My observations of Chinese grandparents' child raising is more on the negative side. Certainly they can help with infants and toddlers, but the problems start at older age. Teenagers, you know.
Given a city-dwelling couple today that decides to have 3 children, would be looking at possible 9 grandchildren by their retirement age. Not much time for mahjong or traveling.
I would continue this thought exercise by suggesting that Confucian principles such as filial piety could become challenged when child counts within families increase.
What may have worked once upon a time when China was a poorer country with more rural surroundings, may not work now.
Having to raise 2 or 3 princes/princesses instead of just one may hit fabrics of Chinese society in unexpected ways, and force developments that for the powers-that-be may offset the economic benefits of maintaining population.
Reading about latest developments in China's childbirth regulations (now going to 3 children per family), I started to think about the role that religions and related social organizations in western countries (maybe elsewhere too) have played in increasing (maintaining anyway) and supporting child count of families.
For example in my home country most of families with 5+ children are either cases of remarrying with bonus children, or followers of certain (usually Christian) disciplines. Furthermore many church related organizations provide assistance that makes raising children a little bit easier.
I would speculate that if not for religious activities, birth rates in western countries would have dropped much sooner and faster.
In this context, what China has to offer in place of religions, is in my opinion perhaps not sufficient to create equal factor to increase/maintain birth count.
@Mario007:
It looks particularly backward considering that according to latest official data, Yunnan has more foreign residents than Shanghai and Beijing combined.
About same as from a prayer to a revolution?
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Around Town: Spring Festival 2016 business schedules
Posted bySuper Bowl will be streamed live by all major web TV channels in China. Check www.sinoepg.net for details.
China's upscaling of potato production sprouts controversy
Posted bySpeaking of potato, what's the favorite kind of street food potato you people have had in Kunming?
There is a strip along Beijing Lu about half-way between Baiyun Lu and North Railway Station, where there are several small eateries (and one big hot pot restaurant) on the west side of road.
One of those small shops sells potato slices which are apparently first cooked in oil, and then finished in another round of oil before being mixed with chili and some other spices.
You can probably find same kind of potato elsewhere in Kunming, at least there is sign outside which has contact number for franchising.
Very delicious, this has become my favorite potato dish in Kunming.
Update: Officials fired after school stampede kills six
Posted byYeah by "those who have a choice" I was referring to people who could pack up their family and leave the city or even the country if must. Should such people want to report about apparent corruption (would have to be first hand experience I guess) in education system, where would they do it in Kunming?
Update: Officials fired after school stampede kills six
Posted byHow would one go against this? Where to complain formally and how?
I understand that for many there isn't much choice, but what about those who have?
Xuning Temple, Kunming's mountaintop sanctuary
Posted byThat restoration project sounds nice. Without knowing the details, it would be an interesting opportunity for the foreign community to do some volunteering, if it ever takes such form where it might be applicable.