Howard Stribbell, Head of School
We are currently in the middle of Macau’s admission and registration season for next year. The stakes are high. The competition is fierce. With fewer seats than ever before, parents are eager to get their children into the schools of their choice. At TIS, we have received far more applications than ever before and many, many well-deserving, bright-eyed, eager-to-please, outgoing children will be turned away. It’s a race with many runners and very few winners. For too many students, getting into their preferred school won’t be the finish line, but just the start of another race.
The South China Morning Post recently published an article on the dangers of pushing children too hard. To be clear and fair, this isn’t just a tendency of Chinese families. While one may over generalize and say that some Chinese parents may push for high academic achievement and for more and more homework, Western families can also be guilty of pushing their children into sports, play groups, dance lessons and other well-intentioned activities.
We often perceive our children’s lives as being in a very competitive race. As good parents, we want to give our children every advantage in that race; whether it is encouraging them to achieve the highest grades possible or filling their portfolios with various certificates of achievement. We have determined which professions are acceptable for a career and we have high hopes of our children getting into the top universities. However, we must be careful that our best intentions do not drive our children to desperation.
On the other hand, we don’t want to be guilty of raising little princes and princesses whose every wish is fulfilled. The difficult job of parenting sometimes means saying no to our children. We don’t want to be guilty of sheltering our children so much that they are unable to live in the real world as adults.
TIS is well known for offering students a well-rounded education. A rigorous curriculum is complemented with plenty of opportunities for sports, leadership, extra-curricular activities and fine arts. Students are taught to collaborate with each other and to think both critically and creatively to solve problems. Students are encouraged to explore their own interests and seek meaning and understanding through day to day activities. Teachers and staff strive hard to build meaningful relationships with students. Students are challenged and learn to work together with others while also being independent.
Ernest Cheng, a popular radio and TV personality from Toronto, recently spoke to students and parents at TIS. He reminded us to choose the university and the program that is the best “fit” for the student and not to go by name recognition only. He encouraged students to leave home and to experience life on its own terms – without mom and dad protecting or dictating every step. He challenged students to seek friendships from groups outside of their usual circles. He also encouraged students and parents to go out and explore their passions.
As our childrens’ primary coach, our job is not to yell at our racers to go faster and faster! Nor should we run the race for them. We are there to encourage, cheer, support and love them.