them feel and that other factors such as the economy are contributing factors to them not wanting to have kids too.
“You couldn’t have worded it better. The accuracy of this and people don’t understand how scary having a child is and judge women for not having kids,” wrote one user.
Another user also opined that overthinking is better than not thinking twice about having kids.
On the other end, a plethora of parents also agreed with a lot of Le En’s points on the matter, saying that while they don’t regret having kids, everyone should give the matter proper through before going through with it.
“As a mum of two, I agree that motherhood carries a lot of responsibilities, but I have no regrets. Well, motherhood is a personal choice and your opinion is valid,” remarked one person.
Watch the full TikTok video below:
@goofyfeline This is really just 10% of the list I could deliver a lecture #childfree #tiktoksg #singapore
Which side of the fence do you feel more drawn to? Let us know!
Also read: M’sian Father Breaks Down During His Eldest Daughter’s Wedding Ceremony & We’re All in Tears
