Commentary: Twins suddenly made us a ‘large family’ - and taught me what gets harder as families grow

The arrival of twins transformed a family of three into a 'large family,' presenting unexpected challenges and profound lessons for the author, Malminderjit Singh. As a father of three, he reflects on the complexities that arise when a family expands, particularly the strain on parental resources.

Singh observes that while government initiatives and support measures may aim to alleviate the financial and logistical burdens of having more children, the most significant hurdle for parents remains the scarcity of time. He argues that time is the most difficult resource to 'stretch' as family demands grow, requiring constant juggling and prioritization.

The commentary highlights the demanding nature of parenting, especially in larger families. It suggests that the decision to have more children, while potentially supported by policy, is fundamentally tested by the daily reality of balancing work, personal needs, and the diverse requirements of multiple children. The piece serves as a personal reflection on the enduring truth that time, not just resources, is a critical factor in family well-being.

“

New family support measures could make the decision to have more children feel less daunting, but the hardest thing for parents to stretch is always time.