Ever Wondered How Parents Feels After the Pandemic?
Last month, a ground‑breaking study called The Parenting Index opened a window to the emotional landscape of new parents worldwide. Think of it as a global selfie session about those sleepless nights and the unexpected ego boosters that come with diaper changes.
Loneliness in the Digital Age
- 1 in 3 parents felt lonely. Even living in a buzzing world where you’re never more than a tweet away, the solitude hits hard.
- Pressure reigns supreme. New parents reported feeling smothered by “pressure” that seems to come from nowhere yet blows a 23% share of the overall parenting score.
What Makes This Pressure Feel Real?
Researchers identified a trio of pressures that sacked parental courage:
- Judgmental vibes from the internet—yes, that snarky comment on Instagram lives.
- The oddball surprises that parenting throws your way like a well‑timed plot twist.
- Self‑critical guilt, those internal monologues for when you wonder if your diaper game is on point.
Bright Spots – More Support, Less Scare
Despite the heavy mood, new parents are surprisingly finding community in their chaos:
- Growing mutual support can’t be ignored.
- There’s a surge in social cohesion; one can feel the camaraderie in the shared “what do I do now?” forums.
- And belonging feels more tangible—like finding a quiet corner in a noisy playground where you’re actually seen.
Singapore’s Take on Post‑Pandemic Parenting
We decided to dip our toes into the Singaporean experience. Want to know how their new parents cope? Stay tuned for a deep dive into the city‑state’s tales of rocking the baby stroller in the rain or dodging the “silent kid” chapters in parent forums.
Post-pandemic parenting experiences of five Singaporean parents
Post‑Pandemic Parenting in Singapore: A Real‑World Reality Check
Five Fresh Faces on the Front Lines
theAsianparent recently sat down with five newly minted parents from Singapore to talk shop about juggling the chaos of childcare after the lockdowns hit a lull. They shared how they’re pulling off the juggling act of dosage, diapers, and the occasional “detour” through the park, all while scrambling to keep their sanity intact.
What They Said
- “It’s like being the captain of a ship that keeps steered straight through a hurricane.” One mom noted the never‑ending stream of questions from the little ones about where the toilet went.
- “I’ve learned to trust my instincts more than any app.” A dad confessed he sometimes flips between instinct and “screen‑guided parenting” like a pro.
- “It’s a relief to hear that we’re not all going crazy.” All five agreed that the recent study offered a comforting confirmation of the shared struggle.
- “The findings hit hard – I’m barely on my feet and that’s what the research mirrors.” A single mother described her daily “home‑office” backdrop with a calm closer than the usual panic.
- “We’re still dealing with the pandemic, but the study gave me a boost of confidence.” The group pointed out how evidence-backed advice could cushion the emotional roller coaster.
Why the Study Matters
With the annual research shedding light on stress and coping mechanisms, the conversation stayed buzzing—illuminating that, even in a calm Singaporean village, parenting rhymes in a slightly off‑beat rhythm post‑lockdown.
1. Sherwin Teo, 29, father to a 14-month-old boy
Pandemic Parenting: Lessons from Teo
Keeping the Table Not Too Crowded
Teo swears he’s never the dinner‑table hero for the whole family. “If work is the only option, make it work before you sit with your loved ones,” he says. The folks in his tiny Singapore flat found that sharing a chipper lunch desk was a bit too intimate.
Juggling Two Full‑Time Jobs (Without a Sidekick)
With WFH and a newborn, you’re basically running two households. “It’s like running a circus,” Teo jokes, but he and his wife managed the chaos by building a solid partnership foundation. That’s the secret sauce to survive the endless feeding, diaper‑changing, and sleep‑scheduling marathons.
Growing Closer as a Family
- “Without her, I’d’ve been stuck in a parenting solo act.”
- The pandemic forced them to lean on each other—almost like a social‑distancing buddy system.
- Result: a tighter bond that’s still holding strong post‑COVID.
Parenting in Singapore: A Cultural Kaleidoscope
Once he became a dad, Teo took a deep dive into how Singaporean parents raise kids. He noticed:
- Grandparents have a big hand. Many of them prefer to shoulder the parenting load instead of letting parents steer the ship.
- Every family has its own recipe. There’s no one-size-fits-all way.
- The first child meant every day was a new lesson card in play‑time.
Foreign-Flavored Parenting
His wife isn’t Singaporean, so their parenting mix-up introduced fresh angles to an otherwise familiar recipe. They decided, “We’re not here to play the social media influence game; we’ll shape our own parenting story.”
