In some Chinese households, a surprising shift in family roles is taking place: children are beginning to lead, not just learn. A growing number of young children are now taking on responsibilities traditionally handled by adults — from cooking and cleaning to managing family travel plans.
This emerging trend, often referred to as “reverse parenting,” has gained significant traction online and is prompting conversations about evolving family dynamics in modern Asian societies.
One standout example is Yuanyuan, a primary school student from Liaoning province. With a clip-on camera documenting his daily life, he has amassed nearly a million followers on Chinese social media. Yuanyuan begins his day walking neighbours’ dogs for pocket money, calls his mother to check what she’d like for dinner, and shops for groceries, even bargaining with local vendors. He often cooks elaborate meals such as braised prawns and pork ribs — all while his mother relaxes on the couch.
The phenomenon goes beyond just the kitchen. Some children now handle tasks like booking holidays and organizing family activities. According to child social worker Zhang Jianyong, this shift can foster maturity. “Parents showing a bit of ‘weakness’ can inspire kids to take more responsibility and be more proactive,” Zhang told the South China Morning Post.
Still, not everyone is supportive. Critics argue that the roles are being reversed too extremely. “In this family, the kid is the responsible parent, and the parents are acting like children,” one online user commented.
Despite the debate, the trend is clearly resonating. On platforms like Weibo, posts tagged with “reverse parenting” have garnered over 230 million views — a sign that what was once considered unusual is now part of a larger cultural discussion.
