I’m outraged by parents who hit their children. Sometimes I see this in Hong Kong and it drives me crazy. What are your thoughts on this?
Dr. Helen Poon answers: Throughout history many cultures have accepted spanking or hitting as a means of disciplining children. The Asian culture is no different. In fact in most parts of Eastern Asia (including China, Taiwan, Japan and Korea), physical/ corporal punishment of one’s children is lawful. This would include Hong Kong. more…
My child is 6 years old. He graduated valedictorian in kindergarten last March. He is in First Grade now, but he doesn’t love to write… so he is failing quizzes and missing assignments. What can I do to help him love writing? Please help me.
Maria, Davao City, Philippines
Mio Debnam replies: Valedictorian is a title normally given to the most academically able student of a graduating year, so I’m assuming that the fact that he was valedictorian in his kindergarten must mean that your son is a quick learner, and is a bright boy… who doesn’t like writing (yet). more…
How important is it for my child to keep up with his reading/writing over the long summer holidays? If he does not, will he fall seriously behind?
Amy Stewart replies: It is always great to encourage your child to read and write, whether it is during the school term time or during the holidays. But it is also good to be mindful that your child should take a break from full-time learning. more…
My daughter is 5 and we are going to have another baby in four months. It’s a boy. How can I make sure that my little girl accepts and loves her brother from the very start?
Dr. Helen Poon answers: Love and acceptance can never be guaranteed nor assumed. However as parents you can encourage and put things into place to facilitate the upcoming changes (new family member) in the family unit. more…
My daughter is 7. Should I be teaching her anything about money, like how to save and spend and things like that?
Sheila Dickinson replies: Research shows that children’s money behaviour is usually established by age 10. However, learning good money habits doesn’t happen by osmosis and it’s not genetic. more…
My child has 29 other kids in his class. Sometimes I worry that this is too many kids for the teacher. What do you think? They have an EA, but not full-time.
Amy Stewart replies: Class sizes are always at the forefront of debate but in my opinion it really depends on two things, the first being the age of your child. more…
I have one child who is 3 years old. I was talking to a friend the other day, and she said that she has already started to save for her child’s education and he’s only 4! Should I be saving already?
Sheila Dickinson replies: Starting early is the key! You may think that 18 years is such a long way off. But time goes by very quickly and suddenly university is just around the corner and you have only got a short period to try to fund what is potentially one of the most expensive things you are ever going to have to provide for. more…
My six-year-old son loves comics. I want him to develop a healthy habit of reading, but I worry that comics are a waste of time. What do you think?
Mio Debnam answers: Pictures have been used to tell stories for centuries – cave paintings, tapestries and stained glass windows are a few well known examples. more…
My husband and I separated about 3 years ago. My daughter still wants us to get back together. This is not possible (or likely) as he has met someone else. What should I say to my child?
Dr. Helen Poon answers: Separation is not a single event. It can take over months or years and is often an emotional roller coaster with many changes and adjustments to each family member. more…
I am a new teacher to Hong Kong in the NET [Native English Teaching] scheme. I work at a local Chinese school. I notice that the children are afraid to ask questions in class. I am a very quiet, gentle teacher and not intimidating at all. So I am unsure why they are hesitant to raise their hands. Can you give me some advice?
Amy Stewart answers: This is not a reflection of your demeanour or skills in the classroom but instead is likely to be a result of two factors. more…
