Are you chinese?

There are certain expectations of you when you are born chinese. Even more so when your mother is Malaysian Chinese.

This article is dedicated to my children. Maybe one day they will understand what is it like to be a chinese.

* You are expected to excel in your life and apply yourself 200%

* You are expected to study smart and be educated so as to find a good job.

* You are expected to learn more than one language, this include Hokkien, your local dialect, Mandarin and English.

( Mummy will forgo Malay but I do expect my children to know how to order a local teh tarik and roti special)

* You are expected to help around the house and take care of each other as siblings do.

* You are expected to know the value of a dollar and not spend too lavishly.

( this is particularly true in mummy's household in Johor. Grandfather used to dilute our coke to make it go further and we drank it just as it is)

* Any rewards will be based on school results.
( This includes all luxury items like Ipod or Ipad, or whatever that is currently the craze in your peer group)

* NO branded stuff is allowed unless it is truly necessary
( Sorry kids, this applies in Mummy's rules but Mummy will allow exception if I see Lots Of Distinctions in your report cards or good behaviours applied.)

* No dating is allowed until you finished your VCE
( Mummy will re-educate you on the Importance of SPM results in Malaysia and how it will affect your entire life if you do not get the sufficient grades!)

* Mummy knows best
( Well, your father is a bit slacking in the brain department or rationale department, hence, that is the main reason he hooked on to mummy! so Mummy DO know best!)

* What applies to your Caucasian friends DO not Apply to you
( Mummy will impart as much Asian heritage as needed to assure that ANY potential identity crisis is minimised)

* Religion is crucial to your overall development
( This included the lessons of Karma Retribution, Charity begins at home and How God will only help those who help themselves, among many others)

* This list is an ongoing process
( More rules will apply as mummy's darlings grow older)

But Most of all, How the rules are not limitations but merely a loving guidelines. I dun like lying to young children about the harsh reality of life. More fearful of an identity crisis, being born here in Australia and forgetting who you are, my little darlings.

We cannot deny who we are but being a Chinese, we are born for greater aims in life. The Sky is the limits. Be proud of your heritage and celebrate your diversity!