Read both of these articles about cross-cultural differences in parenting: http:

Question

Read both of these articles about cross-cultural differences in parenting: http://www.wsj.com/articles/ SB10001424052748704111504576059713528698754 http://www.npr.org/2011/01/11/132833376/tiger- mothers-raising-children-the-chinese-way What are your reactions to Amy's perspective? Do you agree with her about the differences in American parenting vs. parenting in other cultures? Do you think there are cross-cultural differences in parenting? If so, in what ways are they different? In what other ways are parents from different cultures similar in their parenting, morals, and expectations for their children?

Explanation / Answer

According to the article,there is a difference between styles of parenting depending upon the cultures.Chinese parenting is seen more strict whereas,American parenting is more easy. I do agree ,that cultural differences are present in parenting.Chinese culture is an asian culture which is more collectivist in nature and place emphasis on traditional values concerning family, intergeneration relationships, and parenting.Same applies to Indian culture as well,wherein parents given due importance to family values and how children should be raised to be obedient to elders and respect them. American culture is more western and individualistic,it focuses more upon independence based upon more reasoning and encouragement. Chinese parenting according to the article is more harsh and disciplined as compared to American parenting.Chinese parents tend to be emotionally restrained and reluctant to express explicit positive comments and praise in child rearing due to the belief that the frequent use of praise may threaten parental authority and lead to the child's self-contentedness and lack of motivation to improve and achieve. In contrast, European American parents were found to believe that praising children even for small successes can reinforce children's good behavior and help them develop positive self-esteem So,yes cultural variations do exist depending upon the geographical locations as well. For example,comparing french parenting with american parenting;French parents manage a certain detachment, french mothers dont follow their children around the playground and commenting on everything their children are doing like american parents.French mothers are stricter and expect their children to be respectful and more patient and self-sufficient than U.S. moms. British parents are more likely to rationalize with their children and incorporate their children into problem solving when dealing with a sticky situation. British parents will lay out, step-by-step, what went wrong and why the behavior shouldn't be repeated. Asian cultures as mentioned earlier are more concerned with traditions,family values,and parents show extreme involvement in their child.Children are taught to respect their elders right from grandparents to parents and anyone who is an elder,speak politely and be abide by their decisions. Parents in the east are usually concerned with tidiness, efficiency, and they generally see the need to feed their children. As such, these children do not get opportunities to develop the necessary motor skills early or capability to eat by themselves which is different from american parenting who rely more on letting the child eat themselves even if they make a mess. The biggest difference comes when the child becomes college bound at around 17 or 18 years old – this represents the first step for many American teenagers to leave their family homes. In the US, most parents expect their teenagers to leave home at this point. This transition, from staying at home to leaving for college or university, is significant as most will seek jobs and not return to stay in the family home thereafter.Unlike the western culture, young adults in the east usually stay with their parents till they get married. Today, our world has become so globalized such that our family interactions are constantly being changed by education, media, technology and travel. Such influences affect our parenting styles and many parents are compelled to adapt or change. Some parents find such influences challenging as they are unable to cope and they gradually lose control of their children. Others seize such opportunities to change and grow with their children.

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