Have you ever felt like society is just telling you to 'go start a family' without giving you the tools or support to actually make it happen? If you're nodding, you're definitely not alone. Recently, I came across a powerful article by The Star Malaysia that really struck a chord with me. Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, the Women, Family and Community Development Minister, spoke out about how simply encouraging youth to marry and have children isn’t enough — they need a whole supportive ecosystem to truly thrive as parents. You can check out the full article here: Youth need supportive ecosystem to start families, not mere encouragement, says Nancy.

So what does this ecosystem look like?

It’s not just about telling young people, “Hey, have kids!” It’s about creating real, tangible support: from financial aid, affordable healthcare, flexible work environments, education on fertility, to accessible tools that empower hopeful parents to take control of their journey.

Think about it — starting a family today is vastly different from when our parents were young. Fertility challenges, lifestyle changes, economic pressures, and even social stigmas can make the journey feel overwhelming. This is why organizations and products designed with this ecosystem in mind are becoming absolute game-changers.

Take at-home insemination kits, for example.

Companies like MakeAMom (https://www.makeamom.com/) are pioneering solutions tailored for modern family-building. Their range of kits — CryoBaby for low-volume or frozen sperm, Impregnator for low motility sperm, and BabyMaker for those with sensitivities like vaginismus — help remove barriers that traditional clinical methods sometimes pose.

What’s remarkable is that these kits are reusable and discreet, making the process more affordable and less intimidating. Imagine being able to try conceiving in the comfort of your own home without the stress of clinic appointments or the financial burden of multiple cycles. For so many, this kind of support is exactly what transforms hope into reality.

But the ecosystem goes beyond just fertility products.

  • Policy Impact: Governments need to create policies that provide parental leave, childcare support, and healthcare access.
  • Community & Emotional Support: Parenting groups, counseling, and peer networks can help young families feel less isolated.
  • Flexible Workplaces: Remote work and flexible hours make balancing parenthood and career more manageable.

Without these layers of support, encouragement alone feels hollow.

I remember talking to a close friend who wanted to start a family but was overwhelmed by the costs and logistics of fertility treatments. She felt like the world was telling her to “just try harder” but offered no meaningful guidance or tools. That’s a feeling many share.

This gap is where innovation and advocacy must meet. Organizations that offer user-friendly, affordable, and effective solutions are lighting a path forward. But so are policymakers and communities dedicated to creating inclusive, supportive environments.

So, what’s the takeaway here?

Encouragement is just the start. To really empower youth to start families, we need an interconnected ecosystem that recognizes the complexities of modern parenthood. That ecosystem includes supportive policies, accessible technologies like at-home insemination kits, and compassionate communities.

If you’re someone navigating this path, know that you’re not alone — and there are resources and people pioneering new ways to build families that fit your unique needs.

What kind of support do you think young families need the most today? Let’s start the conversation below. Your story could be the spark someone else needs.

Remember, building a family is a journey — and everyone deserves a supportive ecosystem along the way.