Despite our squeamishness about cultural stereotypes, there are tons of studies out there showing marked and quantifiable differences between Chinese and Westerners when it comes to parenting. In one study of 50 Western American mothers and 48 Chinese immigrant mothers, almost 70% of the Western mothers said either that "stressing academic success is not good for children" or that "parents need to foster the idea that learning is fun." By contrast, roughly 0% of the Chinese mothers felt the same way

Chinese parents can order their kids to get straight As. Western parents can only ask their kids to try their best. Chinese parents demand perfect grades because they believe that their child can get them. If their child doesn't get them, the Chinese parent assumes it's because the child didn't work hard enough

Second, Chinese parents believe that their kids owe them everything...the understanding is that Chinese children must spend their lives repaying their parents by obeying them and making them proud.

Third, Chinese parents believe that they know what is best for their children and therefore override all of their children's own desires and preferences.

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.

Yet another noteworthy aspect of China's economy is its high saving rate. China has had by far the highest overall saving rate in the world since at least 2000, and the saving rate has increased even further since 2000--to nearly 50% of GDP. Gross capital formation ([COLOR=#336699 !important][COLOR=#336699 !important]investment[/COLOR][/COLOR]) is also high in China, but because saving exceeds investment, China has been running a net saving surplus, which translates into a current account surplus, and that surplus has been growing sharply--from 1.9% of GDP in 2000 to 3.6% in 2004 and a remarkable 7.2% in 2005--even though China is investing at a staggering rate of 43-46% of GDP and even though China is still relatively poor. This has made China one of the world's largest capital exporters and has exacerbated trade frictions with the United States and other countries. Moreover, China's net saving surplus shows no signs of abating (The Economist, September 24-30, 2005, "A Survey of the World Economy," page 13).

This isn't a one way street when it comes to Asian parents.

They sacrifice everything for their children to receive the best education possible.

Asian parents will move into an area that is way above their income and rent a crummy house.

Just so that their kids can attend the best schools from kindergarten on.


Some times on my way to work I drive by two of the top schools in the nation.

Believe me, every other students face I see is an Asian kid with a huge back pack full of books.