Raising 7 Kids in Singapore: Life in a Big Family | On The Red Dot | CNA Insider

When 1 or 2 kids is enough for most couples today - imagine raising 7, as the Hengs are doing. It's not easy, with financial, logistical and parenting challenges.
For more, SUBSCRIBE to CNA INSIDER!
/ cnainsider
Follow CNA INSIDER on:
Instagram: / cnainsider
Facebook: / cnainsider
Website: cna.asia/cnain...
On The Red Dot looks at life in Singapore's rare big families, in the series Full House: cna.asia/2MPtePH
About the series:
It’s tough to raise children in a country where the rising cost of living coupled with the huge stress to excel at school makes most couples consider stopping at 2 - or even 1. But our 4 families are bucking the trend with 5 and even 7 children! What does it take to raise a supersized family? Amidst the laughter and the tears, On The Red Dot reveals the inner lives of what it means to grow up in a Full House.

[@xdan87]

Just a thought. Maybe the mum and dad could try switching roles? As a qualified MOE teacher, she can command a much better salary, and the dad can spend more time with the kids. No more excuse for dad to feel like "lousy daddy", and mum can catch a break with some personal time (and engagement to the outside world)...

[@thinkgreenlovepurple]

that's what I was thinking ...

[@yoonoma]

FakeCaptainGabriel Pilot if she were a secondary (middle) school teacher, it’s twice the amount the husband brings back

[@ronanchavez9571]

12 KIDS

[@sharoncheng696]

@@yoonoma the paid is the same no matter what level teaching salary by their grading in moe

[@TakashiNippon]

Most mother want to be stay home thou.

[@shamzambada]

But to be honest, when they all are adults family gathering will be fun, hectic and chaotic

[@xfirefox_x]

shamzambada Not forgetting the allowances the parents will be getting.

[@shamzambada]

HFYYN Hahaha 😏😏

[@Micheal以仁慈]

Very true

[@eeniemeanie]

Ya so is children fighting for parents’ inheritance

[@shamzambada]

lovejays lol

[@happyleaf9635]

Of course the father don’t regret having so many children la. All he does is work outside, then come home can nap at sofa. The mother work 24/7 do all the chores and attend to children

[@SparkzMxzXZ]

"sometimes i just want to have a meal by myself without being called every 30 seconds. i feel like i had more personal time in the past when i was working compared to now." this is so sad. i feel like the mum has a high risk of developing depression at this rate.

[@SparkzMxzXZ]

yes, she is partly responsible. however, i get the strong sense that she didn't have much of a say in the matter compared to her husband.

[@kittyflarekatarina]

Hindoo Sick Ideology To be fair it is their personal choice and their personal responsibility. It's not something that the Government would intervene when it's a private, personal matter between two individuals. It's not a national matter, how can you expect the Government to intervene in everything? Lol??

[@benjerryhaagendaz]

She's weak. Ahma from the older generations have better homemaker abilities than her; some even have 10 children and are proud of their domestic skills

[@ThePinkxflower]

Jason Lim wow just wow. Do you have kids of your own? If you do, you should know how hard it is being a parent, especially at this day in age.

[@benjerryhaagendaz]

Mey Saephan mine had 8, some had more. National average was 5. And they didn't have fancy things like washing machine, tap water etc etc. Don't get emotional at historical facts can..

[@theinternetisafacade6945]

3:31 "Accidentally one..." "No you purposely." "Accidentally." "Purposely." the root of almost all sibling arguments lol

[@clementwang7097]

It is like the 1st child was made accidentally, the 2nd child was made purposely and so on and so forth.

[@aninternetuser2074]

The father is tired after work and takes naps and admits he feels lazy, while the mother struggles with the 7 kids and he would have even more?! They should have planed better, smh

[@clementwang7097]

His wife initial plan was to have 2 kids and she ended up with 7 instead. OMG he should have put his wife on birth control or use condom or if he is lazy to buy condoms, at least use the pull out method when he ejacuates. I pity the 2 eldest daughter, one cannot focus on her homework, the other have to divide her food into 7 portions. OMG sad.

[@fauxmanchu8094]

An Internet User That is a very irresponsible man. So is the wife.

[@12347873]

@@clementwang7097 看到迷人的洞,爽歪歪了,那里会想到这些,最紧要好玩!后果,后事才打算吧！

[@depress25]

That is the reason why he willing to be interviewed. So that the public will know about them and in future if they need help, people will know them. In Chinese there is a saying, if your head is not that big, don't try to wear a big hat.

[@andreasultimate9978]

Finally a sane comment

[@gyratingduckies]

Feel like the Husband got what he wanted (SEVEN kids) and the Wife has to bear all the consequences - extra chores, toll on her mind and body, dealing with them day in day out. All he has to do is work a little harder. Dude, that’s not cool.

[@TheBebemom]

Stacey Wee that's what everybody felt. My Wife esp so. Throughout the whole interview that dick wa smiling n the Wife nv once said she loved all these

[@reee3879]

It's not just a little harder, my father can barely provide for my family even though he has a good pay

[@reee3879]

@@TheBebemom Dude, she was smiling a bit. If she didn't say she loved the children, it shows how good of a mother she is.She said she enjoyed seeing them grow up, though

[@benjerryhaagendaz]

The point I want to make is~~~ BIRTHING HIPS.