Learning from Mistakes (and a bit of Salt)
They’ve tried all the hacks. Some worked, some didn’t. Instead of taking every headline advice at face‑value, they sprinkle a touch of salt—because, “Every kid is a weird cookie.”
The Parenting Index: A Reality Check
51% of parents feel social pressure on how to raise kids. Teo started at the same score but then dropped it faster than a child’s diaper changes. He chose to ignore the loud “expectation” choir and focus on his own family’s beat.
Another 43% find parenting harder than expected. Teo nods—nights without sleep, tears, endless diaper‑ing—are tough. But at the end, the kid’s smile gives him a “wow” moment, reminding him why being a parent is worth the chaotic adventure.
On the Global Parent Front
Teo feels the study’s findings resonate, but he’s got his own flavor of parenting. The world’s parents share the same hurdles; he just makes them work for his child’s grin.
2. Abigail Lam, 31, mother to an 8-month-old girl
Parenting in the Time of COVID-19: A Real-Life Story
Did the pandemic lock kids out of doctors’ offices?
“Honestly, no. We just think twice before dropping our little one in for a check‑up,” says Lionel Lam. “We’re cautious about a potential COVID‑19 catch in the waiting room, but a routine visit is still worth it.”
Finding Help While the World Was Walled Off
- Home‑office perks: “Since my baby’s born, working from home has been a blessing. I get to breastfeed right where I am, and my daughter didn’t love bottle‑time, so it eased the prison of a weird feeding schedule.”
- “The flexibility let me keep everyone’s nutrition on track without the added pressure of a rush‑hour commute.”
How Parenting Styles Shifted After the Lockdown
- “Watching my child grow has been pure joy. Every lil’ milestone feels like a massive celebration.”
- “We’re lucky to have supportive parents who step in whenever needed—big thank you to those family hallways of Singapore!”
- “The government’s push for young couples to stay close to their parents turned out to be a lifesaver. It gave us Grandma’s wisdom right in our living room.”
- “Parenting’s a jungle in Singapore with heaps of info out there. Deciding which sources are trustworthy is like learning a new language. But I’m learning to treasure every minute I get to spend at home.”
What the Parenting Index Says (and How we Agree)
Absolutely agree! The index nailed it with Supportive Environment, Shared Parenting, and No Pressure. The home‑office freedom let my husband help out so I could catch up on sleep—he’s swapping diapers while I dream.
Yes, Singapore still has that competitive vibe. But after the shock of COVID‑19, we’re all appreciating the little stuff more than ever.
3. Anubhav Agarwal, 30 Srajna Lath, 32, parents to a 4-month-old girl
Raising Little Socks in Singapore: How Covid Shifted the Parenting Playbook
1⃣ First‑Time Parenting Under the Masked Lights
When the world flipped to lockdown, our tiny bundle came along and change‑d the game. Luckily, healthcare didn’t become a scavenger hunt; we saw doctors, got vaccine updates, and found plenty of online tips to keep our new‑born thriving.
2⃣ Work‑From‑Home: The Miracle Mirror
- With home‑based hours, Anubhav could become the part‑time miracle worker – folding nappies & watching the baby’s first giggles.
- I got the precious extra “rest mode” during the day – a few minutes of breathing next to the sleepy face of my daughter was exactly what a mom needs.
- Physical stress from pregnancy? Loosened—to the tune of a calm home office.
3⃣ Singapore’s “Safe‑Zone” Rules: Free‑Walking & Scream‑Free Play
Despite the strict measures, we were able to stroll the park, hop in the playground, and enjoy the great outdoors without that lingering “what if.” The thumbs‑down for visitors meant we took the entire parenting roller‑coaster solo. No grandparents to lean on, so we had to learn the craft by ourselves, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise—a chance to bond and sharpen our “paranormal parenting” skills.
4⃣ The Parenting Index: A Mirror or a Marvel?
When the study came out, I listened to the buzz and nodded: We’re financially secure and free from the pressure of chasing the perfect parenting mold. That’s a win.
But the low maternity/paternity leave? That’s the digital drum in the corner, reminding me how I’ll miss my kid when work calls me back, full‑time.
5⃣ Bottom Line: Pandemic Parenting = The Hitch‑hiker’s Guide to Normal
In a couple of sentences: we felt that the pandemic turned “normal parenting” into a refined, grounded, and sometimes hilarious adventure. With each hug, sneeze, and night‑time lullaby, we discovered our own rhythm; and yes, Singapore’s careful balancing of lockdowns and outdoor freedoms turned out to be a secret ingredient for our family’s snuggle‑joy.
