Growing up in a Chinese household is slightly different than the average American household. Chinese households usually have more defined rules (albeit sometimes illogical). Here's a list of things Chinese parents typically say or do at home:
1. "Finish all your rice..."
Usually followed by "the farmers in China worked really hard" or "there are other people that are starving."
2. "Did you finish your homework?"
Sometimes, I lie and say yes just so they can get off my back.3. Adding water to the soap bottle
They do this to "not waste soap," but you just end up pumping more water to your already wet hands.
4. Saving plastic or foil takeout containers
This goes back to the "don't be wasteful" mantra. Chinese people reuse takeout containers to store all sorts of food.5. "You should have an A+ in math."
Asians, in general, embrace the "Asians should be good at math" stereotype, even though only some of us go on to be accountants.
6. Freezing batteries
Freezing batteries apparently extend the life of batteries. I'm not exactly sure this is true though.
7. "What are you going to be when you grow up?"
They just ask this so they can brag to their friends that their son/daughter is going to be a doctor without lying to them.
8. "Did you eat yet?"
The most commonly asked question in a Chinese household. Food is the number one priority in Chinese lives.
9. Washing the plates and chopstick with tea at a restaurant
It's less prevalent in the States, but at Chinese restaurants, there is usually a bowl which collects the tea after it has been poured over everyone's plates and chopsticks. It's a habit in China to clean your own plates and chopsticks even though the restaurant should've cleaned everything beforehand10. "When you move out, I'm going to live with you."
Every young adult/adult's worst nightmare.
Most of our parents emigrated from China, carrying along with them their frugal habits and unique traditions. While some of these habits may have seemed annoying at the time, they're memories we can look back and laugh at.
Are there any other quirky things Chinese parents say or do? Comment below!
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