Administrators at several Beijing preschools made headlines earlier this month when they banned the use of spoons and forks, thus requiring that all children aged four and up use chopsticks at lunch.
Educators argue that a spoon ban will help children master chopsticks earlier, which some studies have connected to a higher IQ later in life. The rule also reflects concern about the declining popularity of chopsticks as Western restaurants become more common in Beijing. Many hope to preserve this hallmark of Chinese culture by nurturing it in the youngest generation.
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Parents, however, are concerned about the ban’s influence on their children. Children who are not yet adept at using chopsticks may not be able to eat enough lunch at school, some parents argue. Moreover, the exclusive use of chopsticks may lead to competition among students over who is most skilled with theirs. Other parents are concerned about self-esteem issues – children who see their peers ably using chopsticks but who themselves are not yet capabe of using theirs may feel embarrassed.
Just be thankful that every time you use a spoon to fish a dumpling out of a bowl, you’re not a Beijing preschooler.
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