A Hong Kong mother has sparked a heated debate online after sharing her intense daily routine for her four-year-old daughter. The actress and former Miss Hong Kong contestant, Li Tianzong, also known as Lena Li, has received both praise and criticism for enrolling her daughter Amber in two separate kindergartens, feeding her in the car, and even installing a portable toilet in the backseat to save time.
Li, 37, has divided the internet with her approach to her daughter’s education. She has been labeled “monster mom” by some critics who believe Amber’s packed schedule is too much for a child her age.
Amber’s day starts at 7:30 AM. After brushing her teeth and changing her clothes, she has breakfast in the car before heading to her first school, Christ Church Kindergarten, for English lessons. Afterward, she eats lunch and naps in the car on the way to her second school, the Hong Kong Soka Kindergarten, for Cantonese lessons. The two schools are located in Kowloon Tong, while the family lives in Yuen Long, requiring six daily commutes between home and school.
To manage this hectic schedule, Li purchased a seven-seater car that serves as a mobile living space for Amber. She also practices piano and pipa with her grandmother and rehearses dance and recitation with her mother outside of school hours.
Li shares Amber’s daily routine with her 16,000 followers on social media, where the mother’s strict approach to parenting has sparked a fierce online debate. While some people praise Li’s dedication to her daughter’s education, others argue that Amber is being deprived of a normal childhood.
Many critics have slammed Li, calling her a “tiger mom” and “monster parent.” Some users questioned whether Li had considered her daughter’s well-being, with one remarking, “She is only four, but her schedule is as intense as that of an adult.” Others agreed, saying, “The child is suffering, missing out on her childhood.”
However, some parents in Hong Kong defended the routine, explaining that it is common in the city, where competition for academic success is fierce. One mother noted that many children’s classes are split into morning and afternoon sessions, allowing time for an intense daily schedule.
“This is nothing new in HK,” one user said. “Many parents just want to overload their kids.” Another agreed, adding, “Almost every kid has to be well-prepared from a young age.”
In response to the criticism, Li defended her parenting style, stating that Amber enjoys attending both schools and views it as a rewarding experience. “I am not proud of this, but every parent has their own approach. Even if you disagree, I hope you can respect it,” Li posted on social media.
Despite the backlash, Li continues to share Amber’s academic accomplishments, such as winning a Mandarin recitation competition and earning distinction certificates for Mandarin proficiency and English speaking tests. Li maintains that hard work leads to success, writing, “Effort brings rewards. Kids who seize every opportunity to improve will only get better.”
Some online users expressed support for Li, with one saying, “The competition in children’s education is fierce, and every parent wants to give their child the best.” Another commented, “Do not stigmatize tiger mums. As long as the child’s wishes are respected, it’s a good thing for both parents and children to work hard together.”
The practice of “tiger parenting” is not uncommon in China, where strict parenting focuses on academic excellence. While this approach can lead to success, it has been widely debated by psychologists, who suggest that it can harm a child’s mental health and social development.
