Love and choices across time and space

As time goes by, the differences between Lin Wan'er and Li Ming on the issue of children's education become more and more obvious, which makes their originally harmonious family atmosphere gradually shrouded in tension and anxiety.

Lin Wan'er firmly believes in traditional educational values. She believes strict discipline and a solid foundation of knowledge are the cornerstones of a child's success. In her view, children need to develop good study habits from an early age, such as completing homework on time, reading a certain amount of books daily, and attending extracurricular tutoring classes to improve their academic performance. She believes that only in this way can Xiao Ming stand out from the competition in the future, gain admission to a good university, and enjoy a stable career and a good life.

Li Ming holds a more modern and open-minded view on education. He advocates fostering children's creativity and thinking skills, believing that excessive homework and tutoring can suppress a child's innate abilities and limit their imagination. He hopes Xiao Ming can have more time to explore his interests and hobbies, and learn through practice and experience. Li Ming believes that academic performance isn't the only criterion for a child's success; a child's physical and mental health, social skills, and innovative spirit are equally important.

During a family discussion, Lin Wan'er said seriously, "Xiao Ming is now in the stage of laying the foundation. He must do more exercises, attend more tutoring classes, and improve his grades. Otherwise, how can he get into a good school in the future?"

Li Ming frowned and retorted, "Children can't just focus on their grades. They need time to play, think, and explore on their own. Only in this way can they develop their creativity."

Lin Wan'er responded dissatisfiedly, "What's the point of playing? The competition is so fierce now. If you don't seize the time to study, you will be eliminated in the future."

Li Ming tried to persuade Lin Wan'er, "But if the child is constantly under high pressure and loses interest in studying, even if he gets into a good university, it will be difficult for him to achieve real success in the future."

Lin Wan'er became even angrier after hearing this: "You're just making excuses for the child's laziness. How can there be any rewards without hard work?"

Such arguments happened frequently in the family, and each time the atmosphere became very tense.

One day, Xiao Ming's school organized a science and technology innovation competition. Li Ming encouraged Xiao Ming to actively participate and use his imagination to design a unique work. Xiao Ming was full of enthusiasm for this and spent a lot of time on the conception and production.

However, Lin Wan'er thought it was a waste of time and that they should focus on studying for the upcoming exam. She said to Xiao Ming, "Don't bother with this useless stuff. Do well on the exam first."

Xiao Ming felt very lost and didn't know who to listen to.

When Xiao Ming did not perform well in one of his exams, Lin Wan'er thought it was because he did not spend enough time studying, so she decided to give him more homework and tutoring classes.

Li Ming firmly opposed this, saying, "The child may not have done well in the exam this time due to other reasons. We cannot blindly increase the study burden. This will make him even more disgusted with learning."

Lin Wan'er, however, believed that Li Ming was indulging the child: "You will only make him more relaxed and less motivated."

The argument grew increasingly heated, and Xiao Ming lost control of his emotions, even in front of him. Watching his parents bicker, Xiao Ming felt a surge of fear and confusion.

Over time, Lin Wan'er and Li Ming began to disagree on the choice of interest classes for their child. Lin Wan'er believed that they should choose interest classes in academic subjects that would help them advance to higher education, such as math and English. Li Ming, on the other hand, hoped that Xiao Ming could take art courses such as music and fine arts to cultivate his aesthetic sense and creativity.

At a parent-teacher conference, the teacher mentioned the importance of developing children's comprehensive qualities. Lin Wan'er felt that this was superficial, and that academic performance was the most important factor. Li Ming, on the other hand, discussed with the teacher various methods for cultivating children's innovative thinking and practical skills, which earned the teacher's approval.

After returning home, Lin Wan'er said to Li Ming, "Don't listen to the teacher's empty talk. You should focus on your actual grades."

Li Ming said helplessly, "You are too narrow-minded. A child's future cannot depend solely on academic performance."

Lin Wan'er retorted, "I'm thinking about my child's future. Your approach is totally unrealistic."

The difference in their educational concepts not only affected their relationship, but also made Xiao Ming feel at a loss. He didn't know how to meet his parents' expectations, and his studies became increasingly passive.

Once, Xiao Ming fell ill and was hospitalized due to excessive stress. Lin Wan'er and Li Ming stayed in the hospital with their child and finally began to reflect on their parenting methods.

