The activities were sponsored by the Children’s Section under the All-China Women's Federation and the Women's Federations of Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai. Hundreds of mothers and children were selected to take part in work experience activities from one of eight careers including flight attendant, football athlete, contemporary artist, and agronomist to name a few. Children can select these careers according to their dreams and fantasies.

Some education experts believe that in China exist a prevalent phenomenon of more protection than education, and more information than morality, resulting in excessive interference and extreme expectations by parents. Parents spare no effort in trying to make the most of a child’s intellectual capacity -- buying after-school books and guidance material, engaging private tutors, sending their children to after school classes and so on. This behavior of trying to extend school education into the home can have the effect of placing undue pressure on children and result in severe mental anxiety.

Organizers of this program say, they hope these activities will help children get a real taste of their dreams, foster children’s essential development -- creativity, responsibility, team spirit, flexibility, and the ability of taking care of others -- and assist them grow up through the experience. By encouraging mothers to participate, it is hoped they will recognize their previous mistakes of education at home and try to exploit their children’s undeveloped potential. This program will help mothers encourage their children to grow up more freely and develop a healthier and happier family educational environment.

(china.org.cn by Chen Lin, October 22, 2002)