In an era of rapid globalization and technological advancement, family education faces increasing complexity, fueling parental anxiety often stemming from information overload and a misunderstanding of "scientific parenting."

On October 30th, YWIES Zhejiang Tongxiang hosted the second installment of the 2025 academic year's YCYW Education Lecture Series. Focused on "Scientific Parenting: Essential Support from Early Development to Adolescence," the event featured Dr Lixin Ren (Associate Professor, Department of Educational Studies, Academy of Future Education, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Director, Research Center for Family Education at the Academy of Future Education) delivering profound insights. Expertly hosted by Mr Michael Mei, YWlES Zhejiang Tongxiang Chinese Co-Principal, the lecture fostered a vibrant discussion among parents, educators, and students on effectively guiding children through every developmental stage.

1

Scientific Parenting

Professor Ren clarified that "scientific parenting" is not a rigid formula but a complex, evidence-based approach tailored to individual contexts. She urged parents to cultivate critical thinking, embrace parenting's complexities, reflect on their true expectations, and affirm their children's unique strengths to alleviate anxiety, rather than seeking simple answers to common issues like physical discipline or grandparental care.

2

Positive Parenting:

Beyond Styles to Core Behaviors 

Professor Ren critiqued oversimplified parenting styles, highlighting the efficacy of culturally nuanced approaches like "strict yet benevolent" in China. She defined "positive parenting" by core behaviors: clear boundaries, unconditional acceptance, quality interaction, and trust in a child's capabilities—essential for fostering autonomy and secure attachment.

Addressing a parent's query on being an "authoritative" parent, Professor Ren described the parent-child bond as a power dynamic. She advised 'authoritative' parents to judiciously delegate power, giving children autonomy without fear of misuse. The key is rethinking the relationship with empathy, treating children as equal individuals.

3

Emotional Intelligence: 

The Foundation of Parent-Child Bonds 

Professor Ren redefined emotional intelligence (EQ) as core self-awareness and self-management. She advocated "emotional coaching," where parents guide children to identify, express, and manage their feelings. The challenge lies in accepting emotions while separating them from problematic behaviors. This empathetic approach, through emotional dialogue, is paramount for building strong relationships and strengthening a child's emotional literacy, making them feel understood and perceive guidance as love.

4

Understanding "Aversion to Study": Relationships and Autonomy 

Professor Ren debunked the simple notion that "aversion to study" stems solely from ability or willpower. She emphasized learning's social nature, sharing her own experience where strong relationships mitigated her distaste for academics. "Aversion" often signals a child's unmet needs for belonging, value, or support within relationships, exacerbated by education's utilitarian focus and restricted self-exploration. Professor Ren urged parents to look beyond the symptom, uncovering its underlying "function" and causes. The solution: foster strong relationships, grant autonomy, and address intrinsic needs.

Professors Ren and Mr Mei concluded by calling for education to focus beyond knowledge transfer, emphasizing the cultivation of lifelong learning and the ability to forge deep connections with oneself and others.

The lecture offered profound theoretical insights and practical guidance, prompting a deep re-evaluation of modern parenting. Moving forward, only through scientific, collaborative, and empathetic approaches can we truly empower children to build inner strength and confidence for a rapidly changing future.

YWIES Zhejiang Tongxiang will continue to embody YCYW's mission to "enable every child to be a builder of the future world," fostering educational reform and collaborating with the community to explore future possibilities for holistic student development.

As a leader in international education, YCYW, through its "Challenges and Breakthroughs in Contemporary Education" lecture series, consistently provides a high-level platform for forward-thinking educational philosophies and guidance. Stay tuned for more cutting-edge insights from the YCYW Education Lecture Series.