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While it was not surprising to read about the lowest number of babies born in at least the past 50 years ( , July 14), what was more disheartening is the often-repeated narrative that the trend is hard to reverse ( , July 17). As a youth and family coach, I work with many young people. Many of them do aspire to get married and have children. I have observed that those who have such aspirations tend to have families that do their best to stay healthy relationally, and have mentors who are healthy role models in their lives. They have a wider perspective of what life can and should be, beyond economic achievement. They also have a high view of themselves, preparing themselves first – having a realistic expectation of themselves and others – and they appreciate the institution of marriage as a public good in our nation. I am a mother of two young adult daughters, one of whom went through the FamChamps programme in secondary school and served on the FamChamps council. She has also set up a ground-up movement with her peers to champion families for their generation. My other daughter may not be as involved in such activities, but we have regular and open conversations at home about relationships, dating and marriage. From my observations with both my daughters and their circles of peers, the picture is not all that bleak. It takes a village to raise a child; we all can do our part as citizens to reverse the low fertility trend in our nation. For example, the Ministry of Education (MOE) could consider incorporating a deeper understanding of the institution of marriage and families at a young age as part of character and citizenship education, or as part of social studies. Both the MOE and the Ministry of Social and Family Development could consider teaching parents how to discuss relationships, sexuality and the meaning of life with their children beyond the academics and economics of life. Companies can support marriage and families through their HR policies and company culture. Together, we can reverse the trend – one person at a time, starting with ourselves.