‘Reverse parenting' allows parents to relax while children handle housework after school
Young parents in China are relaxing at home while their children take care of the housework after school, as the trend of 'reverse parenting' goes viral.
Yuanyuan, a primary school student from northeastern China's Liaoning province, has attracted nearly one million followers on mainland social media by documenting his daily life with a mini camera clipped to his clothes.
Two to three times a week, Yuanyuan gets up at 5am to walk his neighbours' dogs for five yuan (70 US cents) each.
Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.
After school, he calls his mother to ask what she wants for dinner, then shops for fresh groceries, bargaining with vendors and paying in cash.
At home, Yuanyuan cooks meals like braised prawns and pork ribs, usually serving two meat dishes and a vegetable.
Once dinner is ready, he calls his mother, who is often watching TV, to come to eat.
His mum says she feels reassured knowing he can juggle school and housework on his own.
She often praises his cooking, which he says he learned from online videos.
Yuanyuan also helps with his mum's make-up and selects her outfits, complimenting her and cheering her up when she is feeling low.
Netizens see Yuanyuan as a prime example of 'reverse parenting,' a growing trend in which children take the lead as their parents put their feet up.
Many parents also imitate their children's laid-back habits, spending time on their mobile phones and watching TV while leaving daily responsibilities to the kids.
In February, a video of a four-year-old boy scolding his parents for being lazy went viral, earning nearly 1.4 million likes.
In the clip, the parents are seen lying in bed all afternoon as the boy stands at the door, angrily pointing out a dusty toilet lid and messy bookshelf.
'I had to clean everything and even sweep the floor,' he says, adding: 'You two are not doing anything. I cannot take it any more!'
The mother responds that they rely on him because he is so capable, to which the boy snaps back: 'Might as well work me to death.'
One netizen said: 'In this family, the kid is the responsible parent, and the parents are the ones acting like children.'
Another mother, known online as Nini, said that her seven-year-old daughter handles all their family travel plans, from booking flights to organising daily itineraries.
Nini said it all started after a trip to Hong Kong last year, when she mixed up the return flight time and the family ended up stranded at the airport overnight.
'Since then, my daughter does not trust adults with travel plans,' she said, adding that her daughter now uses social media platforms to research destinations herself.
Experts say so-called reverse parenting challenges parental authority and helps kids build independence.
'Parents showing a bit of 'weakness' can inspire kids to take more responsibility and be more proactive,' said Zhang Jianyong, a child social worker from Hubei province, central China.
The new parenting style has attracted much attention on mainland social media, with related topics attracting more than 230 million views.
One online observer said: 'I used to get frustrated with how slowly my son got ready. One day, I copied his pace and took an hour to dress. He could not take it and rushed me. He has never been slow again.'
More from South China Morning Post:
For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2025.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
5 days ago
- The Star
Why everyone's obsessed with K-beauty, and this is just the beginning
It's now clear that Korean beauty has far outgrown its modest local beginnings. Last year was truly a banner year for the industry, with cosmetics exports surging 20.3% to US$10.2bil (RM43.42bil), ranking third globally behind the US (US$11.19bil/RM47.63bil) and France (US$23.26bil/RM99bil), according to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Zooming in on US-bound exports last year, Korea's stature continues to rise: The country is not only in the top three in global exports, it ranks first in the world's largest consumer market, eclipsing former leader France. The breakthrough K-beauty's success formula, rooted in the global K-content wave and lab-based innovation, has worked its magic worldwide, but it's the affordability and e-commerce factors that have propelled K-beauty onto mainstream American shelves. The online retail platform Amazon, unsurprisingly, is the prime stage for K-beauty brands, a gateway essential to nationwide popularity in the US. 