Parents-to-be in Singapore can soon expect more time at home with their newborns, as shared parental leave is set to increase to 10 weeks for eligible parents of children born on or after April 1. The move builds on an existing scheme introduced earlier, which previously offered six weeks of shared leave.

With this enhancement, parents can access up to 30 weeks of government-paid parental leave in their child’s first year when combined with maternity and paternity leave.

Under the updated arrangement, the 10 weeks of shared leave will be automatically split equally between both parents. However, couples may adjust the allocation based on their caregiving needs, provided they reach a mutual agreement and inform their employers in advance.

The shared leave must be taken within 12 months of the child’s birth and only after parents have used their individual maternity or paternity leave entitlements. If parents are unable to agree on how to divide the leave, they may opt to take it in a continuous block within the first 26 weeks, subject to notice requirements.

The change reflects ongoing efforts to support families and encourage greater involvement from both parents in caregiving. It also highlights a continued focus on improving work-life balance, particularly for dual-income households.

Still, questions remain about whether 10 weeks of shared parental leave is enough.

For some, the additional time provides much-needed flexibility during a critical stage of a child’s development. It may also help fathers take on a more active role early on while easing mothers’ transition back to work.

Others, however, believe more could be done. Factors such as workplace culture, career demands, and financial pressures may affect whether parents are able or willing to take full advantage of the leave.

As family support policies continue to evolve, their effectiveness may ultimately depend not only on how much leave is offered, but also on how accessible and practical it is for working parents.