Last week I reported to you about some high school girls who “parachuted” from China and how they allegedly brutally tortured another “parachute student” from the same school.

Reader EM from Singapore wrote me:

What a Halloween story! Unfortunately it is not only frightening but also sad, and the most terrifying part is that it is real!

Yes, indeed. And these parents think that they are giving their children a huge gift in sending them away all alone!

CL from Canada commented:

I’ve not heard of such brutality and for girls but once in a while there are unbelievable stories on the news that really makes you wonder what’s happening to the world.

I have a neighbor who moved into the neighborhood perhaps 2-3 years ago. From what I can see the husband and wife still have a job in China; they moved here mainly for their son who was about 16 years old then. The husband and wife would take turn to be with the son (who’s going to high school here) half of the year each. I thought this couple could be model parents with their dedication and attention to their child.

I agree. I understand that a lot of Chinese do not have confidence in their own country. So they send their children away while they can. In the case of your neighbor, at least they have one parent there all the time.

AB from Hongkong asked a question:

That is horrible! I have a grandson in elementary school now. His parents and I have thought about the idea of sending him to secondary school in the United States. Your story is a good warning. How do we find out the quality of these private schools?

Long time ago I was a counselor for a public middle school (grades 7 to 9). This is my personal bias but I believe in public schools. My two children went to public schools. As long as it is a safe school, I think a public school is a more realistic reflection of the world. Am I putting down private schools? No. They have their place in society.

So to answer AB’s question, I’d recommend that you talk to friends, look up the school’s website, go to visit the school itself before you make a decision. Find out first-hand if the school campus is well kept, and if the faculty and staff are up to par, etc. If you could afford to send your child there for many years, you could afford to make a trip in person before she enrolls. You should do the same with public schools if you so incline.

In general, I would NOT recommend leaving your young child alone to attend a foreign school, even if that school has the number one ranking in the country. In sending her away, you are stripping your child of the single most important nourishment for her growth: immediate and ready love from her family.

Oh, Parenthood

Old Chinese joke
Feed your child for a century
Heartache for ninety years eventually
Your heartache naturally

On a gloomy wintry day
A Luis Vuitton handbag
Shines brighter
Than an REI windbreaker that looks like a drag
For her education
Foreign and unknown private school
Trumps
Basic love and guidance at home, fool

Early immersion
Best way to learn English
Serious crimes
Quickest route to be prison-distinguished

Oh, child
How do I save you?
Oh, parent
How do I tell you?

 *** The End ***

 

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