Traditional School or Homeschooling in Hong Kong?

A Parent‑Friendly Explanation

As parents, we all want the same thing: for our children to grow up feeling safe, happy, and emotionally healthy. That is the foundation of any meaningful education. So rather than asking which system is better, the real question is: which environment helps your child thrive.

Every child is unique. They learn differently, grow at their own pace, and respond to environments in their own way. Some children feel energized and confident in a traditional school setting. Others may feel overwhelmed, stressed, or emotionally unsettled in that environment. When a child becomes consistently unhappy or shows signs of emotional strain, it’s often a gentle signal that the current setting may not be the best fit for them. In those moments, exploring a different approach—such as homeschooling—can give them the space and support they need to regain balance and well‑being.

I want to share something personal about my role in the homeschooling community. I invest my time, energy, resources, and connections to support homeschooling families—not because I believe homeschooling is the “best” or only educational system, but because many parents come to me when their children are struggling in traditional settings. I meet families whose children experience intense stress, emotional exhaustion, or physical discomfort at the thought of going to school. These parents are not seeking an alternative out of preference; they are seeking relief, stability, and a healthier path for their child.

My work is driven by compassion, not ideology. I support homeschooling because, for some families, it becomes a lifeline—a way to restore a child’s confidence, rebuild emotional safety, and create an environment where learning can happen without fear or pressure. When a system no longer supports a child’s well‑being, it is not a failure of the child or the parents. It simply means a different approach may be needed.

A simple metaphor helps explain this:

“You cannot judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree.”

A fish isn’t flawed because it can’t climb. 

A tree isn’t wrong for being tall. 

They just don’t match.

Put a fish in water, and it moves with ease, confidence, and joy. 

Ask it to climb a tree, and it will struggle—not because it’s incapable, but because the environment doesn’t suit its nature.

Children are the same.

Some flourish in the structure and social rhythm of traditional schools. 

Others feel calmer, safer, and more confident in a homeschooling environment. 

If a child struggles in one system, it doesn’t mean the child is behind, nor that the system is bad. It simply means the match isn’t right.

The goal of education is not to make every child climb the same tree. 

The goal is to find the environment where your child can breathe, grow, and become their best self.

Written by Dr. Lai Mei Kei Vivien ( a homeschool researcher and author in Hong Kong)