Do you agree that “children on their own never want to work”?
After reading the articles in Chapter 10, reflect on your own observations and experiences in relation to Chua’s main assumption (expressed in the two sentences that open Paragraph 5): “What Chinese parents understand is that nothing is fun until you’re good at it. To get good at anything you have to work, and children on their own never want to work, which is why it is crucial to override their preferences….Once a child starts to excel at something….he or she gets praise, admiration, and satisfaction. This in turn makes it easier for the parent to get the child to work even more.” Share with the class your responses to the following questions:
To what extent do you agree that “nothing is fun until you’re good at it” and thus, parents need to help override that instinct in order for children to become successful adults? Do your own experiences and the experiences of your friends and relatives bear out this assumption? What have you read that supports or refutes it?
Do you agree that “children on their own never want to work”? Cite examples from your own life (your own childhood, the raising of your children, or what you have observed with friends and family).
Consider the proposition that it is crucial for parents to override children’s natural disinclination to work, in light of your own experiences, observations, and reading.
Sample Solution