Old couples need not slog to help kids

An old couple in Zhengzhou, Henan province, reportedly sweated it out in their workshop making bread and even injured their fingers in the process to make enough money for their two children to buy apartments in cities. The incident reflects the prevailing situation in China where old parents slog to earn money to enable their children to buy a house amid rising housing prices, says an article in Chongqing Times. Excerpts:

With housing prices in large cities shooting through the roof, it has become almost impossible for young people to buy an apartment on the strength of their own savings even after working for several years. So their parents have decided to help them out in their endeavour, reflecting their unconditional and unselfish love for their children.

Traditionally, Chinese parents have supported their children to succeed in life. So it is natural that they choose to work hard and save money to help their children. But no law compels them to work in old age to enable their children to buy a house. Besides, old couples have no reason to sacrifice their health and happiness to support their offspring financially.

As Yi Zhongtian, a famous scholar, once said about teachers: "People usually compare the schoolteachers to candles, who choose to burn themselves to light up people's lives. But I don't agree with such a metaphor or simile because no one should destroy oneself to support others."

The same applies to parents.