My children study like a daily vacation in America

Since childhood, my children have viewed school as a happy routine rather than a daunting duty. They approach each school day with the excitement of a vacation: carefree, eager, and delighted. After every summer break, they couldn't wait to return, reuniting with friends, meeting new classmates and teachers, and diving into the next level of learning.

Students in a class in the U.S. Photo by Unsplash/Jeswin Thomas

Through 12 years, from first grade to twelfth, they followed a curriculum filled with voluntary after-school activities like art, sports, music, and various clubs, which kept learning light and enjoyable. When it came time to prepare for top universities, they chose Advanced Placement (AP) classes to earn early college credits, yet even these felt like an extension of their playful approach to education.

Despite their laid-back approach, they excelled. They set city, state, and national records and ranked among the top 1,600 students in the country with a 4.89 GPA.

Their casual attitude continued through college, where they balanced studies with time spent with friends. While my wife occasionally fretted over their antics, I saw it as typical American college behavior. I believe that joyless, mechanical learning becomes tedious and unproductive. They graduated with dual Bachelor of Arts degrees, each with a GPA of 3.88, proving that enjoying the process didn’t hold them back.

After graduation, they quickly found jobs, saved a comfortable amount within two years, and have now chosen to take a year off to rediscover themselves. This journey has been free from external pressure, driven by a personal sense of duty pursued in the most enjoyable way.

Throughout this journey, I encouraged them to approach life with a positive spirit, free from strict goals, excessive focus on achievements, or comparisons. I taught them to rely on their own efforts without seeking validation from others or polishing their images for appearances’ sake.

These are a few parenting insights I wanted to share with other Vietnamese parents. While these experiences reflect my family’s life in America, I hope they offer a glimpse of a happier, more relaxed approach to education that may inspire others.