"Jiwa parents" demand a lot from children - and put a strain on their health

Created: 06/08/2022, 09:00

By: Judith Brown

At Jiwa, children were injected with chicken blood to encourage them to learn.

The method is forbidden – but the attitude of the parents has remained.

Just like helicopter or lawnmower parents, so-called "Jiwa parents" only have the best in mind for their children.

Success in later professional life plays an important role for them.

Because they hope that a good education will also lead to a better life for their offspring.

However, this parenting style, which is used primarily by parents in China, is controversial and is said to harm the children's health.

Upbringing: Jiwa parents demand a lot from their children – and put a strain on their health

Children of Jiwa parents don't have time to play after school.

Instead, they take private lessons and go to music or physical education classes.

(Iconic image) © Thomas Imo/photothek.net/IMAGO

While helicopter parents keep an eye on their children and almost monitor them, lawn mower parents also intervene in what is happening.

For example, lawnmower parents do the homework for their offspring in order to protect them from defeat.

The parents' fear of failure is usually transferred to their protégés, who eventually feel overwhelmed or panic.

Jiwa parents also interfere in their children's affairs.

Her goal is to motivate them to learn and to get the most out of their talents.

The name comes from the educational culture practiced in China, "Jiwa Parenting" or "Chicken Parenting".

This was a former form of therapy from the 1950s, which is now banned:

Even though this type of therapy is now forbidden, some parents still cling to the attitude of leading their children to be more successful.

They often find themselves in competition with other parents.

There is immense pressure on the parents, which they pass on to their children.

Instead of letting off steam after school and playing with other children, they are dragged straight to the next lesson.

Due to private tutoring and physical education and music classes, the little ones often have a 16-hour day and don't get to bed before midnight.

Parents find themselves in a competitive struggle for education that is difficult to break out of.

After all, they hope for a fulfilling life and a better future for their offspring.

However, this is at the expense of health.

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Children of Jiwa parents lack space for self-development and just being a child

Because the day is crammed full of educational activities, the children often lack the time and space for self-development - and just to be a child.

The little ones often behave like adults and not according to their age.

So-called panda parents educate quite differently.

For author, journalist and teacher Esther Wojcick, the developer of this educational method, enough freedom for children is an important part of education.

She didn't push her offspring in any particular direction, but rather accompanied them on their way into life.

And that this style of upbringing is anything but detrimental to later success is proven by her three adult daughters, two of whom are now CEOs and the third is a professor.

This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication.

In no way does it replace a visit to the doctor.

Unfortunately, our editors are not allowed to answer individual questions about clinical pictures.