Content provided by British Council
[1] A little girl from central China has touched hearts with a handwritten farewell message and money for her parents as they left for work. Xinyu is a 10-year-old from Shangqiu, Henan province. Xinyu and her younger brother are being raised by their grandmother while their parents work in Suzhou, eastern China.
[2] According to reports, her parents only return home once a year during Chinese New Year. This year, it ran from February 15 to 23, the longest holiday in recent years. Before leaving for Suzhou on February 23, Xinyu’s father, surnamed Xu, informed his children of their plans.
[3] The couple went to take a final look at their children the night before leaving. They found a heartfelt note from their daughter and a stack of 805 yuan (HK$911) in cash. In the letter, Xinyu wrote, “I have cried many times in my room because I do not want you to leave, but I understand you are working hard for our family.”
[4] She reassured her parents that she would not cry or stop them from leaving, knowing that doing so would only hurt them more. Leaving all her lai see for her parents, Xinyu wrote: “This is the only thing I can do for you. Please use the money to eat and drink well, do not hesitate to spend, and stay safe. Do not be too tired or sick.”
[5] She promised to be a good child, study hard and listen to her grandmother. She also said she would care for her younger brother as the “little grown-up” of the family. A video shows the couple, who had planned to leave quietly, accidentally waking their children as they start the car. Xinyu and her younger brother stand by the window, waving goodbye to their parents.
[6] Xu expressed regret and helplessness about having to raise his children as left-behind children from a young age. The couple reportedly plans to save money in 2026. They hope to return to Henan for work in the future.
[7] According to official data, around 67 million left-behind children in China live without one or both parents. Most come from impoverished rural areas. The country’s strict household registration system continues to restrict migrant workers’ children from relocating. While educational opportunities and living standards for left-behind children have improved compared to previous decades, the psychological effects of parental absence persist.
Source: South China Morning Post, March 9
