Ideas of Parenting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Ideas of Parenting - Essay Example In this paper, a comparison will be developed between the parenting styles of both the Western and Chinese parent as seen from the perspective of the two authors. The paper does not claim that any style of parenting is better but rather that each can learn something from the other. A balance between the two styles could help achieve the best parenting style. The Chinese parenting style is quite strict., Chinese parents have strong expectations from their children and they ensure that their children come up to these expectations. For this reason, the Chinese are expected to follow the guides laid down by the parents and these guides often leave no room for fun. Chinese children are expected to have fun from the activities that their parents decide for them. Chu defines the limitations on children by stating that Chinese children are not supposed to attend sleepovers. They cannot participate in any plays or many extracurricular activities at school. They cannot have a play date and they cannot watch television or play games (Chu, 2011). On the other side of the spectrum, Western children are allowed to participate in as many extracurricular activities as they want. Their parents, in fact, encourage children to participate in activities and events outside the academic curriculum. According to Rosin, children need to lighten up and roam free, to express themselves in ways not dictated by their uptight, over-invested parents (Rosin, 2011). Both Chu and Rosin want the best for their children and are thinking through their own perspectives and cultural lens. A balance between these two styles would be best. While children should be allowed to roam free and express themselves, it is also important to ensure that children are motivated in a positive direction. If you allow a children to watch television without controlling what he sees, there is a lot that he will be exposed to. All this exposure may not be positive for him at his age and the role of parents here is