Mother-in-law's Shocking Ultimatum

SINGAPORE: A controversial family dynamic has surfaced as an elderly woman is accused of pressuring her son-in-law to allow her daughter to resign from her job and become a full-time housewife. The son-in-law, who reportedly earns between S$6,000 to S$7,000 per month, is facing alarming demands from his mother-in-law to take on all financial responsibilities while caring for their young child.

A relative exposed this troubling situation on Reddit, revealing the extreme measures the mother-in-law has taken, including threats of convincing her daughter to leave her husband if he does not acquiesce to her demands. The relative described the pressure as "very cruel," considering the son-in-law’s current salary and the necessity of his wife’s income to meet the family’s expenses.

Despite the mother-in-law's ultimatum, the son-in-law displayed resilience, reportedly responding to her threats with indifference, urging her to proceed with her plans if that’s what she wished.

This situation raises a significant question among netizens: Are older generations still trying to impose single-income family models on younger couples, especially in a high-priced city like Singapore? Many users in the online discussion expressed their disbelief over the mother-in-law's expectations, labeling them as traditional, outdated, and detached from the realities of modern living costs in Singapore.

One user poignantly pointed out the disparity between past and present financial conditions, stating, “The mother-in-law believes that today’s S$6-7K has the same purchasing power as it did in her time.”

Moreover, several users highlighted the potential financial ramifications for the family if the wife were to leave the workforce. They voiced concerns about the rising costs of childcare and everyday expenses, asserting that unless there are alternative sources of income, S$6,000 to S$7,000 might not be sufficient to sustain a family.

Concerns were also raised about the educational and quality-of-life sacrifices that come with shifting to a single-income model, with one commenter asserting, “If the wife is pressured to stay home, the real loser will be the child in terms of education and healthcare access. The financial burden is simply too high, regardless of the potential benefits of having a parent at home.”

The discussion also hinted at a trend of escalating pressure that could emerge if the wife does stop working, with the husband facing expectations to significantly increase his income to compensate for the lost salary, thus intensifying the cycle of financial stress.

Given Singapore's high cost of living, how much does a family truly need to survive? Research conducted by Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in 2023 revealed that a single parent managing the care of a child aged 2-6 would require approximately S$3,369 monthly for essential needs. For couples with two children—one aged between 7-12 and another between 13-18—the essential income jumps to around S$6,693 per month. An elderly individual, aged 65 and above, would need about S$1,492 monthly to maintain basic living standards.

These findings underscore the significant financial realities that families face, particularly in a city where living costs can be daunting. The question remains: can families balance the traditional expectations of roles with the need for economic viability in today’s world?