'Many leading K-beauty brands have found success entering the US market through Amazon,' noted a Seoul-based cosmetics researcher, adding that their strong sales, fuelled by K-beauty's competitive pricing, have only further driven demand. Amazon reported that K-beauty sellers' net sales on its US platform jumped roughly 170% on-year last year, with the number of brands climbing to 230, a 1.4-fold increase over the past three years. Read more: 'Hyper-competitive, materialistic culture': Luxury fashion fuels K-pop hierarchy Success in online sales creates synergies with social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where K-beauty builds familiarity and trust with consumers through viral videos. So much so that TikTok's e-commerce channel, TikTok Shop, has become a new space where brands like Medipeel and Anua now hold top spots. Outside the digital realm, Korean beauty has moved into a new phase of visibility, now stocked in major beauty retailers like Sephora and Ulta Beauty, and supermarket chains such as Walmart and Target. Widespread retail contact, however, is not enough to sustain the K-beauty hype if the products fail to deliver on their promised efficacy. 'K-beauty's ascent owes much to its deep understanding of American consumers and its agility in meeting their needs,' explained Kim Ju-duck, professor in the beauty industry department at Sungshin Women's University. 'It has been quick to deliver localised, high-quality products tailored to American preferences and skin types, while putting emphasis on clean formulations that resonate with sustainability-conscious consumers.' Famous examples include TirTir, whose 30-shade cushion compact appealed to a diverse range of skin tones, topping Amazon's US beauty sales last year. In skincare, Medicube has gained popularity for its collagen-boosting properties, while brands such as Cosrx and Anua stand out for star ingredients like snail secretion and heartleaf extract. Driving this growth in part are original design manufacturers, according to Kim, whose advanced development and production capabilities have enabled smaller Korean brands to scale rapidly. Customers sample cosmetics at a Korean beauty fair at Coex in southern Seoul. Photo: The Korea Herald/ ANN This marks a subtle yet profound shift in consumer behavior from brand loyalty to a product-first mindset, one industry observer noted. Regardless of brand size, more consumers, especially younger generations, are weighing product quality and price above top two ODMs, Kolmar Korea and Cosmax, both posted record-high sales last year at KRW2.45tril (RM7.58bil) and KRW2.16tril (RM6.68bil), respectively. Storied brands and contract manufacturers, which handle the bulk of production for smaller K-beauty brands, also remain well-prepared to meet US regulations, including stricter FDA registration, product listing and labelling requirements under the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act. 'We have a dedicated team that monitors US regulations, including MoCRA and the FDA's requirements for over-the-counter drugs like sunscreens, to ensure compliance,' said a Cosmax official. US hurdles K-beauty's hard-won rise to prominence faces a looming challenge: a delayed 25% tariff set to hit on July 8, adding to the minimum 10% tariff already in place. In a bid to offset the impact, some firms are leveraging their existing capabilities, while others are eyeing market entry. Kolmar Korea is ramping up its US operations, with a second facility entering pilot operations in the second quarter of this year, complementing its existing factory in Pennsylvania. 'With the Trump administration's tariffs in play, we're seeing a rise in domestic brand inquiries for US-based production," a Kolmar official said. Once the second plant comes online, Kolmar Korea expects its local annual production capacity for sunscreens and basic skincare to nearly double from the current US180mil (RM763mil). Cosmax projected its sunscreen production in Korea and the US will more than triple this year, as four times as many clients plan to enter the US OTC sunscreen market. Cosmax's facility in New Jersey produces around 280 million units annually, accounting for 10% of the company's total production. Read more: K-pop stars now among the most highly anticipated celebrities at fashion weeks The move coincides with a tariff scare that, in April, sent US consumers into a buying spree for Korean sunscreens prized for their superior UV protection and seamless compatibility with layered makeup. South Korea's top two beauty giants, Amorepacific and LG Household & Health Care, are also stepping up their US operations. LG H&H announced in April a US$130mil (RM551mil) paid-in capital increase for its North American subsidiary in order to expand its product lineup and boost marketing initiatives. Amorepacific hinted at building its own US manufacturing facilities. In April, CEO Kim Seung-hwan told Bloomberg TV the company plans to invest in US logistics and modular production infrastructure within the next three to five years. Though the tariff situation may seem dire, some industry insiders are more concerned about the strong won against the dollar, which could drive up the prices of Korean imports in the US market. 