We are a group of five mothers who have big families of at least five children. Between us, we have 27 children in total. They range in age from 15 to one.

The Baby Bonus scheme started in April 2001. But most of our babies born after 2001 have not benefited. Some missed the start date (which in 2001 started in April instead of January, penalising children born in the earlier part of the year). Others missed out because the earlier version of the scheme did not apply to the fourth child. And of course, none of our fifth or sixth children is eligible for the scheme, which caps at four.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has spoken often of an inclusive society, where every child matters and no one will be left behind. Yet all fifth and subsequent children born do not receive any financial scheme or incentive from the Government. We are also not entitled to any tax relief.

If the dismal birth rate is a real concern, surely every Singaporean baby born is precious, birth order notwithstanding. After all, these children are Singaporean too. Not only do they contribute to the flagging birth rate, but they will one day grow to be productive citizens.

When you consider the Baby Bonus can be used for preschool education, enrichment classes and even medical and dental treatment, this sum of money becomes even more important. This is particularly so for large families like ours in a day when costs are ever rising.

While full of joys, raising a large family is not particularly easy.

Some of us also have children with special needs who may require extra therapy or treatment. All this demands no small amount of money.

The Government has conveniently added a tagline to its procreation policies: Have more if you can afford it. But procreation is not only about affordability. The decision to have children hinges on many factors.

We urge the Government to use the Baby Bonus not only as an incentive, but also to reward families who have decided to have more children.

Patricia Koh (Mdm)
Mother of five

Rita Kusumadi (Ms)
Mother of five

Barbara Aman (Mdm)
Mother of six

Serene Lim (Mdm)
Mother of six

Tracey Tan (Mdm)
Mother of five

'Money is not only what motivates Singaporeans.'

MR ERIC LIM: 'Ever since I became a father, I have realised how difficult it is to raise a child, not only as a Singaporean, but as a parent. Despite the monetary benefits dangled by the Government, my decision, and those of my friends, to have children were not influenced by government. Having children voluntarily comes not only from the fact that a couple is willing to take the next step in life, but also from the fact that they have the heart to embrace the joys of parenthood. Money only helps ease our role as Singaporeans with a new child, but what about easing our role as parents with a new child? The material gain does not enable both parents to spend more time with our child or children to come. It does not ensure the parental workforce is treated equally, or the child is raised like a child, in a stress-free environment where his self-worth is not based on academic achievements. In all, the Government does not support parents to be parents. It must realise that, to encourage childbirth, money is not only what motivates Singaporeans, despite what everyone believes, but the support that the Government really cares about what it means to be a parent.'

'Obstacles: May I add a few more?'

DR LEE SIEW PENG, England: 'Various reports have alluded to work-life balance, stress at school and lack of affordable childcare as obstacles to parenthood. May I add a few more to the list? The two-session school system; expensive school-bus fares and their inconvenient schedules; the young family-unfriendly physical environment (especially for pushchair users); the lack of employers that appreciate the abilities of full-time mothers who wish to return to work; our near-complete dependence on food imports; a culture where prestige is associated only with a degree-level education and/or large property; the view that well-educated women should not 'waste' their education looking after their own children; that full-time mothers do not contribute to society; that better A-level grades mean our children are smarter; that making more money or a bigger home will give us more happiness; a changing view of what 'family' and 'marriage' mean; a lack of entrepreneurial spirit; an assumption that we can always rely on cheap imported labour and goods; the perception of what our own old age might be; and an assumption that schools are the only places to get an 'education'. I do not have space to elaborate on the inter-connectedness of these points, but I trust there are enough civil servants to work these out.'

'Money 'no enough'.'

MS GRACE RIANTO: 'As a full-time mum, I appeal to couples not to be lured into parenting because of the promise of some monetary assistance and the oh-so-elusive days off. When you are a parent, there is no such thing as a day 'off'. You have to be constantly 'on'. As for the money, it is always 'no enough'. When you are ready, and despite the horrors, give it all you've got. And one day, with a prayer or two, your 'real pain' will turn into a real joy.'