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Undeniably, the monthly costs of running a car are high \u2013\u00a0we spend about S$1,000 on fuel, parking and road toll, excluding road tax and insurance.<\/span><\/p>\n But what we have gained are two things: time and energy. And it’s impossible to put a price on them.<\/span><\/p>\n Instead of spending hours planning multiple bus and train trips with my kids, I have more time to start dinner promptly, help with homework and school preparations, and get everyone to bed earlier.<\/span><\/p>\n Our family car is also a safe space for the children to unwind every day after school as I drive around.<\/span><\/p>\n We have had meaningful conversations, shared laughter and car karaoke sessions. They have eaten packed lunches, taken power naps or used the time to do homework in between classes.<\/span><\/p>\n All this, put together, gives us just that bit more breathing space to enjoy the small pockets of time with each other in the midst of hectic work and school weeks.<\/span><\/p>\n That said, I understand why car ownership in Singapore is scrutinised.<\/span><\/p>\n Certificate of Entitlement (COE) premiums \u2013 which are part of a car’s price tag \u2013\u00a0 help keep the car population in check, encouraging people to rely on public transport.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n We’re also often reminded that reducing reliance on private cars can help lower emissions and ease the <\/span>urban heat island effect<\/span><\/a> from built-up areas.<\/span><\/p>\nA DIFFERENT REALITY FOR LARGE FAMILIES<\/h2>\n