[@valcattt7906]

YES EXACTLY

[@toestud3791]

the fact that an 11 year old has to be dubbed the second mother of the family...? that's not something admirable you know, she should be able to have a normal childhood?

[@vernicejillmagsino9603]

A 16 year old is older than 11 it supposed to be a second mother

[@jojojo89517]

​​@@vernicejillmagsino9603 No. Your older/est kids aren't a "second parent" to their younger siblings and they should never be forced to or expected to take responsibility for the consequences of their parents' actions. Your seven "blessings" are always going to be your responsibility and no one else's.

[@steventay5834]

Not easy.. you need to be rich to feed 7 kids.

[@steventay5834]

What happens if the man is retrenched?? Jialat

[@toestud3791]

the dad's love for having more children compared to caring for each child's quality of life is mildly worrying

[@JaneSagan]

wait... so they started to struggle after having their 6th kid but decided to have an additional one anyway?

[@JaneSagan]

according to an article, the father said he would have had more if he could. Last kid's definitely not a surprise.

[@RonLarhz]

Bcos tao nao pai. Their selfish desire over the kid's quality of life.

[@RonLarhz]

Fishy Biscuit What no choice, they could go tie it up or not fk.

[@renderz8435]

Fishy Biscuit HAHA FUNNY

[@renderz8435]

Maybe he thought each of their children would give him a part of their salary when they grow up. But their kids don't look that bright either...

[@Tekhelet75]

He and she should have planned better. 7 kids is a blessing and great. However more planning could have been done. They look like they are struggling to make ends meet or have a comfortable life. If one’s finances and time cannot afford, don’t try and be a hero. Plan well, have realistic target.

[@betatuberaggy]

I salute the couple, they’re taking their risk.

[@kelliexyz]

i agree. they’ll have to start saving up for the kids’ further education which isn’t cheap and fully funded by the govt. plus i feel that their home wasn’t made for the kids to have a conducive study environment.

[@zenniz1992]

Worst case scenario, some of the kids might be mentally affected by this and develop a mentality of not wanting to have kids when they grow up or disappointment towards their parents due to lack of family planning . I have meet a few youngster who come from low income family of 3 child or more with that kind of mentality.

[@abcapplesg]

Big respect and no offence, but shouldn't they be shopping at cheaper plsces i.e. giant rather than fairprice finest and also choose cheaper altermatives for household brands? Haha to me no name food items sometimes taste as good as branded ones like Gardenia.

[@JabiJlonso]

BetaTubeRaggy “I salute the couple, they’re taking their risk”... What do you mean their risk? At the expense of their own children? It isn’t the couple’s risk to begin with, it’s extremely selfish. The ones that are at risk is the children and there is absolutely nothing you can say to support the entirety of that risk mentioned that belongs to the parents. $2500 for a household of 4 can be extremely grueling, let alone 9.

[@wbgsci]

I am blessed to have her as my form teacher at Hua Yi Secondary School. :)))

[@toyoyoyo104]

The mum is a fantastic woman. Hopefully the kids will understand the sacrifices made by both parents and grow up to be good, filial kids. 🙏🙏

[@jadnexTheRnewed]

instead of having 7 kids and being a "lousy dad" to all of them, he should have had 2 or 3 and be a great dad to them

[@toestud3791]

they're surviving on... $2,500 for 9 people... and the dad wants to have more children...

[@eelenghong6368]

This is a question for survive...average one person not enough $300 😂😂😂

[@KP-om9fj]

Siow!!!!

[@clementwang7097]

I like the good feeling of love making.

[@hengjessica5930]

Such a irresponsble husband and father, only to fulfil his likes !!

[@ernestkj]

7 kids with take home 2.5k. wow! after CPF, this and that. Very brave man!

[@limpincow7997]

Ernest Kwok Take home 2.5k and spend 3k. Brave? More like irresponsible. And he still wants more kids, are you kidding me...

[@xfirefox_x]

When his children are all grown up, both him and his wife will have the last laugh.

[@firmangobi6477]

It sounds more like “irresponsible” rather than “brave”.

[@gleeny]

Bryan Lee irresponsible or not, it is their lives to live and their responsibility. whats done has been done maybe instead of being negative try to have some sympathy for them and give some words of encouragement instead?

[@limpincow7997]

Gleeny "It is their lives to live" Are being you being serious? He imposes his selfish desires onto his children and they are being forced to suffer because of him. I'm not being negative, I'm being truthful. If you have a monthly household of income of 2.5k, don't have 7 kids. I don't care if you "love kids", doing so is pure selfishness and irresponsibility. The worst part is that he just had to end of saying "If I were to restart this whole thing, I may even have had more". This man is supposed to be a social worker and he's encouraging this? Even better, you want people to show SYMPATHY for him? This man believes he has done no wrong and he wants even more kids. How can you ask people to sympathize with him? I'm extremely shocked and dismayed that there are people defending him. This is the manifestation of selfishness and irresponsibility. Relevant comments by others: "Selfish to project his own desires onto his children in such a manner that they have to suffer. At some point the gift of life is no longer a gift and the number of children becomes a mere statistic." "The person who will end up with the short straw where the family is large but short of funds is the eldest daughter. She will inevitably become a surrogate mum for the youngest lot and a unpaid maid for the rest. Not by force but by circumstances. She would not have time to focus on her own studies and her personal aspirations will be ignored by her parents due to family pressure and the younger ones won’t understand. The father is truly irresponsible. I am shocked he is a social worker. He depends on charity but is advising youth at risk. Sorry to be harsh but raising a family is a serious commitment. You are duty bound to ensure all your kids get the very best. " "Very true, although in this example it is the 2nd eldest daughter, Rachael. Her mum has nicknamed her "the family's little mother", a clear sign that the responsibilities of a mother are being pushed onto an 11 year old. *"While that makes it hard for Rachael to read her books or do her homework uninterrupted, her mother has had to rely on her to help ease such tensions, given that there are seven children requiring attention."* I feel sad for this girl, especially when she has to deal with PSLE next year."