Lin Wan'er looked at the frail Xiao Ming lying on the hospital bed and said distressedly, "Are we putting too much pressure on the child?"

Li Ming held Lin Wan'er's hand and said solemnly, "Perhaps we are both too stubborn. We should think carefully about how to find a balance."

During Xiao Ming's hospitalization, Lin Wan'er and Li Ming had more time to think and communicate. They began to try to understand each other's educational concepts and also realized their own shortcomings.

Lin Wan'er gradually realized that cultivating children's interests and creativity is indeed important, and that they cannot just focus on grades. Li Ming also understood that a solid grasp of basic knowledge is also essential for a child's future development.

They decided to re-examine their approach to educating Xiao Ming, no longer stubbornly insisting on their own views, but instead seeking an educational method that combines the advantages of both sides.

One weekend after Xiao Ming was discharged from the hospital, Lin Wan'er and Li Ming sat down and had an in-depth and candid conversation.

Lin Wan'er was the first to break the silence, her tone tinged with regret. "Li Ming, I've thought about this for a long time. Perhaps I was too strict with my child before. I only focused on his grades and ignored his feelings and interests."

Li Ming nodded gently and responded, "I'm also wrong. I placed too much emphasis on creativity and freedom and didn't consider the real competitive pressure. We need to find a middle ground."

Lin Wan'er continued, "I think we can ensure that Xiao Ming has a solid foundation of knowledge while giving him some free time to develop his own interests and hobbies."

Li Ming agreed: "Yes, for example, we can arrange one day a week for him to freely choose to do what he likes, whether it is painting, reading or doing small experiments."

They began a detailed discussion about how to adjust Xiao Ming's study plan. Lin Wan'er said, "We can reduce the amount of homework appropriately, as long as we can ensure he masters the important knowledge points."

Li Ming added: "As for tutoring classes, don't enroll him in too many. Choose only the subjects where he is truly weak, so that he can have more room for independent learning."

When it comes to choosing interest classes, Lin Wan'er also changed her mind: "Art courses can indeed cultivate children's aesthetics and emotional expression. We can let Xiao Ming choose an art class that he likes."

Li Ming smiled and said, "Then let's discuss it with Xiao Ming and see which one he's interested in."

In the days that followed, Lin Wan'er and Li Ming guided Xiao Ming according to their new educational approach. They found that Xiao Ming's condition had improved significantly. He no longer resisted learning as before, but instead actively explored knowledge.

Once, Xiao Ming won first prize in the school's essay competition. His essay was full of imagination and unique ideas, which greatly impressed his teachers and classmates.

Lin Wan'er held Xiao Ming's winning essay, her eyes filled with pride and satisfaction. "It seems like it was right to give him some room to express himself freely."

Li Ming also smiled and said, "Yes, children's potential is really unlimited."

However, a new problem arose: Xiao Ming still made some mistakes in his math test, mainly because he did not have a firm grasp of some basic concepts.

Lin Wan'er began to worry again: "Maybe we gave him too much freedom and the foundation is still not solid enough."

Li Ming comforted her: "Don't worry, this is just an exam. We can help him review and consolidate his basic knowledge."

So, they worked together to develop a review plan for Xiao Ming's weak points in mathematics.

During this process, Lin Wan'er and Li Ming constantly adjusted and improved their teaching methods, responding flexibly according to Xiao Ming's actual situation.

As time went on, Xiao Ming's academic performance gradually and steadily improved, and his hobbies also developed well. He presented his inventions at the school's science festival and won a prize in a painting competition.

Seeing Xiao Ming's growth and progress, Lin Wan'er and Li Ming finally breathed a sigh of relief. They understood that educating a child is a process of constant exploration and adjustment, and mutual understanding and support between husband and wife in educational concepts is crucial.

On a warm evening, the family sat together and chatted. Xiao Ming happily shared his interesting stories at school, while Lin Wan'er and Li Ming listened with smiles.

Lin Wan'er said with emotion: "We worked hard together and finally found an educational method that suits Xiao Ming."

Li Ming held her hand and said, "Yes, as long as we keep communicating and improving for the good of our children, we will be able to do it."

From then on, Lin Wan'er and Li Ming no longer had fierce disagreements on the issue of their child's education. Instead, they jointly created a growth environment for Xiao Ming that was both full of love and could promote his all-round development.