Without state, no homes to speak about; without families wither state?
I REFER to the report, 'Panel to probe why many youths taking wrong path' (ST, Nov 30). Many children start their stay at childcare centres at a very young age - in the past, as young as 18 months. Now, we have babies as small as two months old attending infant-care centres.
Without a strong bonding with parents, these children become attached to their friends. Blessed is the child who has found the right company but those who have not, they end up taking the wrong path.
While it is good that the Government encourages us to have children, perhaps it is time it takes a step further by encouraging mothers or even fathers to raise their own children, at least for the first seven years of a child's life. A firm foundation keeps the building upright... Shirley Woon Li Lin (Mdm)
I APPLAUD the Prime Minister's suggestion to make the Workfare Bonus a permanent fixture in Singapore's social safety net. I appeal to the Government to consider giving the bonus to caregivers because care-giving is not only a full-time job but also an extremely difficult task.
Like me, many caregivers had to give up their jobs to care for their loved ones who are stricken with chronic illnesses. I now write for a living, after giving up my 31-year career. Raymond Anthony Fernando
Much has been said about providing financial help to workers to cope with the rising cost of living. How about full-time housewives who have sacrificed their careers to take care of their children? Sabrinah Samad
... And full-time house husbands too?

err... Workfare incorporating
Familyfare?