[@MrPieman00]

I feel bad for the eldest sibling, shes going to have to become the adult very early in her life and take care of her siblings

[@nicksmith3746]

Nothing wrong with that. She'll be more mature and be making money earlier 😁

[@sharifahhawa8848]

you rather hv a chirping jumping jane without clues?

[@tonycheezal5650]

@@nicksmith3746 I'm a brother of four siblings, I have to spend my time fetch them and care for house works while they don't even care for it even though they are capable of thier age, i got so fed up when I know they use their time to do things they like instead of helping I stop helping them and move away from them. Now see who don't even know how to throw rubbish and said it stinks at age of 16

[@nicksmith3746]

@@tonycheezal5650 That's sad when you have ungrateful and lazy siblings.

[@tonycheezal5650]

@@nicksmith3746 if being the eldest brother means a tool for parents to care for siblings, I rather stay away from them

[@chensoonteo]

Dude, you wanted the 7 kids. When you get home from work, look after them! It's not your wife's sole responsibility. You don't get to take a nap!

[@BoyDude23]

Dude, he’s the one making the money. He works long hours, he’s too tired

[@chensoonteo]

BoyDude23 you probably don’t have kids. It is way way more tiring to care for kids than to work. I'm a full time working mum and I haven't slept more than 3h in a stretch since 2015

[@arcadeteens5178]

chen soon agreed his Wife work way harder at home and she don’t even have time to rest than him and he still take naps

[@saranotsarah2114]

And that is really mean for you to say that. He can take a nap if he wants

[@weronikas1100]

You don't understand, my dad, he works night and day shifts. If he was at a day shift and he wasn't working the next day, he would sleep for a few more hours. If he had night shifts, he would have to sleep from 5am to 3pm just to not be tired at work

[@thecatfromsingapore]

I hope that he takes into consideration the children's long-term needs - e.g. education alone is going to be very expensive. Going to university ain't cheap. Moreover, they're gonna have less opportunities compared to their peers who have access to more resources.

[@renderz8435]

thecatfromsingapore but they can get help from the govt, which is indirectly taken from society

[@SuccessforLifester]

If they study hard enough, they could apply for scholarships. Those that go through a poly path can save money during the working years and then go to universities.

[@williminaponte8620]

thecatfromsingapore not true. My husbands mom never worked a day in her life until her husband cheated on her and she divorced him. Since she had no prior experience she took a minimum wage job and relied on food stamps to feed her kids. 3 out of those 4 never wanted to struggle like her so they studied hard and now earn $150,000 - $300,000 usd each a year. 1 was spoiled and was never disciplined and he didn’t go to college and didn’t know responsibilities until he was mid 20’s.

[@ronanchavez9571]

thecatfromsingapore 6 KIDS

[@jellysadin6235]

If the edu system need resource to success, there is obvious something is very wrong then

[@akemiraaretavlas6061]

my friend was a single mum of 6,shes raising her kids all alone while she was working,, I really admire her because raising alone of 6 kid's is impossible but she said with God nothing is impossible,,

[@sahmommamang]

I feel for the mom. Bless her soul ❤️

[@TakashiNippon]

I feel for the dad how much will this cost?

[@rickyshan377]

It’s hard to empathise when the reason for your poor living standard is entirely the result of atrocious family planning. It’s simple-don’t have children you can’t afford. It’s also selfish to jeopardise each child’s quality of life as you cannot distribute sufficient parental care (emotional and physical) amongst your children.

[@tadashiyamaguchi5446]

I came from a family of 11 siblings... My mother had diabetes and couldn’t really look after our entire family and my father had to work extra hours to feed everyone. However, I was fortunate enough to be adopted out of the family into a much wealthier one. But till this day, I feel sad whenever I think of my biological family back home. My mother recently passed away though, but thankfully, my siblings are old enough to get a job by now to support the family It’s harder to make a living in Singapore with this amount of children, however, I hope that when they’re all much older, they’ll have an amazing family gathering :”D

[@garaldtao1801]

I wish I had more kids but when planning a family in our early 20s we took a conscientious and realistic look at the future. We factored things in such as money, life style, down turn in the economy, the amount of attention allotted to child, University expenses, the overall quality of life and even a pandemic. When it came time for our two kids to attend University, we were unemployed and struggling financially but we anticipated this and had some savings. In the end both kids had full academic scholarships but if we had seven kids, even if every single one is capable, not all will be able to support themselves through school. Doesn't matter how much you try or how much love each an every one of your children, the more one has the more opportunities you take away from each of them.

[@cloudyday1617]

I beg to disagree. 想太多, 未雨绸缪。

[@tmm6884]

Thank you for planning ahead for your children and family. It's plain unethical to have seven children.

