A man in China suffered a near-fatal heart attack while assisting his teenage son with preparations for his entrance exams.
Zhang, a father in his 40s from Zhejiang province, experienced severe chest pain and breathing difficulties while helping his son prepare for important school exams. He was rushed to the hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with acute myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack.
Emergency bypass surgery saved Zhang’s life, but doctors linked his condition to chronic stress, which resulted from his intense involvement in his son’s academic journey. Like many parents in China, Zhang spent his evenings overseeing homework and managing an exhausting schedule of cram school sessions for his son.
The pressure took a toll on their relationship, as his son felt overwhelmed by his father’s high expectations. This situation is not unique. Earlier this year, another father in Zhejiang developed an eye condition linked to stress after pushing his young son to complete his assignments.
These incidents shed light on the physical and emotional strain placed on parents, who often feel responsible for ensuring their children's success. In China, where the national college entrance exam, or gaokao, is seen as a life-defining event, the pressure is immense.
Teachers often shift the responsibility of overseeing homework to parents, forcing families to endure an exhausting cycle of constant preparation.
Experts are calling for a change in this approach. Education specialist Ling Zongwei advocates for encouraging student independence and fostering a more balanced environment.
"The competitive educational system is draining for both children and their parents," Ling explained.
While some parents continue to believe their sacrifices are necessary, stories like Zhang's serve as a sobering reminder that the pursuit of success can sometimes come at too high a price.
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