All mothers agree that it’s good to let children embrace nature. But when it comes to their children rolling around on the grass or playing in the sand or with mud, you are more than likely to hear the average Chinese mother shout out: Be careful! Don’t dirty your new clothes!
This kind of reaction comes so unconsciously, that mothers are often amazed at their contradiction when they realize what they’ve said.
This type of contradiction is rooted in the traditional Chinese way of bringing up children. But it is now time to look for a wiser and better way.
The "Looking for a New Mum" competition, which was launched Thursday in six provinces and cities throughout China, has taken the idea of a new way of raising children as its goal.
The competition is sponsored jointly by the All China Women’s Federation and Unilever Company Ltd.
“Attitude is one thing, behavior is another,” said Joanna Lu of the Unilever Company in Shanghai. New problems in raising children keep appearing, and mothers of the new century have to face them alone, with no example to follow. Some children spend money extravagantly, some indulge themselves in video and computer games, some blame their mothers for being over-attentive, while others blame them for negligence. It seems to be a no-win situation.
The so-called “new mum” is expected to bring new ideas and values to bringing up children in this day and age. “New mothers encourage their children’s creativity. They are tolerant but strict, capable and resourceful,” said Zhang Xiaoyuan, vice-director of the communication department of the federation.
The competition is being held in Beijing, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Sichuan, Hubei and Hebei. Competitors can sign up until the end of this month.
(China Daily 02/23/2001)
