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Zoey Zhang

An online influencer from Singapore, who became a grandmother at the age of 34, has promised her 17-year-old son who is the father to “give him more support”.
Shirli Ling, 35, who runs a chicken hotpot restaurant, has 17,000 followers on Instagram.
She rose to fame thanks to her good looks after starring in the Singaporean military comedy film Ah Girls Go Army in 2022.
With three marriages under her belt, Ling had her first son at the age of 17, followed by another son and three daughters, making a total of five children.

Currently, her eldest son is 18, with the other children aged 17, 13, 10, and eight.
“While kids are growing up, you have to keep telling them, ‘Don’t be like mummy, don’t get married so young’,” said Ling.
“But the more you tell them not to, the more they’re going to do it.”
Last year, when her eldest son’s girlfriend became pregnant, Ling, a young mother herself, did not react strongly.
She joked her son had been “inspired” by her to become a parent at 17.
“What’s done is done,” said Ling, adding: “Rather than scolding my son, I’d prefer to advise and provide more support.”
She described her son as someone who is “curious” and “playful”.
When he was told about his girlfriend’s pregnancy, Ling let him make his own decision and take responsibility for it.
She said that even if her son chose not to have the child, she could not guarantee he would not make the same mistake again.
The Singaporean influencer concluded that the most important thing is to be there for her children and to “educate and guide them” when they need help.
She also stressed that she would not encourage her children to start a family early.

“Young parents face challenges, and it’s not easy,” said Ling.
“But since it has happened, I can only teach my son how to take responsibility for his actions.”
Ling added that she would continue to encourage her son and hoped he would ensure the child is well looked after.
The situation has sparked a heated debate on social media.
“I think you are a failed mother. Is it really good for a child to start a family at an immature age?” said one online observer on Instagram.
However, another person said: “This mother is doing great, always guiding her child to be a responsible person.”


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Singaporean influencer becomes grandmother at 34, jokes that she ‘inspired’ son now father at 17, promises to support him

A mother-of-five influencer from Singapore, who has become a grandmother at the age of 34, says she will “support and guide” her 17-year-old son, the new father. Photo: SCMP composite

A mother-of-five influencer from Singapore, who has become a grandmother at the age of 34, says she will “support and guide” her 17-year-old son, the new father. Photo: SCMP composite/Instagram

In the pink: the young family pose for a photo. Grandma influencer says she will give her son full backing. Photo: Instagram/@shirli_ling

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New grandma influencer rose to fame by starring in Lion City TV comedy
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A popular online influencer in Singapore who has become a grandmother at the age of 34 has pledged to support and guide her 17-year-old son.


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Parenting: teens

Singaporean influencer becomes grandmother at 34, jokes that she ‘inspired’ son now father at 17, promises to support him

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;}New grandma influencer rose to fame by starring in Lion City TV comedy She vows to advise, support new dad-son, admits he will face ‘challenges’

New grandma influencer rose to fame by starring in Lion City TV comedy

She vows to advise, support new dad-son, admits he will face ‘challenges’