More Singaporeans are choosing child-free lifestyles, prioritizing careers, pets, and personal fulfillment over parenthood.
SINGAPORE: A growing number of Singaporeans are redefining the traditional family model, opting for lifestyles as DINKs (Dual Income, No Kids) and DINKWADs (Dual Income, No Kids with a Dog). These emerging preferences are reshaping the conventional Singaporean dream of marriage and parenthood.
A man in his early 30s, expecting his second child, observed this trend and shared his thoughts online. “Many of my peers are actively choosing not to have kids, embracing a DINK lifestyle. Some even choose to get dogs instead of children, becoming DINKWADs,” he remarked, prompting the question: “Is this the new Singaporean dream?”
He also reached out to older DINKs and DINKWADs, asking, “For those in your 40s or 50s, do you regret not having kids? And for those who did have children, do you wish you’d had them sooner?”
A Lighter Take
The conversation gained traction on Reddit, with humorous comments like “Dinkwad is going to live in my head rent-free now”. Another commenter playfully added, “Don’t forget the DINKWACs!” referring to couples with cats instead of dogs.
Others took a more practical stance. One Redditor, identifying as a SINK (Single Income, No Kids), shared their perspective: “I’m 50 this year, with a wife who has health issues. No regrets. We’re planning for old age with a will and LPA [Lasting Power of Attorney].”
Another commenter expressed a sentiment echoed by many: “I don’t even have enough time for myself. How can I have time for kids?”
Generational Perspectives
Yahoo Southeast Asia interviewed millennials and Gen Zs to understand their reasons for not pursuing parenthood.
Financial Concerns: Many cited the high cost of raising children. One respondent shared, “I’m already stretched with my budget. Adding a child would be overwhelming.”
Work-Life Balance: Sarah, a millennial, highlighted the difficulty of balancing work with childcare. “I’m already struggling with work-life balance; caring for a child would add to the stress,” she said.
Personal Freedom: Others emphasized their desire for financial independence and the freedom to travel.
Emotional Readiness: Some acknowledged they were not emotionally prepared for the responsibilities of parenthood. One admitted, “I can’t stand being in the same room as a crying child. It wouldn’t be fair to have a child I can’t properly care for.”
Concerns About Parenting Quality
For some, the weight of raising children responsibly was a deterrent. Roland, another interviewee, remarked, “The huge responsibility of raising children properly is a concern. Bad parenting can lead to bad outcomes.”
He added that greater resources and support for new parents could encourage more couples to consider starting families. “If young parents had better guidance, resources, and external support, more people might be willing to try parenthood,” he said.
The Shift in Priorities
As more Singaporeans embrace child-free lifestyles, the traditional ideal of parenthood is evolving. With the right support and resources, young adults may feel more empowered to make decisions that align with their personal aspirations and life goals.
