Are you a ‘Monster Parent’? Experts say trend worsening in Hong Kong
When it comes to putting children under pressure to succeed at school, many parents in city are guilty, as experts warn of a growing risk to youngsters’ mental health and more spoiled brats
What is a “monster parent”?
The monster parent has become a worryingly prevalent archetype in Hong Kong, and the problem appears to be worsening, experts say.
Some of the defining factors of a monster parent, according to users on a popular parenting forum, Baby Kingdom, include;
● Having ultimate control over their child.
● Discouraging individual thought and believing academic results come first.
● Suggesting free time does not exist.
● Thinking their child is always right.
Why has this trend emerged and why is it a concern?
Chinese cultural pressures to succeed, an increasingly competitive education system and job market, and uncertainty over the future prosperity of Hong Kong have all been cited as factors in the monster parent trend.
Competition for school places, as early as Primary One, is intense in part owing to the education system, which is exam-orientated.
Last month saw the lowest success rate of families receiving their preferred school. Out of 32,235 children only 67.6 per cent were allocated one of their top three schools, the Education Bureau said.
Dr Ian Lam Chun-bun, associate professor and associate head in the department of early childhood education at the Education University, acknowledged that the stereotypical monster parent was becoming increasingly common.
