In the past, we may have created an idealized Western view of parenting in books like Yilin and The Reader, arguing that European and American families advocate independence and that children leave the nest at the age of 18. However, as we grow and open up information, we gradually discover that the real world is far more complex and diverse than we think.
LeBron James, the world's most anticipated basketball superstar, and his son Bronny did not show the same basketball talent as his father. However, that hasn't stopped James, as a father, from trying to create opportunities for his son to break into the professional league through his connections and influence. This case shows that even in the United States, which is known as advocating free competition, parents' love and support for their children is not completely hands-off, but includes their unique expectations and interventions.
On the other hand, he is known as a master of education and has taught children the value of independence. However, when we look at the contents of his actual will, we find that his inheritance of wealth to his children is not as selfless as he openly advocates. This can't help but make people wonder, behind those deep-rooted parenting concepts, are there deeper family choices and personal values?
These events remind us that every culture has its own unique side and that parenting is not a one-size-fits-all concept. The traditional Chinese doting and the independence advocated by the West are not black and white, but have evolved within their respective social backgrounds and values. We should not simply apply one model to all families, but should respect individual differences and understand the delicate balance between love and expectation for each parent.
More importantly, we should learn from these events, critically examine and assimilate different educational philosophies, rather than blindly copying them. In today's globalized world, understanding and embracing diverse parenting styles is the key to raising children who are fit for the future world. Whether in the East or in the West, true education should be to guide children to develop themselves, not to limit their possibilities.
Therefore, when we read and learn from the experiences of others, we should not only keep an open mind, but also combine our own actual situation to form an educational path suitable for our own family. In this way, our children can find their own path in a challenging world, whether that path is independent or growing up with the love of their parents.