A three-year-old girl from Beijing, nicknamed Niu, has captured the hearts of millions with her profound wisdom and mature way of speaking, sparking a heated debate about traditional parenting values. With 4.8 million followers on Douyin, China’s TikTok, Niu has become a “life mentor” to many, thanks to her deep philosophical insights.
Niu’s fans admire her moments of brilliance, such as when she picked up fallen flowers, placed them in her hair, and said: “This is free beauty.” In another instance, after expressing regret for giving away a gift she liked, she wisely noted: “Don’t let embarrassment hold you back.” While watching the sunset and skyscrapers from a window, Niu asked her mother what would happen if the buildings broke. When her mother replied that people would repair them, Niu insightfully remarked: “So, what is obtained through effort is always cherished by the people.”
Niu’s bilingual upbringing contributes to her unique perspective. Her father, who spent his childhood in the US, taught her English, while her mother taught her Chinese, allowing Niu to switch seamlessly between the two languages. Her parents actively engage her in discussions and encourage her to express herself in front of the camera.
On her mother’s birthday, Niu expressed gratitude with the touching words: “Thank you, mum, for waiting for me since your birth.” Her weekends are filled with hikes and new adventures, where her parents share knowledge about flowers and the history of buildings.
In a heartwarming video, Niu wanted her grandfather, who suffers from hypertension, to sleep with her. When her father explained the situation over the phone, he advised: “Sadness doesn’t solve problems, but communication does.” He explained her grandfather’s condition, asked about her love for him, suggested she sleep with her grandmother, and expressed gratitude for her willingness to communicate.
Niu’s upbringing challenges traditional Chinese beliefs that daughters should be obedient and gentle. Instead, her parents guide her towards independent thinking and promote equality between parents and children, nurturing her to become an optimistic and wise individual. This approach has inspired many on mainland social media, with one commenter noting: “Parents are the first teachers of children.”
Another parent, inspired by Niu’s story, said: “I really need to have more patience and respect for my son because he is excellent, but I’ve been suppressing him.” Niu’s high emotional intelligence and exceptional expression skills have earned her praise, with one observer commenting: “In my 40 years, this is the first time I’ve heard such wise words.”
Niu’s remarkable wisdom and the unconventional parenting approach of her parents are reshaping traditional views on raising daughters, promoting a more modern and egalitarian approach to parenting.
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