But what is gratifying is that the "post-80s generation" seems promising after they reach working age. They're ambitious, energetic and flexible. But they are too sensitive and sometimes are too easy to get frustrated.

I've met with several students who are tired of studying and learning. The main reason is that they cannot adjust themselves to a new situation so they totally give up. It is worthy of note to such kind of phenomenon.

You have mentioned "five losses" of the younger generation in China--the loss of a happy childhood, the loss of study motivation, the loss of spiritual culture, the loss of communication between family members, and the loss of a sense of achievement. How can we get those "losses" back as much as possible?

Participating in social activities is a good way, because the sense of achievement comes from what you have done by yourself.

By the same token, children and teens are encouraged to retain close links with the nature and engage in volunteer programs as much as possible. It will help them to broaden their views, and gradually understand what it means to be a human being. I’m sure that they will be benefit from what they learn beyond textbooks.

Being a human being is more meaningful than success; growing up is more meaningful than exam scores; giving is more meaningful than getting. Keep these tips in mind, our children will be grow up in a psychologically healthy way.

What are the main problems those children in urban and rural areas facing?

Children from different areas have their own happiness and vexation.

Children in urban areas have more opportunities. They have a better life in terms of both material and spiritual. They have a broader view on what the world looks like. However, they are bearing more pressures. The competition gets fiercer in cities. Their lives are boring; they move back and forth between home and school. They seldom go hiking. They are judged by exam scores and which school they are in. They feel less happy and lack of the sense of achievement.

Children in rural areas, especially those in remote areas, have less extracurricular reading materials although their studying condition is gradually improving. Their spiritual life is somehow hollow. They have a narrower view on the outside world. They do nothing but study. Thus, it might lead to psychological shortcomings or, as they say, an inferiority complex. They may look down upon themselves when they come to big cities for the first time. What is sad is they lose their self-identity and forget their unique advantage--retain a closer link with the nature. Hence, children in rural areas need more self-confidence. They should believe that they are second to none; they can enjoy a fresh air, beautiful scenery; their capability for survival is far better.

Aims to develop abovementioned advantages of children in rural areas, we plan to promote "mini breeding" program. My colleagues and I have been to Sichuan Province recently. What impressed us most was the "diary of life observing" that written by local children. They wrote down how to select and sow seeds, and their expectation of the planet's future; they noted how to select and feed rabbits, and their prescription for the sick one. They enjoyed such programs and learnt how to build up self-confidence and a sense of achievement.

In the case of migrant workers' children, they lack of a sense of security and self-confidence when they come to urban areas with their parents from a small backward area. They consider themselves as an "outsider". However, they are diligent, and know how to treasure what they get. They need special love and care, and some basic psychological readjustment and guidance in order to cultivate self-confidence and self-control.

As the number of wealthy families increases, becoming "an overseas student under the age of 18" seems a rising "trend" in China. Do you think it is good for children and teens?

To be honest, I strongly oppose this "trend".

The outside world is fascinating; the management of overseas schools is more flexible than domestic schools. But most students under the age of 18 lack self-control. It will be dangerous if they indulge themselves without any supervision.

Parents should think carefully and clearly before they make the decision to send their child abroad. In my opinion, it will be reasonable if you have money and your child is mature and independent enough--or after they get a Bachelor's degree, to study abroad.

Profile of Lu Qin

Born in Beijing in 1948, Lu Qin became a columnist of "Zhi Xin Jie Jie" with Chinese Teenagers News since 1980s. She initiated the Zhi Xin Jie Jie magazine and became the editor-in-chief at the age of 52.

She is regarded as a senior expert on education of children and teens. As an invited speaker of several TV programs and academic seminars, she makes efforts in promoting harmonious education which best explained in her best-seller books such as Telling the Child That 'You Are Great', Telling the World That 'I Know I Can', Good Parents and Good Kids.