Should those who look after grandchildren be paid by Govt? Parents supportive, but experts warn of potential impact

Parents and academic experts believe that grandparents should be recognised for their role in caring for their grandchildren, which in turn contributes to the economy

However, the academics were split on whether this means the Government should give handouts to the elderly folks

The Economist ran an article in January arguing that grandparents deserve to receive government funds because of their contributions to the economy.

This is because their role in providing childcare helps free up parents, especially mothers, to return to the workforce.

Working mothers who rely on their parents to look after their children can claim S$3,000 under the Grandparent Caregiver Relief, but there are no direct payouts to grandparents