How are Chinese families different to English families?

Answer 1

This is based on studies and research. This also contains, information based on Amy Chua's article, "Why Chinese Mothers are Superior"

PARENTAL-CHILDREN RELATIONS

Chinese and American families, have different models when it comes to the relation between parents and children. Now you are to remember, whenever it comes to race; nothing is ever a "100%" fact. Meaning not all Chinese do this. Here in America, most parents encourage their children to enjoy their chilhood. Hang out with friends, and at least do good in school. Meaning, not exactly A+ but Bs and Cs as well. As long as their children have a good reason for getting an F or a D in a class. Chinese parents on the other hand, do NOT allow their children to attend play dates, joke around girls/boys, watch TV or play Xbox Live all day. Chinese children are told to spend their time studying, even when there is NO test the next day. If a Chinese child ever gets a B or anything lower, then the Chinese parents will freak out and yell. American parents, for the most part; encourage their children to simply do their best and support whatever they want to be. An athlete, a singer or the person of their dreams. Chinese parents on the other hand, expect their children to get perfect straight A+ record in every year. According to Amy Chua, professor at Yale University, the drama and gymnastics class don't matter. Also, Chinese children are not allowed to watch TV. If a Chinese child is ever allowed to watch TV or play Xbox 360/PS3, they are usually limited to 30 minutes and if lucky, one hour IF their parents even let them play these things in the first place. Amy Chua argues, that this is because Chinese parents believe that "perfection" is possible for their children. Also, Chinese children are NOT allowed to choose their own curriculums or careers and such. The parents choose for them. This explains why Chinese people are always bussinessmen, lawyers and such.

DISCIPLINARY TACTICS

Americans have a mix of attitudes. Arguments between American parents and their children, are typically done and over with. Most American parents have an understanding of their children's feelings. While there could be some clashes between parents and children that are from America, it is usually solved quickly and done over with. Chinese parents on the other hand are MUCH more strict and expect the total and un-divided respect from their children. In America, if the child finds something wrong with the way parents are acting it is usually talked out. However, in Chinese families if a child ever talks back then Chinese parents will get very angry and there is a lot of yelling and fighting until the children can no longer bear it and eventually give up. Then there is name-calling from the parents following such incidents. Amy Chua, claims that her dad called her "garbage" in their Chinese-Hokkien dialects because she "disrespected" them. I don't know what she did, big or small. But yes, with Chinese parents everything they consider to be "rude" or "dangerously different" is considered just that and the parents will become "tigers". If too severe, American parents usually ground their children or take away their Xbox 360s or PS3s or Ipods or whatever. Chinese children aren't even allowed to have these in the first place, and most don't. So, again; if a Chinese parent was yelling at a child for getting a B+, and the child resists then the parents will get very mad. Simply talking back, even in a civil or quiet manner with Chinese parents is already a "severe" offense. An American parent wouldn't even get mad at all for the most part. Also remember, that most Chinese children are NOT allowed to choose their own career paths. So if a Chinese child didn't want to become a lawyer or a doctor, this is as equivalently severe as cussing them out. One of the biggest things that can trigger angry Chinese parents is if a child refuses to become whatever they want him/her to become.

MEALS

Since most Americans are descandents of European immigrants, then Americans usually eat a mix of Americanized-European cuisines. Pasta, noodles, Pizza, macaroni usually served within American families with Italian descent. Steak, meatloaf, soup and baked chicken are common as well with American dinners in households. Americans also eat processed foods, frozen and such. Chinese people, eat a mix of veggies and soups. Chinese people cook, all the time. Chinese people DO eat stir-fry everyday, my dad's office mate is Chinese and he says they DO eat stiry fry everyday. And he's from China, not a Chinese-American.

INFLUENCE

The Chinese style of parenting, has spread to all parts of Asia except Mongolia. The American style, was derived from the European styles of parenting itself. Filipinos unfortunately (for me) have the Chinese mentality of being the best in everything or else its the end of the world. I'm not saying Chinese people are the only people because they are not. Korean people for the most part have this attitude as well, but Japanese people DO NOT. Indians and Bengalis also have this mentality.