Traditional parenting styles at odds with global thinking

The clash of Chinese and Western cultures in Hong Kong shows in differing parenting philosophies. Traditional Chinese practices express warmth, but are restrictive in what is acceptable. Children are expected to accept advice from their parents without much questioning.

Increasingly internationalised attitudes have led to shifts in parent-child relationships. But a recent study by one of my students indicates that local parents' idea of independence for children still differs greatly from the West.

A housewife in her 40s with two daughters gave the following example of 'independence':

'My daughter's classmate, who is also 12 years old, is much more independent than my daughter. Neither of her parents can take care of her because of their work. They employ a private tutor to help her study. She takes her own initiative in buying extra exercise books and doing extra exercises, especially in English listening. I really hope my daughter can look to her as a role model.'

This shows conformity to expectations rather than a Western concept of independence. For others, independence means the child grows up to be a person who can earn a living and doesn't need to rely on their parents or welfare.

How, then, do parents push their children to become independent? Education and academic success are perceived to be musts.