'Tariffs strike far and wide, not just Korea, and for companies heavily dependent on exports, the won-dollar exchange rate could prove even more critical,' said one insider on condition of anonymity. They went on to describe a new chapter in which technological prowess will shape success in an increasingly personalised and segmented market for years to come: 'In fact, consumers' love for K-beauty is no longer about price alone." K-beauty brands are hardly running behind as they pursue rapid innovation in their products. At this year's CES in January, for instance, beauty powerhouses like Amorepacific, Kolmar Korea and APR showcased next-generation beauty tech, including AI-powered devices, as they charge forward into the tech-infused future. – The Korea Herald/ANN
The Star
05-06-2025
- The Star
Afghans struggle to mark Aidil Adha amid US sanctions
A young butcher holding a sheep waits for customers at a market ahead of Aidil Adha in Kabul, Afghanistan, June 4, 2025. - Xinhua KABUL: As Muslims around the world prepare to celebrate Aidil Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, millions in Afghanistan are grappling with deepening poverty, hunger and economic despair. Najibullah, a 45-year-old Kabul resident, travelled from northern Kabul to a livestock market in the southern part of the city in hopes of purchasing a sheep for the traditional Aidil Adha sacrifice. "I arrived here at seven in the morning to buy a sheep, but a 20-km animal costs around 13,000 afghani (roughly US$186). We can't afford it," he told Xinhua in frustration. Najibullah, the sole provider for a family of five, pointed to frozen Afghan assets abroad as a key factor behind the crisis. "If the Afghan people's frozen assets were released, there would be more job opportunities. More construction projects would take place. People could find work, and our lives would be better," he said. He estimates that nearly 70 per cent of Afghans are unable to afford livestock for Aidil Adha due to ongoing US sanctions. "Most people's tables are empty because they don't have enough money," Najibullah added as he returned home without making a purchase. Instead of serving lamb, he plans to offer dried fruits to guests this year. The United Nations has warned that nearly half of Afghanistan's population, about 22.9 million people, will require humanitarian assistance by 2025 as the country struggles to meet both chronic and acute needs. Naqibullah, a butcher from eastern Wardak Province, travels to Kabul annually ahead of Aidil Adha to earn a living. "In the past, business was booming, but now, there is barely any work and the job market is taking its last breaths," he explained. This young butcher visits the market daily, looking for customers until the evening; however, there are no signs of improvement. "This year, our economy is so weak that I can't afford to make a sacrifice myself. Even some of our neighbours can't afford dinner," Naqibullah lamented. Afghans continue to voice frustration over mounting unemployment and worsening poverty, as approximately US$9 billion of Afghanistan's assets were frozen by the United States in August 2021. While a few buyers are seen browsing livestock markets in Kabul, many livestock farmers have brought their animals from neighbouring provinces, hoping to sell them. Mohammad Younis, a veteran livestock trader in Kabul with a decade of experience, said this year's Aidil Adha market has been the worst he's seen. "People want to buy cattle or sheep, but prices are too high and their wallets are empty, so they leave empty-handed," he said, anxiously scanning the market for potential customers. Younis blamed the dire situation in part on US policies. He believes decades of conflict and foreign occupation have devastated Afghanistan's economic foundations. As in other Muslim countries, Aidil Adha in Afghanistan is traditionally celebrated with animal sacrifices and family visits. But for many this year, it has become a painful reminder of hardship rather than a celebration. Shakir Yaqubi, an Afghan economist, said that US financial sanctions have crippled Afghanistan's trade and frozen development. "This Aidil Adha, for many Afghan families, is a day of economic struggle rather than a festive occasion," he noted. "Without coordinated actions from the government or international community, poverty will deepen, and social divisions will grow." - Xinhua
Barnama
05-06-2025
- Barnama
