FAMILY PROFILE
pack his paint brushes and explore the world program, Keystone can help our children
with a free spirit.
become more independent, well-adjusted
and grateful individuals with compassion, the
Q: In your opinion, how has Maxwell spirit of teamwork, and a sense of honor.
adapted to, and grown in Keystone’s residential program?
Q: Since you don’t live in Beijing, how
Father: The biggest change I have noticed do you usually keep in contact with Maxis that he became much more independent, well? How do you keep up to date with his
not only in his way of thinking, but also in school life and studies?
taking care of himself. I remember my excite- Mother: We message each other through Wement when I saw him hanging up his uniform Chat after his afternoon classes, and between
after hand-washing it for the first time, even 9 and 10pm. Ziqi is still a teenager, and hasn’t
though there was still a distinct scent of the been in Beijing for long; it is essential for him
detergent left on the clothes. I also remember to feel the love and care from his family. We
listening to him about his first group debate are only an hour’s flight away from Beijing,
regarding whether Lu Xun’s essays should be so we try to spend every weekend in Beijing
included in the secondary school textbooks. with him, listening to him talk about school
Despite his team’s defeat, I could truly feel life. At times we visit art exhibitions together,
the pleasure he experienced through inde- when we are in Beijing.
pendent thinking.
Q: Some parents find it difficult to choose
Moreover, Ziqi has become more considerate. between their child’s interest and schoA few months into the boarding program, he lastic development. What is your take on
started to offer to help his mother carry her this?
bags and serve tea to elders. I know these are Father: We believe that, compared with malittle things, but I can truly see some changes terial gains, one’s own interest would serve as
in him. We hope that, through the boarding a more powerful and long-lasting drive. The
60 THE KEYSTONE MAGAZINE
key is offering guidance. Ziqi is not very keen
on science subjects and sometimes would
argue that artists do not have to be versatile
when he gets less-than-satisfactory grades.
We would first try to understand him and
communicate with him, helping him realize
that knowledge in different fields is linked.
At the same time, we encourage him to take
a step-by-step process, working our way from
easy to more difficult points and trying to enable well-rounded development.
Q: Do you have any suggestions for other
parents on how to nurture and encourage
children as talented as Ziqi?
Father: The world is a diverse place where
everyone has his own strengths and weaknesses. The key is to encourage and develop
their strengths and accept their weaknesses,
inspire them and allow them the freedom to
explore themselves and enjoy the pleasure
brought by things they are truly interested in.
Meanwhile, I really hope that Keystone Academy can provide children with a nurturing
and inclusive environment to develop their
creativity, and act as the effective organizer
and guiding light in children’s development.