'Tiger cubs' hungry in competitive job market
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Earlier this year, the "tiger mom" controversy stirred wide debate. There was also discussion on the pros and cons of other approaches of parenting, such as "panda dad," which features a less stringent, more tolerant style.
But all the discussions seem to surround the parents, and there are few voices coming from the kids' side.
Whether it is the demanding Eastern style of parenting or the Western way that encourages the children to pursue their own interests, both have their merits.
However, an increasing number of children are seemingly embracing their role as "tiger cubs."
In Hong Kong, where many of the different ways of life of East and West merge, more and more children are being raised as "tiger cubs."
These children test their physical and mental limits by attending SAT classes every week, going to math tutors, playing the piano, participating in sports teams and sacrificing their free time for any other possible extracurricular activities.
The defining characteristic of tiger cubs like me is that we enjoy overachieving. We want to go to tutors, take extracurriculars and enjoy playing different instruments.
When many tiger cubs were asked as to why they sacrifice their free time and sleep for boring classes, the majority gave the same explanation: for a better future.
There are multiple reasons behind Chinese kids' desire to be tiger cubs, in addition to more stressful peer pressure than in the West. The chief reasons include to carry on family achievements and not waste the abundant opportunities for future success.
Family bonds are an important factor in the difference of parenting between East and West.
The reason why my parents decided to sign me up for tutorials is because they want me to appreciate the opportunities I have.
My parents grew up during the Cultural Revolution (1966-76), when educational chances were limited.
There weren't any proper teachers, textbooks or tutors; students could only learn from a strict and politically limited curriculum at best.
I believe it is also the case with many other Chinese parents who want to press their dreams onto their children, especially those parents who lost out on their educational opportunities and dreams during the years of poverty and chaos.
Kids from Chinese families also seem to carry on this tradition. They are willing to bring honor to their parents by working hard to achieve goals that their parents could never manage.
Another difference between my generation and my parents' generation is that we are more influenced by Western culture.
In the late 1970s, few students contemplated the possibility of studying abroad. Their main focus was finishing college and finding a decent job.
In contrast, Today's students all want to move overseas to finish their degrees. And due to the rush of students looking to study abroad, any chance of a scholarship has dozens of competitors fighting for it.
A college degree is no longer enough to get by in the job market by itself, and students and parents are keen to seize every possibility to edge ahead.
Debates over the best parenting styles seem to die down around exam season, when even the softest parents wants to force their child's nose to the grindstone.
In a country where the number of good jobs isn't growing anywhere near as fast as the number of qualified people, academic excellence at the expense of childhood freedom seems to be a price worth paying.
The author is a student at the Hong Kong International School. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn
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