- Exploring Wulanhada Volcano, A Journey Into Inner Mongolia's Hidden Craters
Opinions on topical issues from thought leaders, columnists and editors. Beneath my feet, the earth was black and rough, as though scorched by fire in a forgotten age. By the time I reached the blackened outskirts of Wulanhada, I couldn't quite tell if I was in Inner Mongolia or on another planet. It began like a scene from a Western – a long empty road, the wind rushing though my hair, horses and cows grazing in the distance, and a landscape that felt both ancient and untouched. But that's exactly what happened during my visit to the Wulanhada Volcano Geopark in Inner Mongolia, China. If someone had told me I would feel like a cowgirl, sip salty milk tea, don an astronaut-like suit and stand on the rim of an ancient volcano – all in one day – I probably would have laughed in disbelief. As we got closer, the lush green plains gave way to stark, rugged terrain – a sure sign that we were entering a landscape forged by fire and lava millions of years ago. The scenery was so tranquil, it felt as though time itself had slowed down. The journey took about two hours by road from Ulanqab city centre, winding through vast open grasslands, sleepy villages, and long, meandering roads. File photo The place looked like the moon! Wulanhada is home to more than 30 volcanoes, but only eight of them are the main stars of the geopark. The place looked like the moon! The volcano I visited is known as the Grand Am Volcano – or simply, Geopark No. 6. The local tourism team has added a fun and unexpected twist to the experience – visitors can rent white or pink astronaut suits and pose against the black lava landscape. It really feels like stepping onto another planet! I met Cen Haixin, Director of Culture and Tourism for Chahar Right Wing Rear Banner, who told me that as of May 7 this year, 49,000 tourists had already visited the site. Last year, tourism brought in around US$3.7 billion and during the recent May 1 Labour Day holiday, the area made US$135 million in just a few days. 'We prepare carefully during the peak seasons to make sure everyone is safe and able to enjoy the scenery,' he said. Most of the tourists are from China – over 98 per cent, in fact. Cen noted that international visitors are slowly increasing, thanks in part to China's visa-free policy for selected countries. As we walked around the crater rim, Cen pointed to Volcano No. 5 in the distance – the best preserved of them all. 'It's beautiful and quiet. That's why we have stopped all development and private car access here for the past 10 years. We want to protect the environment and the green vegetation,' he said. File photo A full countryside experience To visit the site, travellers must arrange for designated transport, as private driving is not permitted within the protected area. But Wulanhada is more than just volcanoes; it is a full countryside experience. On the way to the volcano, we stopped at a small stall where I tried freshly roasted potatoes – soft, smoky and comforting. I also had my first taste of Inner Mongolian milk tea – a salty, buttery drink served warm, with a rich taste that stays on your tongue. Totally different from Malaysia's sweet 'Teh Tarik', which is still my all-time favourite. File photo A magical moment For the first time in my life, I saw wild horses galloping freely across the grasslands. Their energy was wild and powerful, like they belonged to the wind. Not far from them were a group of camels, calmly chewing grass and watching us curiously. It was such a magical moment — the kind that does not need filters or edits. No camera could capture this. No words could do it justice. At one point, I looked around at the open plains, the dusty road, the distant mountains and the endless sky. For a moment, I really felt like a cowgirl riding through some movie scene in the wild countryside. When I asked Cen how they promote Wulanhada to the world, he said none other than media and also the warm welcome of the people from this place. 'Our volcanoes are peaceful, beautiful and unique. Each one is different. Here, you can experience nature, adventure and calmness all in one place,' he said. Certainly, Wulanhada surprised me in every way. It is where ancient volcanoes meet modern tourism, where nature is powerful but also deeply peaceful. Whether you are drawn by science, the scenery or the sense of escape, this hidden part of Inner Mongolia will leave a lasting impression. The geopark covers an area of over 65 square kilometres, showcasing diverse and magnificent landscapes, from grassland volcanoes to dramatic lava formations. And the best part. Entry is completely free. Wulanhada is not just a destination. It is a discovery. -- BERNAMA Kisho Kumari Sucedaram is a journalist with BERNAMA.