[@rudra20048]

As an Asian, my parents only have one child me , they told me that they didn't want to have another disappointment like me. But now I feel lucky after watching this video

[@sandy-cr5cy]

isnt this supposed to be a heart warming video?? why is the comments section so toxic 💀 stop questioning others’ life decisions. yes they’re a little financially strapped but the parents work hard & deserve all credits. i hv a large extended family & they mean so much to me

[@tokaku]

sandy 2778 the video isn't heartwarming at all

[@naomifrash1161]

I agree with you 👍

[@byuntae4519]

Hi nctzen!

[@jiajunnn4849]

Like you said its extended family, not your own siblings

[@KP-om9fj]

Heartwarming? Which part was heartwarming to you? The look on the mother's face......and her comments.....was more depressing than warming anything...

[@ZacharyAlexanderGoh]

Yes children are a blessing from God, but you could be a better blessing to them if you simply plan. It's not as if family planning isn't available here. I just feel bad for the kids, they could seriously have a better life, but as long as they're happy, I'm happy. At least they have good eyesight!

[@jaslinong3622]

The elder child usually had to help to look after the young siblings! Poor elder kid!

[@boredbeingbored894]

Damn this family deserves props- I’d go crazy if I have to look after 7 kids

[@angelvisto2768]

Growing up with 6 brothers was annoying, but I couldn't imagine how my mum must have felt when she had me lmao

[@dt3144]

Tell me abt it.. I've 6 brothers and 5 sisters. I'm the youngest

[@dylanangkw]

U guys taking about so many I only have 2

[@yuyucontent]

@@dylanangkw I have none soooo-

[@kayda-leemclean7802]

@@yuyucontent same

[@haven5834]

@@yuyucontent same lol

[@benny222]

The mom is amazing..... I can't even imagine I end up with 7 children, it will be way too much stress for me..... Hope the children growing well.

[@john.do9231]

DON’T BE SILLY WRAP YOUR WILLY

[@zekesworld5252]

Thank you!!!

[@KP-om9fj]

Exactly!

[@user-nf3hh8kn5r]

Idk why I love watching videos of large families like this. My family was so small and quiet.

[@casanovanova66]

I salute this parents...they are strong and very supportive..

[@LonganLee]

This woman made so much sacrifice. What a huge effect on her health

[@lianaalin]

There is too much negativity going on in the comments. To most of us this may seem “selfish, stupid etc” but looking at the parents I’m sure they will not trade this for anything else in the world. The mummy is staying at home managing the household and with so many people I think she is pulling off an incredible feat. Most of us working parents can’t even cope without a helper even with just 2 kids. In a society where so much emphasis is placed on high education, high salaries, I feel it is so heartwarming to see such a family.. I am sure their children will appreciate what the parents have sacrificed for them.. enjoy your many siblings dear little Hengs!

[@Shiminliz]

Norliana Hamid cannot agreed more!

[@raytan1661]

So, you feel lucky you are better off than her? How many kids did you have?

[@lianaalin]

ray tan hi ray.. I’m not sure what your comments meant? I am praising the family and not saying I’m in any position better off than them.

[@songwaikit8718]

plus times are different, back then kids though a burden were seen as a sign of a blessed family. both my parents grew up with more than 10 siblings. life was definitely hard but they sure learnt to take care of one another and appreciate each other. Definitely much less selfish than my generation. in the end different family dynamics different values instilled

[@jlawrence0181]

agreed.

[@rahimbrunei]

You are a Great Mum.. Salute to You, Honestly ... God Bless You..

[@cyberaustin-testchannel3276]

4:46 *Dad* If I were to restart this whole thing, I may have more *Me* I'd rather you restart this and have no children

[@Carl-ib2hl]

Ended Account or atleast less than 5

[@KP-om9fj]

Yes......you are so right. Such irresponsible people. The kids are going to suffer in Singapore...where it's all about academic performace

[@clementwang7097]

I couldn't agree more.

[@estelle8757]

To hve so many kids in sg can be a struggle tho. Everything isn sg so frking expensive!

[@ooilincheng346]

Malaysia also

[@Micheal以仁慈]

The Investment is for long term. I believe the dad n mum will retire happily once all kids grown up and work

[@malnutritionboy]

Faris Johari yet exactly. Some of the children will be more well off than their siblings and can support their parents finances.

[@timinfinite]

Have you seen the cost of living in other countries?

[@alyssasg4119]

Dreamz 4everr agreed even bills are rising also

[@jdfd4906]

Really admire their courage to have 7 kids. It’s not easy raising children given today’s high cost of living. To live comfortably with 7 kids, u need an annual income of at least 200k.

[@clementwang7097]

I think I know what he is thinking. If he could go back in time, he would stop at 2 instead of having anymore. He just doesn't want to disappoint the other 5 kids so he said something different.

[@Garfield_cat393]

I feel sad for the mum having to take responsibility for the 7 kids and no personal time for herself. This is really tiring for her.

[@clementwang7097]

She and her husband brought this upon themselves. They should have learnt the hard way after the 1st child but they chose to produce 6 more.

[@songssounds8635]

I know of someone with 11 children. When I asked why, the reply was "Next time good". What that person meant was that when they grow old, they will have 11 children giving them monthly allowances! So I replied, "Providing not 5 ending up in drug rehab and 6 jobless because of poorer or no education, inadequate supervision and insufficient quality bonding time". But many adults see things differently; many will believe it builds good character!!! They just love to have lots of children. And that person I am talking about is now a single-parent!! Stress has taken its toll. I'm myself from a 8-children family!

