Families in my country tend to come together for a few key occasions. The biggest is the Lunar New
Year, when extended family gathers for a long, shared meal and often stays for several days. There
are also weddings and baby showers, which are usually large and very lively, and some families mark
religious or local festivals. More recently, birthdays and anniversaries have become more common
reasons to get everyone together, especially in cities where family members don't live close by.
Honestly, it varies a lot. In more traditional or rural families, three generations often live close
together and may meet every week, especially for Sunday meals. In urban areas, though, where younger
people move away for work, the generations might only see each other a few times a year — often at
the big holidays. So I'd say it's becoming less frequent as society becomes more mobile, which is a
change many people regret.
I think there are a few reasons. Some people feel awkward around relatives they barely know, or find
the atmosphere tense if there are old disagreements. Others find large gatherings exhausting,
particularly introverts who need quiet time to recharge. And sometimes it's simply that these events
put pressure on people — to perform, to be cheerful, or to answer personal questions they'd rather
avoid. So it's not that they don't love their family, but that the occasion can be stressful.
Yes, in moderation, I do. Parents can offer encouragement, a bit of guidance and a regular routine,
which helps children take school seriously. It's also a way for them to stay involved in their
child's life. However, there are risks — if parents do the work for the child, or push too hard,
it can undermine a child's independence and confidence. I think the ideal is to support and motivate
rather than to do it for them.
Very important, in my view. A shared meal is one of the few reliable moments when a family actually
talks, and it helps build a sense of belonging. For children, regular family meals are associated with
better communication and wellbeing. That said, modern schedules make it genuinely hard to do every
single day, so I'd say the goal is to prioritise it when possible rather than to insist on it
rigidly. It's more about quality and consistency than a strict daily rule.
Yes, I do, broadly speaking. Sharing chores teaches responsibility and independence, and it prevents
the unfair situation where one person, often the mother, carries most of the burden. Especially for
children, doing chores from an early age builds useful life skills. But I'd add a nuance: tasks
should be divided fairly and according to each person's ability and time, rather than by a strict
rule. The principle is fairness and teamwork, not just an equal split.