Hong Kong Educational Pendulum: Balancing Happiness and Academic Rigor

Dr. Lai’s Hong Kong Educational Pendulum: Balancing Happiness and Academic Rigor 

By Dr. Lai Mei Kei Vivien

As a homeschool educator, researcher, author, and leader, I’ve worked closely with homeschooling families, school dropout cases, and educators. My experience allows me to hold a broad and nuanced perspective—one that is fair, balanced, and free from bias toward any single viewpoint. This writing is intended to be holistic, analyzing the full picture from multiple angles while upholding the integrity and depth expected of an educational researcher. My firsthand experience in homeschooling, combined with my deep insights as an educational researcher, enables me to examine the unique educational landscape of Hong Kong with both empathy and academic rigor.

In Hong Kong’s fast-paced education system, families often find themselves caught between two extremes: the relentless pursuit of academic excellence and the deep desire to protect their children’s emotional well-being. This tension inspired me to develop the concept of the Hong Kong Educational Pendulum—an educational philosophy that illustrates the swing between happiness and academic rigor. The ideal resting point, as demonstrated through my real-life experience with my daughter Paris—guiding her to become a joyful and resilient learner and transitioning from homeschooling to university in Hong Kong at the age of 15—is a harmonious balance: happiness plus academic success.

The Right Swing: The Pursuit of Academic Rigor

On the right end of the pendulum, traditional schooling in Hong Kong is marked by high-stakes examinations, inflexible curricula, high parental and societal expectation, and relentless academic competition. Under immense societal pressure, parents often steer their children into rigid, repetitive cycles of tutoring and performance. The consequences are sobering: chronic stress, emotional exhaustion, burnout—and tragically, a rising incidence of student suicides. This is not just an educational concern; it’s a pressing social crisis.

The Left Swing: The Pursuit of Happiness

Many families turn to homeschooling as a refuge from the pressures of traditional education, while others leave school entirely, becoming dropouts. In these cases, children often develop an aversion to learning, avoiding anything that resembles academic work. What they crave instead is joy, emotional safety, and a student-centered approach that honors their individuality. In such environments, children are free to explore, play, and grow at their own pace. Emotional validation, personalized instruction, and gentle guidance become the pillars of this alternative path.

However, myriad families swing too far in the direction of emotional well-being, unintentionally sidelining academic development. I’ve met 9-year-olds who have yet to begin learning how to write and 14-year-olds who struggle with basic linear equations. These children often struggle significantly in academic development, especially in literacy and science-related subjects. While they may feel emotionally secure, they frequently lack the academic foundation and skills needed to navigate future challenges. Without a balanced structure that nurtures both heart and mind, the promise of holistic growth remains incomplete.

The Center: Equilibrium Where Happiness Meets Academic Success

The true goal is not to choose one side, but to find balance. A child who is emotionally supported and academically prepared is best equipped to thrive. This middle ground honors both the heart and the mind—blending play with purpose and joy with discipline.

This is the equilibrium I found during my homeschooling journey with my daughter Paris. Through emotional healing, personalized learning, and academic support, she transitioned from home education to university at the age of 15. Her success proves that happiness and academic achievement are not mutually exclusive—they are mutually reinforcing.

My Role as a Homeschool Leader in Hong Kong – be kind for no reason

Leading the homeschool movement in Hong Kong is no easy task. Over the past two years, I’ve worked tirelessly to guide families away from the extremes of happiness-focused education and toward a more balanced, sustainable approach. This journey requires more than just curriculum advice—it demands deep shifts in mindset and daily habits.

Beyond supporting individual families, I strive to reshape public perception of homeschooling and advocate for inclusive education. Homeschooling is not a rejection of society; it’s a thoughtful reimagining of how children can flourish within it.

I also leverage my personal network to bring valuable resources into our community—inviting speakers for Homeschool Education Talks, organizing volunteer tutors, and creating meaningful opportunities that empower families with the knowledge and support they need to thrive.

As a homeschool leader, I believe in being kind for no reason. This philosophy beautifully reflects the spirit of supporting educationally marginalized families and children—not because I have to, but because it’s the right thing to do. It’s kindness as a principle, not a transaction.

A Hong Kong Government That Cares

We are fortunate to have a government that genuinely cares about our children. The Education Bureau’s close monitoring of homeschool education is not antagonistic—it reflects a sincere concern for our children’s futures. The government is engaged, not indifferent. Its oversight is meant to protect and support, not punish. This demonstrates a genuine commitment to the well-being and future of its citizens—especially children and families.

In this context, the EDB is not trying to oppose homeschooling, but rather is actively monitoring it out of a sincere desire to ensure children receive a quality education. This opens the door for collaboration, understanding, and shared responsibility between homeschool leaders and policymakers. It’s a reminder that homeschooling is not a rejection of society, but a reimagining of how children can thrive within it—with the support of a government that truly cares.

What’s missing, however, is compelling data to show that homeschooling in Hong Kong consistently meets both societal and governmental benchmarks. That’s where I step in as a leader—and where my trusted friends step in to support my vision for leading the homeschool community and giving back to our beloved city, Hong Kong.

One person to whom I owe deep gratitude is Professor Dr. Chan—my doctoral-level thesis supervisor and unwavering supporter of my homeschool leadership journey. Advancing homeschooling in Hong Kong is not an easy path. Without genuine kindness and integrity in my heart, I would have given up a thousand times, and I would never have been able to convince so many of my good friends to support homeschooling in Hong Kong. Professor Chan’s belief in me, along with the support of my good friends, gave others the confidence to believe as well, helping to build a community rooted in trust, shared purpose, and hope for educationally marginalized families.

I faced failure when trying to establish a homeschool association NGO, due to manipulation by invited collaborators. Disheartened, I stepped away from my leadership role. But it was the homeschool educators who called me back, sending messages of encouragement and reminding me that I was doing the right thing—that I must not give up on bringing hope to educationally marginalized children and families.

Professor Dr. Chan’s unwavering support—through both my failures and successes—has been a constant light. He has stood by me from the very beginning, not only as a teacher but as a genuine father figure. It is this kind of bright, steadfast support that fuels my commitment to leadership, even when the journey is lonely and filled with obstacles. I continue to clear the path for other educationally marginalized families and students, because they deserve a future built on hope, dignity, inclusive education, and opportunity.

Copyright © Dr. Lai Mei Kei Vivien. “Hong Kong Educational Pendulum” — all rights reserved.