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| Another product of Chinese parents |
1. You are angry at the sweeping generalization in this post's title.
2. You have a vendetta against Chinese people and enjoy all articles that bash Chinese people.
3. You understand that this post was not meant to put down Chinese people but rather identify a general trend.
I guess you couldn't resist. So...
Why don't Chinese people dominate the NBA?
Why aren't there more Chinese CEOs in the Fortune 500?
Why aren't there any Chinese Oscar winners?
Simple.
It is because we suck at everything except for taking standardized tests, playing classical music instruments (violin, piano, cello, etc.) and handball.
Now this isn't because Chinese people are naturally inferior. It is the way we were raised. Chinese parents do a great job at limiting their children and stifling any natural abilities to do anything but studying and playing a classical music instrument. We're only good at handball because we end up playing it at the park when our parents think we are at the library. I don't even think my parents know what handball is.
I have no doubt that Chinese parents have the best intention for their children but forcing their children to fit a certain mold is one of the biggest mistakes Chinese parents make.
So what can we do to make sure our children don't just excel at school and piano?
To be fair, Chinese families have gotten much better in the past decade on this point and the results are showing (i.e. Jeremy Lin). Let's keep it up and start changing our own perception for what we can be good at.
Why don't Chinese people dominate the NBA?
Why aren't there more Chinese CEOs in the Fortune 500?
Why aren't there any Chinese Oscar winners?
Simple.
It is because we suck at everything except for taking standardized tests, playing classical music instruments (violin, piano, cello, etc.) and handball.
Now this isn't because Chinese people are naturally inferior. It is the way we were raised. Chinese parents do a great job at limiting their children and stifling any natural abilities to do anything but studying and playing a classical music instrument. We're only good at handball because we end up playing it at the park when our parents think we are at the library. I don't even think my parents know what handball is.
I have no doubt that Chinese parents have the best intention for their children but forcing their children to fit a certain mold is one of the biggest mistakes Chinese parents make.
So what can we do to make sure our children don't just excel at school and piano?
Be Aware of Your Child's Natural Interests
Really observe what your child enjoys doing and have a natural ability for. Then find ways to develop it while making sure your child still enjoys it. Education is important but education is not limited to studying for exams and getting good grades.Stop Telling Them What They Can't Do
I've seen so many Chinese parents just scoff or make fun of their children or other people's children for studying impractical majors such as music, art or the unthinkable, art history (Read Why Chinese Students Study Engineering). Let your children study whatever they want. Just make sure you tell them that they are responsible for their actions. It never helps your children when you constantly teach them they can't.Lead by Example
It's not enough to tell your children that they should broaden their interests. You need to broaden your own by taking on interests and hobbies that are not typical (typical Chinese hobbies include: mahjong, any form of gambling and watching TVB). If you want your child to be happy and well-adjusted, stop working so much trying to provide a comfortable environment for your children and start spending quality time with them.To be fair, Chinese families have gotten much better in the past decade on this point and the results are showing (i.e. Jeremy Lin). Let's keep it up and start changing our own perception for what we can be good at.
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