[@cloudyday1617]

So parents with only 1 or 2 kids can guarantee their kids won't grow up being drug addicts or gangster? No. It's not the number of children one has. It's how the parents discipline them, teach them as they are growing up. Teach a child the way he should go and he'll never depart from it.

[@vernicejillmagsino9603]

Genevieve from Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses has 11 siblings along side with her they are 12 a Pope from the Vatican John XXIII are of 13 siblings on his family

[@donhuang9855]

The inconvenient truth is the father may wanted boys, but ended-up producing more Girls. The real problem will come when a few bright ones enter tertiary education which will certainly stress the finances of the family.

[@yangchuyou2356]

I'll cry, raising 7 kids in the past was a norm, but now it's difficult especially if you are planning to continue living in expensive Singapore. The education fees, extra classes, food, clothes, toys, furniture and the child's personal needs etc

[@user-zm5wr2zw2t]

A case of poor family planning imo

[@jamestay4875]

Gosh this is 20/5/23 and the video is 4 years old. I wonder how they are doing now. With inflation so high they can’t still possibly be living on $2500. Seeing how they are living as compared to many well off kids really ache my heart

[@genericcommenter2676]

Big respect to the parents. Both the mother and father pulling their weight for the sake of their kids.

[@thescribe7117]

Generic commenter, What big respect? They chose to have so many children bcs they did not plan on purpose. They were irresponsible to have so many kids so like it or not they had to do their duty by the kids.

[@genericcommenter2676]

@@thescribe7117Hey man, we shouldn’t be quick to judge. All the kids have their needs fulfilled, home, food, education, clothes. Don’t you think that in itself is being responsible ? I respect them because not everyone is willing to sacrifice their lifestyle to raise so many kids.

[@thescribe7117]

@@genericcommenter2676, That's true too bcs a lot of super rich people just have 2-3 bcs they don't want to sacrifice their time/energy. However,the fact that many of the 7 children have medical/psychological or even psychiatric conditions should have made them more circumspect. I think for this we could call it malay simplicity/acceptance.

[@xPhoenomenon]

Imagine when the kids grow up and they find their past behaviour embarrassing...

[@bridgetdidget8983]

“I may even have more “ Me:.......

[@NatilinSeah2918]

7 kids in the most expensive country in the world. Why??????.. even 1 kid in singapore is so expensive. Cannot blame couples in singapore for not having children. Cost of living, stressful education.

[@drugaddict931]

Have they ever heard of condoms? It only cost less than $10 for a packet of 3

[@rpChic1]

my mom raised 12 kids! im the youngest and im proud to say that i have amazing big family , problems come and go but its the love and support from our parents keeps us stronger.. but sadly my parents both passed away..but their love, remains in our hearts ..❤

[@vernicejillmagsino9603]

King Randolph raised alone 12 girls in Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses one of them is Genevieve the main character

[@christinesung8884]

My mum has 5 including me and I rarely meet people with so many kids :O but it's fun to have many siblings because they will protect you although they say they won't

[@zmsd7405]

Christine sung agree, I have six siblings. There had never been a dull moment and we all were assigned chores to do. Most importantly we stand up for each other and now get together are the things I really look forward to.

[@Pushkin62]

How will the couple save for retirement and future medical costs when every cent that he earns goes towards family expenditure? Can they depend on their children to support them when they themselves will have to face high cost of living themselves in future?

[@mingsect]

those whom plan & save, by the time they are ready. the human factory had already close shop

[@Pushkin62]

mingsect It’s not about planning and saving. It’s about being financially responsible. Have as many children that you can reasonably afford to have. They could have stoped at 2 like many Singaporean families.

[@renderz8435]

No they would rather live off the country's aids

[@ngtilui]

Don't worry.. They have social workers and aids and grants.. Paid from taxpayer's money. So you better pray hard that number 8 is not coming anytime soon.

[@tanishgupta3027]

Ofc they should.How is it even possible to survive with 3k a month in sg?Thats so damn less.Atleast they dont have to pay much fr their education.Lucky

[@atlantisoasis3597]

I'm a Catholic but I believe one must live within his or her means. Why have so many kids when you need financial assistances? If you rich and can afford, by all means. I really do not wish my kids having to suffer and cannot get his or her favourite bread even its just $2. I want them to be able to enjoy childhood as much as they could.

[@awpkwidncuwk]

How is your religion for anything to do with it

[@jlawrence0181]

Wow. Your child will really suffer if he cannot have his FAVORITE bread. Listen to Bishop Gohs sermons on materialism.

[@michaelplunkett8059]

The lesson in unselfishness Mom was teaching wasn't NO bread but spending her $2 on bread everyone likes. To think of others in family.

[@gymnastalexliang]

I feel sorry for the kids, if he makes S2,500 a month, how are the kids going to feel growing through life looking at their peers having all the best things in life? They are going to have classmates in school who have nice toys, expensive clothes and the latest phones whilst they are struggling to make ends meet - the young children will struggle to understand why their peers can have all the nice things but they somehow don't 'deserve' the same nice things because the parents decide to have 7 kids despite earning so little? It's simply unfair on the kids.

[@aaronnair9113]

Alex Liáng even if I could afford it, I wouldn’t spoil my children as per your suggestion. Good job perpetuating the stereotype that Singaporeans are materialistic.

