Parenting in China

So... being a white face in Hengyang draws a LOT of attention... but a white face with a white baby... oh my!! Things haven't been too crazy but crazy all at the same -- for instance- we go to our favorite Japanese noodle place for a nice relaxing meal (it is a treat to go here) and suddenly the waitress thinks it is ok to break out her cell phone and start taking pictures ... then send it to all her friends. This is rabbit trail.
Recently the weather in Hengyang has been simply beautiful- I would say an average of 75 over 60s... no rain... pollution only if you look in the distance (well... still highly polluted... but that's ok) You may be wondering- what does the weather have to do with the title of this post "Parenting in China" ... it will take some rabbit trails but eventually we will get around to it.
Back to the parenting part... many people like to give you advice -- rather tell you what you should and shouldn't be doing. This unsolicited advice is not limited to people with children but even my student friends feel the need to tell me how I should care for Parker.

For example, Parker has on one layer of clothing- sweatpants and a long sleeve shirt... we are inside where it is relatively warm here is a conversation

My friend says "I think Parker must be cold. You should put some more clothes on him"
(Not thinking I touch his hands... they are warm...)
so I say "Ok... I think he is alright"
Later (about 5 minutes)
Friend- "Avery, do you think Parker is cold?"

Another time with a different friend, I had Parker sitting on the couch right next to me and another
friend says "Can Parker move yet?"
Me: "nope, not yet"
friend: "do you think he is ok to sit there like that"
Me: "Yep, I am sitting right next to him... I think he is fine"
friend: "Are you sure... he might get hurt"

These are friends... but the advice also comes from anybody on the street. For example, you should put more layers on your child, why doesn't he have a hat on? I think he must need more sun. etc...

My teammate, Allie, and I went to the grocery store together. It was another warm 75 degree day and I saw this lady with her baby... I told Allie- I have to get a picture of this (she is great and said sure :)
This poor little one is about the same age as Parker... can't move his arms or legs and is sweating bullets.

Poor baby!!
As we leave, I am certain all the people said "the foreigner should put more clothes on that poor baby"

:)

So I know that this is the Hengyang way of showing care and love for other. The proper response is a smile and "thank you" then move along. Grace extended :)