Differences between Asian and Western Styles of Parenting

All kinds of parents exist in this world, there are strict ones, and others tend to be more easy-going and flexible with their children. In general, Asian parents tend to push their children, to do the best they can. They are willing to sacrifice everything, in order for their children to have a better future. They tend to be strict with their children, pushing them to work hard and harder.

On the other hand, most Westerners tend to raise their children to pursue their passion, to do what they love the most. They are usually more easy-going and may even treat their own children as their buddies. Most Westerners also influence their children to be unique individual, not follow others. In Western culture, a child’s individuality is quite important. Both   styles  of   parenting have its pros and cons. The Asian style pushes the children to do better and better, so that they can have a brighter future. For example, Asian children usually strive to get a better grade than others in the class. While the Western style is more easy going and they believe the children should be independent and free to choose what they want to do and what they do not want to do. In my personal opinion, I would choose to raise my children using a mix of both Asian and Western styles of parenting. I believe that children should have some freedom but not too much or else they will get spoiled. 

http://healthland.time.com/2011/01/11/chinese-vs-western-mothers-q-a-with-amy  chua/#ixzz2Y3qzLryO

The Pursuit of Happiness (Not the movie :P)

I was reading the PDF from the Time Magazine and I was surprised to find out that only 1/3rd of Americans since 1972 have described themselves as “very happy.” One major reason for that happening is, I believe, that people are becoming more and more pessimistic about the future. They don’t know what to live for anymore. People still believe the old saying that “money solves all problems.” It is true that money can boost happiness if it helps you to obtain what you desire.
For example, people should not just settle in life with what they have if they are not happy. If you aren't satisfied, go and find something that you love doing. Like Steve Jobs said, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet keep looking.” Even a recent survey suggests that, for example, previously out-of-work people are happier with their new job even if it doesn't pay as much because they love the job.

Social media also tends to affect a person immensely. For example, people will feel the need to share everything they are doing in their life maybe to get people to “like” your posts and comment. People are bringing in attention to themselves this way. People also tend to get depressed/jealous after scrolling through their Facebook or Twitter. The reason that happens is that people see pictures of others and tend to envy them. They also may get depressed because they see others supposedly leading fascinating lives while they are just on their phone scrolling through Facebook or other social media.

So what I think is that people should find something to live for. That is very important. You should find something in life that motivates you and keeps you going. As long as you are happy with what you are doing, that is all that matters.

Article here  :  
http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2146449,00.html

Benefits of being self-disciplined

I was reading this article about self-discipline , it talked about people who have better self-control do many things that bring them happiness. They tend to avoid conflict and have better moods compared to their counterparts who don’t have such good self-control. The author said, “Feeling good rather than bad may be a core benefit of having good self-control, and being well satisfied with life is an important consequence.” (P.2)

People who have better self-control also tend to have fewer negative emotions. But having self-control is not easy, it all depends on how determined you are to succeed in your long-term goal. For example, dieting and exercising may seem like goals that will give you negative emotions, but if you succeed, you will be happy and proud of yourself. Self-control will not help you get instant pleasure, but it will be worth it in the long run.

There is also a distinct difference between those people who live a disciplined life and those who do not. Those who are more disciplined tend to plan for their long term goals and stick to it. I think that is a good thing, to be honest, I feel this article applies to me. Because I do have long-term goals and I do tend to avoid situations which I feel will compromise my goals.

http://healthland.time.com/2013/06/24/self-disciplined-people-are-happier-and-not-as-deprived-as-you-think/