[@gymnastalexliang]

Aaron, it is not about spoiling your children. If you want to bring up children, you owe it to them to give them the best possible start in life: all these things like tuition, music lessons, dance lessons, foreign language classes, tennis/gymnastics/golf lessons etc - these things cost money. I grew up in a humble family, my childhood in Ang Mo Kio wasn't a happy one and I saw all the advantages that my richer friends had - it went way beyond them having nicer clothes, shoes or toys; it was about things that made a real difference to their career prospects like taking expensive courses abroad and having great experiences like visiting all these amazing places around the world because their parents thought it would be educational and beneficial to inspire their young minds. The kids who make it to Oxford or Cambridge often have had plenty of help along the way, with parents who have spent a lot of money making sure they had the odds in their favour - you're just taking the coward's way out. You're probably some middle aged man with a dead end job like an Uber driver, you probably can't provide for your family and when they request for something that their friends have, you label them spoilt brats to deflect the blame onto them when really, you're the loser who can't earn as much as the other parents to provide for his family. You can't earn enough, you're poor - so you accuse rich people of being materialistic when they manage to provide well for their families? What kind of pathetic loser are you? Shame on you. I feel sorry for your family. There is absolutely nothing wrong with having nice things in life - if you think that your children are somehow going to become spoilt brats and rebel simply because you start giving them nice things in life, then that reflects on what a shitty parent you are. Managing your children's attitude is your responsibility and the fact that you don't know how to do so shows just how little control you have over your children - are your children such little shits that they don't deserve the same nice things that their peers have? What kind of message are you sending to your kids? You are undermining your children's self-esteem with your shitty parenting and you have the cheek to place the blame on your kids - shame on you Aaron. You're Singapore's worst parent.

[@gymnastalexliang]

And that's the best you can come up with? Please tell your parents to contact the ministry of education and ask for a refund for your education because if that's the kind of vapid crap you spout on social media, clearly your parents are entitled to a full refund of all the school fees they have ever paid.

[@rainbowgamercool3992]

Alex Liáng

[@gymnastalexliang]

@Rich 91 Oh please. Kind hearted? Yeah right. A kind hearted dad would provide for his children, not leave them wallowing in poverty like that. I call him an utterly selfish and irresponsible dad. You need to look up the definition of what it means to be kind.

[@AgakAgakEngineer]

So many people saying the family in the video is irresponsible because they have a big family even though they can't "afford" it They seem to be "affording" it just fine to me; I don't see they stealing or starving And for those who talk about "quality", please; I work with youngsters a lot, and I see so many so called "quality" kids (private schools, rich parents, latest gadgets, overseas holidays, etc) and they are to me nothing but spoilt brats who feel they are entitled to things they have not yet earned I think reality is, a lot of people are just selfish and are not willing to make the sacrifices or changes necessary in their life that comes with a large family, so they rationalize it by condemning others that do and talk about family planning and quality children and all that crap

[@shimaharon8499]

Val Kueh I agree w u. .those in RT at Changi also come from parents who emphasized on quality.

[@SparkzMxzXZ]

not starving yet, but almost there. the dad already has to control himself and limit to 1 meal on some days just so that his family gets to eat. as children get older, they start to eat more. so it's just a really precarious situation right now.

[@bananamonkeyallergy]

yeah when u get older u will eat more, need clothes, phone, and for girls, stuff like makeup, bags, clothes, and those pretty cute things girls like. esp when living in a country like sg, its more than just the basic needs

[@ShoppeeHolic]

Ikr. Its frustrating to see all the hateful comments.

[@winnieyeo5841]

There is no fixed number of children a family should have. It depends on their income. The higher the income, the greater the number of children they can have. Otherwise, it is unfair to everyone, the parents and the children, especially the older children. It can be very tiring for the parents while the children will lack in parental attention in motivating them to do well. For an income of $2500/month , the family should not have 7 children for whatever reasons as family planning methods are easily available unlike yesteryears.

[@1houroflove186]

Extra mouths to feed. Extra bodies to clothe. Extra tempers to soothe - all are "a gift from GOD"

[@jellysadin6235]

May be u prefer to have spare for yourself by having extra resource for just feeding yrself for 200 years

[@KP-om9fj]

Lol

[@eunicechew6863]

i always thought it was bad having 3 sisters, guess i have to count my blessings

[@entertainmentjoke2871]

This is the real family. Not those rich but not interact which other.

[@lollipolli73]

I salute this family. First and foremost, GOD please protect this beautiful family with little children and the parents with endless happiness, prosperity and health. God bless them!! Take care guys!!!! You are a great! Wish the kids have what they all wanted during their kiddy and teenage years!!!

[@4thculturekid]

they should both work and hire a maid. 2.5k + 3.5k -1k = 5k. they would be less stressed esp financially and they can spend quality time with the children, instead of being so busy with chores and work

[@sitizanariahmohamad9805]

If we cannot help them in coping with daily life then we pray for them don’t say anything that hurt their feeling. I come from a mum and dad with 15 children. People criticised us but now mum is most happiest Mother she has 15 children 35 grandchildren and 30 great grand children. This couple are blessed with children. To this two couple I solute you both..... ❤️❤️❤️

[@nishayong6884]

I am sorry to say may be your mom is happy but somewhere her health must have taken a toll 15 kids are my neighbour died from having repeated pregnancy she had 7 kids This is just sick have you ever heard about women's health or not she is not a machine dude you people are risking the life of your own women

[@KP-om9fj]

Sorry to say this but your mum is a lady from the past where they were taught to live with less and act as if women were born to suffer....the more you suffer....the better woman you are. Today's life is very different. We women would like to have a voice and have our bodies respected and not abused with 15 years of childbearing. What utter rubbish.