4. Cordelia Low, mother to a 12-month-old girl
Parenting Under the Pandemic: One Mother’s Heartfelt Chronicle
Did Covid‑19 Change How I Care for My Little One?
“Honestly, the lockdown didn’t lock me out of the doctor’s office—my child never had to wait in a long line or dodge a sweltering crowd. The health services were pretty open, and even though the job support for the self‑employed was a modest splash in the ocean, it still kept the family afloat.”
The Village That Raised Me (and My Baby)
“Raising a toddler is a community effort. I’m lucky to have my in‑laws on standby, and my husband’s hands‑on approach turns the home into a bustling little studio. And before you comment—yes, I’ve become the very caretaker who now has to juggle diaper changes, midnight snatches, and the tiny promise that my kid will grow up—thankfully, the job has never felt like a treadmill run by a toddler.”
Baby‑Led Weaning: Trend or Tread‑Mire?
This cute idea (BLW) has sparked a lot of excitement, but it also hides a potential choking hazard—think of it like a secret menu item that your baby might accidentally swallow instead of taste. Being aware of the risk now feels like carrying extra snacks on a beach trip: you never know when you’ll need them.
What I Learned From Parenting During a Pandemic
- More Time, Less Commute: Covid forced me to slow down, letting me spend the extra hours, not lost in traffic, with my child—watching them hit every milestone without a calendar reminder.
- The Power of Support: Whether it’s family or fellow mama friends, the weight dropped off my shoulders. Without that teamwork, life would feel like a solo marathon.
Do I Agree With The Study? Absolutely!
“The community’s solidarity helped parents face the pandemic’s curveballs, and that mutual encouragement proved priceless. I especially appreciated the virtual check‑ins via socials—Zoom meetings were like pop‑up support groups that kept us grounded during the circuit breaker.”
Final Word
Parenting a toddler during those uncertain days taught me that gardens bloom with the help of many hands, and a community that checks in via video call can lighten the load just as much as a neighbor who lends a fresh pair of dishes. It’s all about staying connected, staying safe, and, most importantly, keeping that sense of lightness and humor when the next diaper disaster or BLW mishap comes knocking.”
5. Amy Tay, 35, mother to a 17-month-old girl
Parenting the COVID‑Age: A Tale of Two Moms and One Baby
When Social Distancing Turns Into a Solo Adventure
Picture this: you’re ready for your little one’s check‑up, only to realize that the solemn one‑parent rule has become the norm. Both of us found ourselves shoulder‑to‑shoulder with a family on hold, waiting seats like it’s a Broadway show. The irony? The doctor’s questions fly so fast that the other parent had to answer on speakerphone. “Just call me!” Yes, and then you have to rewrite the reply—medical jargon can be a real puzzle.
Our Submission to the System
- Vaccinations on the Time‑Table – The Singapore Polyclinics have a neat calendar for our little queen Victoria. No more wondering “Is she due yet?” or juggling notes.
- Developmental Check‑Ins – Each assessment feels like a progress report, showing if the mini‑human is hitting those milestones we expect. A reassurance system that works where we ourselves are still learning.
Hygiene on Steroids: The “Shower After Every Trip” Ritual
We’ve been knee‑deep in sanitising. Our latest innovation? Full showering after every outing. Yes, the extra hours and water usage, but we’ve convinced ourselves it’s the ultimate “no‑risk” safety net. Think of it as a spa day combined with a protective shield.
Hobbies to Get Going – The First‑Time Parent Rollercoaster
- Admitting “I was clueless.” We’re new to the world of diapers, lullabies, and the art of timing the perfect feeding moment.
- Feeling the “big‑parent pressure” – a swift pivot from free‑living to parenting could feel like launching a rocket without the manual.
- Combining “learning” with “wildlife survival.” Our kid’s learning journey is a wild, uncharted territory we’re learning to navigate on the fly.
Looking Back, We’re Still Standing
Despite the heavy click‑to‑talk needs, the pandemic taught us a valuable lesson: resilience, perseverance, and may‑be a dash of humor when things get tough. Thanks to a system-based approach in Singapore (free vaccines, regular check‑ups) we’re getting a hand‑hold as we grow from fledgling parents to seasoned navigators. Life may be a handful, but it’s also an adventure we’re excited to keep investing in.
