Tan Wu Meng on politics, family and the sacrifices he had to make

Key Concepts:

• Work-life balance in politics
• Impact of political career on children
• Sacrifice and emotional toll on family
• Parental guilt and awareness

Impact of Political Career on Children

The speaker, a Member of Parliament (MP), discusses the impact of his political career on his two daughters. His elder daughter, currently in secondary school, was around 3-4 years old when he entered politics, meaning she has some memory of a time before his demanding role. His younger daughter, in primary 2, has only ever known him as an MP, constantly occupied with town duties and weekend commitments.

Emotional Toll and Sacrifice

The speaker emphasizes that "the kids feel it," highlighting the emotional impact of his absence and dedication to his political duties. He recounts a poignant moment when his older daughter revealed that she used to cry quietly when he went on overseas trips, but hid her tears to avoid making him feel guilty about "fighting for Singapore" and attracting businesses to create jobs.

Parental Guilt and Awareness

This revelation deeply affected the speaker, illustrating the often-unspoken sacrifices made by the children of politicians. He believes this experience is common among young parents in politics, where children may not immediately express the burden they carry. The speaker acknowledges the weight of his responsibilities and the emotional toll it takes on his family, even when they try to shield him from their feelings.

Conclusion

The speaker's anecdote underscores the challenges of balancing a demanding political career with family life. It highlights the sacrifices made by the children of politicians and the emotional burden they carry, often without expressing it directly. The story serves as a reminder of the personal cost associated with public service and the importance of being aware of the impact on one's family.