[@chongyoumoicarlot9692]

I think having 7kids is their personal choice, but teaching them to help the housework is a must! Parents only have two hands each, and the children have to learn how to share within themselves not only arguing or fighting. And they need to be autonomy and independent as early as possible, to ease the burden of the mother working tasks. It's still easy when they are young , but I wish them luck when later in the future when the kids need further education. It's never easy to bring up seven children on a long term basis. God bless you!

[@channaly94]

The older kids were shape to be caretaker from very young age. I think they are going to be responsible, loving, and having great leadership skills when they become adults

[@jackjo2739]

Even for Malaysian 7 kids is a bit much.. I think in my parents time it is still normal to have like 7,8,9,10 siblings.. But nowadays most people have like 3,4 only... But I'm still happy for them lah.. Children is a blessing and I see the parents are doing great job raising them...👍👍

[@thataloevera]

Ok

[@ronanchavez9571]

4 KIDS

[@somjanasubba]

Nice story. Beautiful family. Family is always. Blessing ❤

[@thevivekmathema]

Dnt use family planning and then says life is challage with 7 kids. Bear it. Its all your doing

[@depress25]

That is why there is something call family planning. Having kids is a blessing but u also need planning. If your financial capability does not allow u, then don't do it. If not, things will turn ugly..

[@khookeatchye6883]

Truly it’s your blessing. The whole family is blessed

[@ELEKTRARE]

Omg they have too many kids to look after 😱 and the 11 years old daughter will have to replace the mother , poor girl !

[@love3sha]

i have 7 siblings too! including me! always when my mom’s birthday we always gather together im number 3! i am so happy and blessed that i got alot of girls siblings only 2 boys 😂❤️

[@Irie2286]

I come from a family of 7 and ya, it has it's pros and cons, lol. For one thing, holidays are awesome...on the flip side, next to no privacy/personal space

[@kimyunmi452]

The mother looks depressed. I hope the best for all of them.

[@arcadeteens5178]

Having many kids also makes the eldest one feel left out as have to focus on the younger ones.Pls plan well...

[@jirawatliw180]

Not at all ,I have 4 younger sisters and make me have the leadership since that what I have been to deal with my sisters.

[@owenchuarbx]

David. May the lord bless you whenever you go.

[@lousiaveerasamy3697]

You are not a lousy dad as you are saying ...why are you saying that...you are a very responsible family head...something to be very proud of..

[@eleanorbulgorash7616]

The "Eh di di still inside" was a little funny though. You have so many siblings that you literally forget one.

[@muzammilazman1862]

Woahhh greattt! 😀 I've never seen a Chinese Family with big number of children. It's normal for a Malay family. Some of us even have 10-12 children.

[@fahimmuhtadi8896]

ikr first time i see sia normally they will only have 1 kid

[@eeniemeanie]

That’s why they always say there should be an IQ cutoff for those who want to breed. “I don’t regret having 7 children” may be true, but have you thought about what you couldn’t give them? Totally immature. Soon they will be heading to enrichment classes etc and where will the money come from? From the nights you decided to have more children? Lmaoo. Don’t even have the finances to support your own children but still dare to say you “love” children. This isn’t love. Your kids are born to suffer bro.

[@clementwang7097]

He just said that because he didn't want to disappoint or upset his wife and kids. I know deep down he regrets having 7 kids. If he could turn back time he would stop at 2.

[@eeniemeanie]

@@spellsandcharms1 What's the point of raising children if 1) you're forever gonna worry about the next meal 2) not giving them a comfortable life? Yes, there are scholarships, edu loans and bursaries. But scholarships are not given to everyone, only the cream of the crop. Unless they have the resilience to push themselves (that is believing that every kid can learn), they would need external help at some point in life to even get a scholarship. Edu loans and bursaries are given to low-income families, yes. But anyone sees that the government is helping this family to wipe their asses by giving them monetary aid, but they were the ones who decided to not put on a condom that night. They knew they are going to struggle after the 6th kid, but continued to have the 7th. How irresponsible. They are able to forgo their comfort, the kids are the ones who had to suffer (e.g. Kid 1,2 and 3 are able to live so much more comfortably if the subsequent kids weren't born). This is the cost of 'forgoing their comfort' and they put their love for children above their kids' practical needs. Even if things like enrichment classes are thrown out of the window, they are still gonna struggle with even feeding their kids 3 meals a day. Do read up on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and you will understand why.

[@eeniemeanie]

Lh T sure you can be all positive and can raise a million kids on your own. At the end of the day, there’s also a million definitions on how someone “raises” kids. Parents who strip their 20 kids of everything even basic necessities like air, food and water? Or parents who are able to provide for the kids’ basic needs because they actually did family planning? All these kids are able to grow up and become adults, yes. So raising kids mean that just making sure they grow up into adults, without taking taking issues like their personal happiness or whatsoever into account. To me, what’s the point of having children if they are gonna suffer? That’s why some people put their babies up for adoption, they knew they ain’t gonna be the parents their kids need. At the end of the day, your love for kids doesn’t provide everything for them. And sadly, the kids don’t get to choose their families. Look at Angelina Jolie, mother of 6. She’s able to provide everything her children need based on her financial status. And that, is what I mean being fair to your kids. If you’re incompetent, do family planning.

