Travel has always been a priority for Jason and me. However, the birth of our son Max curtailed our globetrotting ways. It was with some trepidation that we left our 2 ½ year old at home to set out on this adventure to China.
Our first experience in China involved meeting a host family from Soochow University who graciously invited us into their home. “Sally” and “James” (the names they had chosen while studying English) have an adorable 4 year old son, Qi-Qi. Before I could even begin to seriously miss my own child, I was enveloped with love by a small Chinese boy.
We felt an instant connection when we got into their car and heard a Gymboree cd playing “If You’re Happy and You Know It” and “The Wheels on the Bus”. In English, no less. Qi-Qi showed us the playground by his apartment, his treasured toys, and shared his favorite drink. After leading the way to his grandparents’ apartment downstairs, he instructed everyone where to sit for lunch with a forceful point of the finger. Our son Max is similarly inclined to dictate the seating arrangement. We were delighted to see many familiar toys crowding the apartment including the same piano that Max owns.
Sally and I found that we faced many similar parenting dilemmas. We both try to balance grandparents who want to spoil their treasured grandsons. We have both experienced the struggle of leaving a crying child who clings to you, or as Sally calls it, “being sticky”. And we both get smothered in hugs and kisses from our sons. It seems that despite cultural differences, the challenges and joys of parenthood cross borders.
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