Nothing Is Fun Until You're

Western Parents Try To Respect Their Children’s Individuality, Encouraging Them To Pursue Their True Passions, Supporting Their Choices, And Providing Positive Reinforcement And A Nurturing Environment. By Contrast, The Chinese Believe That The Best Way To Protect Their Children Is By Preparing Them For The Future, Letting Them See What They’re Capable Of, And Arming Them With Skills, Work Habits, And Inner Confidence That No One Can Ever Take Away.

Parenting Is The Hardest Thing I Have Ever Done. I Tried To Find The Balance Between The Strict, Traditional Chinese Way I Was Raised, Which I Think Can Be Too Harsh, And What I See As A Tendency In The West To Be Too Permissive And Indulgent. If I Could Do It All Again, I Would, With Some Adjustments.

Be Modest, Be Humble, Be Simple.

I Am Definitely A Type A Personality, Always Rushing Around, Trying To Do Too Much, Not Good At Just Lying On The Beach. But I'm So Thankful For Everything I Have: Wonderfully Supportive Parents And Sisters, The Best Husband In The World, Terrific Students I Love Teaching And Hanging Out With, And Above All, My Two Amazing Daughters.

I Think The Biggest Difference Is That I've Noticed Western Parents Seem Much More Concerned About Their Children's Psyches, Their Self-esteem, Whereas Tough Immigrant Parents Assume Strength Rather Than Fragility In Their Children And Therefore Behave Completely Differently.