[@phebee9731]

@@spellsandcharms1 I'm pretty sure even positivity and creativity can't offset the average cost of needing at least 500k to raise a kid in Sg. That figure only covers basic needs and necessities which will be a heavy burden if you gotta multiply by 7. And really, it's quite sad how the mother couldn't even afford a $2 packet of crackers for his son because it is more worth to buy a loaf of bread that he's likely sick of eating. If you read on their article, they've even once left their son behind when they went to an outing because they forgot about him. I hope you know that that kind of experience to a child is pretty traumatic and it's no longer a matter of "positivity and creativity". If you still think otherwise then you're just idealising the role of being a parent and being very apathetic to what it really means to be a child growing up in that kind of environment.

[@michaelplunkett8059]

@@eeniemeanie Look at Mia Farrow. Money isn't a panacea.

[@bsolutions525]

$2.5K pay with 7 children will provide bare minimum quality of life for his kids. Tao nao pai. Get a 2nd job, hire a maid, and let Mom go back to work so total income increases to at least 5.5K better

[@irene168]

This is very rare for a Chinese family to have 7 kids in Singapore. It is a blessing from God. It is not easy to raise 7 kids in the family especially the sole bread earning for daddy. They must have some insurance planning for their children and family.

[@97432561]

Irresponsible father. Not only is he lousy, he is also selfish. SMH. Have so many kids but unable to provide for them...at least after work, go find another part time job to cover with the home expenses. Useless bum.

[@Carl-ib2hl]

i feel like as soon as the 3 eldest move out and they only have 4 kids then thier life wouldn’t be as stressful for them or their 7 kids. even if the three eldest can’t go to collage they probably wouod have learnt a valuable lesson: if you get less than $3000 in singapore, have less tyan 4 children and they will be happier tgen they were ad children even if they get low income. as for the 4 younger ones, there will be more money to spend on them and on tye parents

[@hamza.r4319]

here we have over 10 uncles and aunts......its not that rare to find somepeople with a larg mother or father family

[@bowlampar]

All the additional happiness and joy both parent get from children into the family is well worth the extra works they need to endure daily. Being a parent is never easy......just dealt with it with a smile and joyful heart.

[@flypigeon8597]

When they all need go University and all need tuition rip.

[@pogs7739]

I wish the family the best.

[@aishwaryanonu74]

I just pray to God to grant all the blessings to you and your family ...especially health. God bless you.

[@billpro6930]

cost of living in singapore is very high so i salute and respect them because they really sacrifice to raise large family

[@drowninginmilk1925]

"i would even have more" omgg can yall imagine that

[@KP-om9fj]

Omg.....how are the kids going to get a decent education in Singapore at this rate? Oh dear......the parents should have considered the children's future given their financial resources. So sad. They could have avoided these difficulties very easily. Too late now....hopefully you guys will do well.

[@marycawi5569]

Hmm.this case is not surprising,because my mother have 8 children.All my siblings have their obligations to do.i myself take care cleaning,some works for my sisters like Washing clothes and dishes , fetching water. my brothers also working fields during week ends and sometimes doing cooking.We're independent at young age.We are not letting our mothers to do all the household chores.We can go out to play unless we finished our works.

[@tanmk4834]

I have two brothers, one 15 (O-levels), one 7 (Primary 1). I’m 12 taking my PSLE and my mom is going crazy about my Brother and I not making it to a good school and my younger Brother not being able to make friends... I can only imagine how hard this poor mom has to work Everyday...

[@shawnamiyu]

Really can't understand how can a household survive with 2.5k. 7.5k for my husband and I is sufficient but i worry for my daughter who is about to be born. Her education, food, helper and insurance expenses is definitely going to take a toll on us. I guess it really boils down to lifestyle choices. Hope this family stays happy and contented as always!

[@12347873]

When there is birth,there is death so there is sadness n suffering in the end.

[@kealee6350]

This is social responsibility. Today we need more people like him to help take care of old people when the old are Aging !

[@luxus1243]

Its normal for Indian and Melay famile having more childrens then Chinese when i use to be there. Congrate man!! Its not a bad things as you mention "blessing from God" but you have to work hard for it. May you and famile stay Healthy, Happiness and Wealthy and may GOD give sustenance of any kind if he will😍✌

[@M.3yun]

Beyone Believe agree. Leave it to God as He has plans for all of us. What we humans can do is to manage it well. Socially speaking, with 7 kids, not all will look after them when they are old and frail but if not half, at least one or 2 will. 2 kids? Hmmm....

[@vanishasivalingam6108]

yeah good lets see indians have 30million orphanage children in india highest in the world. normal my ass.Any indian having more than 2 children today should be given a slap.

[@Shreejavlogs]

Beyone Believe sorry to say this but don't conclude... in India also nobody is ready more than 2 children... 😊

[@itzmejae-xs7wm]

👏👏👏 your comment is much better then RonRahrz or whatever

[@shasyaryna1890]

RHCP rhcp ya. Lucky they chinese. If malay / Indian the brickbats will come even faster