‘Frontload’ parenting and step back as your child grows

It may be worth letting parents spread the newly announced additional parental leave over two years. But as deeply involved as parents are in the early years of a child’s life, they should learn to let go later.

More couples may be willing to embark on parenthood if the demands in doing so grow lighter over time with society’s backing, says the writer. PHOTO: ST FILE
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Parenthood is, of course, a lifelong journey.

But there is a distinct flavour to parenting at every stage: wonder amid mayhem and sleep deprivation in the first three months; recognising the emerging individual in the toddler years; facilitating curiosity and experimentation in the pre-school ages; catching glimpses of independence in primary school; and so forth.

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