The tradition and change of family education in mainland China

The Chinese nation has a long tradition of family education. During the extended period in history when school education was extremely underdeveloped, the family was the key place for children&s;s education and for preserving and carrying forward the tradition of the nation. Scholars, teachers, and some parents have realized that new strategies are urgently needed to modify socialization and family education in China in order to adapt to the rapid social change and global values emerging with the evolving world order. Socialization and family discipline are important parts of Chinese cultural heritage. Economic development is the major current trend in Chinese society. The major emphasis in family education in the past was on "loyalty" and "filial piety." Much importance has been attached to cultivating children intellectually. The parents cherish the traditional value of family education in early childhood. Societal influences on family education are twofold-they are both positive and negative.