When examining this statement, it is necessary to define the word ‘important.’ What is the significance of this? Which area requires the most attention? Is the role of grandparents important in these situations? To keep up with the daily cost of living in this harsh world where everyone has to work for a living, the provision of material wants is essential. This is especially true for parents who have children.
To begin with, grandparents’ contributions have been a driving force behind economic growth and a cornerstone of our thriving society. They endured austere living conditions in the post-war years, remaining steadfast and devoted despite a slew of challenges, toiling most of their lives away to transform Singapore from a backwater to the cosmopolitan metropolis it is today. As a result, the pioneer generation deserves our respect because our society’s prosperity would not have been possible without their dedication and hard work. Though many of the younger generations devote their time and energy to building our nation, it is undeniable that the pioneer generation’s contributions, which laid a solid foundation for our future growth and made many of our ambitions a reality, should be regarded as the most prominent.
Young people may resent authority constraints and believe that those in charge of their daily lives do not understand their problems and needs. However, as they mature as adults (physically, morally, and emotionally), they realize that it is the responsibility of society’s leaders to provide them with secure jobs, a decent standard of living, and to meet their aspirations. They will value an orderly and peaceful society with honest leaders in order to deliver the goods.
Furthermore, grandparents are typically the most senior members of each household and, as such, should be regarded as the most important. Despite the fact that globalization has brought many different cultural influences to Singapore, we must maintain traditional family values, which are the bedrock of Asian culture. As a result, we must practice filial piety and respect for our elders. Our grandparents have worked tirelessly to feed, clothe, and educate our families, and while the majority of them have retired, we should not forget that we owe them everything we have today. They are also sources of invaluable wisdom and advice, as they have a wealth of experience behind them. As a result, they should be treated with respect because they are the most important members of our families, and thus of our society.
In this regard, grandparents do not meet the requirement of providing political and business leadership. The majority of them will be retired and will not be working full-time. As a result, they will be insignificant in this critical area (the exception will be those who are still working as important leaders).
Parents, on the other hand, are significant members of society. They are the primary breadwinners for their families. This is especially true for fathers, who are typically breadwinners. However, with the rising cost of living, mothers are finding that they must work to supplement the household income in order to pay the monthly bills. In this regard, because they are also household keepers, their role may be even more important than that of the fathers.
Typically, fathers do not do housework. Many mothers who do not have maids have the thankless task of cleaning and cooking for their families. She is frequently the primary source of inspiration for the children. A mother is typically more approachable to her children. She offers practical advice as well as much-needed emotional support. Mothers are usually the ones who are concerned about their children’s education and well-being.
This is not to dismiss the importance of fathers. Many fathers, too, are good value transmitters who help guide their children’s lives. However, in today’s fast-paced society and with a slew of rising expectations, fathers are frequently caught up in the rat race and may have less time for the family.
This is where grandparents can play an important role. They have frequently retired and are in their golden years. Their children have all reached adulthood. With time on their hands, they are the ideal people to act as caregivers and moral advisors to their grandchildren.
Many parents complain that maids do not provide adequate guidance for their children. However, at the end of a long working day, they have little time to provide much-needed interaction with their own children. This is especially true during the week.
Grandparents provide the nurturing role that many parents are unable to provide. They have the time to listen to the children, drive them to and from school, ensure proper nutrition and rest, and help them develop good habits.
Nonetheless, some may argue that the elderly’s inability to continue contributing to society demonstrates that the elderly no longer play an important role in our community. The elderly, who are frail, outdated, and illiterate, is hardly a significant demographic. This, however, is an incorrect stereotype. Proper training, a second chance, and greater understanding may be all that is required to motivate healthy and positive grandparents to return to the workforce and use their vast experience to mentor the young. Singapore’s Work Development Agency is now actively providing financial aid and subsidies to the elderly who want to update their skills. Mentors in parliament, senior teachers, and workers in businesses—all jobs that can be easily filled by experienced senior citizens—can all be roles that our grandparents can take on in order to remain active and contributing members of society.
Grandparents are especially important in the transmission of moral values. They have been through life’s trials and tribulations and are wiser for it. Because they are familiar authority figures to the grandchildren, their advice will be more readily accepted.
I recall seeing grandparents lovingly bring out their grandchildren for meals or outings on several occasions. I recall the maids’ love, care, and consideration for their charges, which maids frequently fail to provide. As a result, grandparents play an important role in raising a generation of healthy and responsible children.
Grandparents are important members of society, particularly in certain areas. However, to claim that they are the most important people in society is to dismiss the importance of parents, politicians, business leaders, and other influential figures in society. As a result, the statement cannot be true.
