HKFWS takes a “Family-centric” perspective for service development. We believe family is paramount and devote ourselves to strengthen family wellbeing. Regardless of family backgrounds or facing difficulties, we are pleased to provide support. We also utilise community resources to alleviate their imminent hardships. Some advices are provided by our professional team derived from their past working experience here for your reference when you are in need.
My husband and I have been married for more than two years and we get along well. Due to career, we have consensus that we will not have children in the short term. Our decision caused great dissatisfaction from my mother-in-law, who believed that getting married but not having children was a sign of disobedience to the elders. My relationship with my parent-in-law has also become tense because of this. How do I convince them to respect our decision?
Elderly usually valued the tradition to carry on the family name by having descendants, and they believe having lots of children and grandchildren is the best luck possible. They may be impatient just because they want to see the birth and growth of their descendants. You could put yourself in his shoes for a moment, and share with them the reasons for your decisions and your future plan. For example, you can share your hope to save more money so as to secure the children’s future. You can also share your plan on parenthood, to make them relieved and know what to expect. In addition, you can hit on what they like, such as travelling and spending more time with them, enabling them to understand your decision more easily.
Source: Mr. Leung, Social Worker (Women and Family Enhancement Centre), Hong Kong Family Welfare Society
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