As a parent, you want to do everything you can to ensure that your child has the best possible start in life. Part of giving them a great start is being prepared for the parenting journey.
Whether you are expecting a baby or are a parent with a toddler in preschool, here are some essentials that you should consider at the start of the lifelong journey of parenthood.
1. Discussion on Responsibilities, Expectations & Sharing of Duties
It is important for both parents-to-be and parents to have a discussion on their expectations of each other when it comes to childcare responsibilities. This will make it much easier for both of you to cope with the big change that comes with parenthood and ensure that you are both on the same page when it comes to sharing the load.
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For new moms especially, you will sometimes feel like you are on your own and overwhelmed when it comes to caring for a baby. However, if you and your partner have discussed and agreed upon parental responsibilities beforehand, you will know that you aren’t alone in this.
It is essential that both you and your partner take an active role in caring for your child. By working together as a team from the start, you will only make things easier for yourselves in the long run.
2. Sorting Out Basic Needs
As parents, you would want to have the essentials sorted out for your child at each stage of life. This includes having the basics in place, like his or her sleeping arrangements, food, and necessities like diapers or nappies. As children grow older, these essentials become preschool arrangements and other life skills which you think they need.
Thinking ahead and preparing for these essentials will minimise the need to scramble at the last minute and allow you to focus more on enjoying the parenting journey.
If you are unsure about what you need to provide for your child, there are plenty of resources available to help you out. You can do online research, speak with friends who are parents, take classes or read books about parenting. By taking the time to learn about the basics, you can be sure that your child will have everything they need at each stage in life.
3. Determining a Healthcare Provider
Choosing a healthcare provider or paediatrician whom you can trust is important for many reasons. First, the right healthcare provider can ensure that your child receives the best possible medical care. A paediatrician will provide you with information and resources to help you make informed decisions about your child’s health.
Additionally, a caring healthcare provider also serves as an advocate for your child’s health and well-being. A healthcare provider can also provide support and guidance to you as a parent.
As your child grows up, you may find that you may want to change your child’s healthcare provider. That’s perfectly normal. By doing your homework, researching different providers and asking for recommendations from trusted sources, you can find the best possible care for your child at every stage of his or her life.
4. Creating a Will
Doing up a will may be an uncomfortable subject for some. However, it becomes even more important once you have a family. A will helps to protect your family. It gives you peace of mind in knowing that your wishes will be carried out and your loved ones are taken care of even if you are gone.
With young children, you may also wish to discuss nominating a guardian, someone to take care of the children if you are gone and there are no other natural guardians like their grandparents around. This way, rather than leaving it up to chance if something should happen, you can be assured that your children will be placed in the care and protection of the person you would choose and trust.
While it may be an unpleasant subject to think about, doing up a will may be one of the most thoughtful things you can do for your family and children.
5. Insurance Coverage for Yourself
Parenthood comes with plenty of new expenses. Parents have to juggle between establishing a home, managing a household, and catering to children’s needs. Events that previously impacted you as a single or couple now have greater repercussions once you have children. That’s why it’s important to be prepared for anything, and why insurance is so important, especially for parents.
Insurance can protect you and your family financially if something happens to you, like an accident or illness. Some forms of insurance can even help if you lose your job.
No one knows what the future holds, but having insurance can give you peace of mind that you and your family will be taken care of financially if something happens to you. It provides practical help in times of crisis and can allow a family to carry on with their dreams despite circumstances.
6. Insurance Coverage for Your Child
It is also crucial to protect your child with a health insurance plan, right from the moment they are born. Insurance premiums may get more expensive as children grow older. Purchasing a plan for them at an early age provides the assurance you need, that even if something happens to your child, you will have the financial resources to get him or her the care he or she needs.
All Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, including newborns, are covered by MediShield Life, a basic health insurance plan. However, paediatric fees and care for unexpected health issues can still be expensive in Singapore and additional health insurance coverage may be required.
Income Enhanced IncomeShield: Complimentary 1-Year Health Insurance Plan for Your Child
Income is currently running a promotion from now till 31 December 2024, where you can get a complimentary 1-year health insurance coverage^ for your child by protecting him or her with Enhanced IncomeShield. [July 2023 Update: The promotion ends 31 July 2023.]
Enhanced IncomeShield is a MediSave-approved Integrated Shield Plan (IP) that gives you assurance that your child’s hospital and surgical expenses1 are well taken care of. Depending on the chosen plan type, it can increase the policy’s yearly claimable amount from $150,000 (with MediShield Life) to up to $1,500,000, upgrade your child’s ward entitlement up to a private hospital, and provide as-charged coverage2 for selected hospital treatment expenses.
This enhanced protection guards against large hospital bills and unexpected costly treatments for serious illnesses. It can take a major weight off parents’ minds if they find their child in an unfortunate medical situation.
Enhanced IncomeShield can be paid with MediSave, up to $300 for those aged 1 to 40 (per insured per year depending on the insured’s age at their next birthday).
If your child is between 0 to 1 year old (born between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2023), you may receive a one-year complimentary health insurance cover^ when you sign up Enhanced IncomeShield for him/her from now till 31 December 2024. [July 2023 Update: The promotion ends 31 July 2023.]
If you have not already considered a health insurance plan for your child, don’t put it off. Find out about how you can protect him or her with Enhanced IncomeShield.
Get more details about Enhanced IncomeShield and the promotion.
This article is sponsored by Income.
^ Only the premium for the additional private insurance coverage portion is complimentary. Policyholder will continue to pay premiums for the additional private insurance coverage portion in subsequent renewals of the policy. The premium for the MediShield Life portion, and any applicable riders attached to Enhanced IncomeShield or IncomeShield Standard Plan, shall also be payable accordingly. Premium rates differ across the various plan types and age bands. Promotion Terms and Conditions apply.
1 Subject to precise terms, conditions and exclusions specified in the policy contract for Enhanced IncomeShield and riders.
2 This plan reimburses you the eligible hospitalisation cost you have incurred, subject to deductible, co-insurance, admission of ward class, benefit limits and any other policy terms (including exclusions).
This article is for general information and should not be relied as financial advice. All opinion and information in this article are solely those of Little Day Out. Little Day Out is responsible for the accuracy and completeness of all information and intellectual property used in this article. Income is not responsible to any party for this article. You should seek advice from a qualified advisor if in doubt. Buying insurance that are not suitable for you may impact your ability to finance your future insurance needs. Precise terms, conditions and exclusions of the plan are found in the policy contract. This plan is underwritten and issued by Income
Protected up to specified limits by SDIC.
Information is correct as at 27 March 2023.
