In Father’s Care: Discovering the True Meaning of Filial Piety

In Father’s Care: Discovering the True Meaning of Filial Piety

Even with the difficulties of providing care, there’s an elegance in recognizing that fulfilling one’s duty to parents isn’t optional but essential: roles and duties are well-defined.

For quite some time now, my sister and I have taken on new roles within our family. After my father retired a few years back and began experiencing declining health, the dynamics of our relationships changed significantly.

Our dad was our very own superhero, cap or no cap. He stood tall as an embodiment of self-reliance, offering us generous support through his wisdom and counsel. Moreover, he blazed new trails by being the trailblazer within his family—leaving Hong Kong for higher education and becoming the inaugural tenured professor in their lineage. Yet unexpectedly, we’ve found ourselves stepping into different shoes; our positions as offspring have shifted considerably.

My sister and I have taken on the responsibility of caregivers. As my dad and his spouse adjusted to their new circumstances, my sibling and I have created a fresh routine working together like a well-oiled duo—handling all of Dad’s doctor visits, transportation needs, and food delivery services. Additionally, I’ve been responsible for grocery shopping and organizing entertainment options at our nearby seniors’ center for him, such as bingo sessions.

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During my peaceful interludes, I grappled with the part I believed I ought to assume within a structure where the distinctions between positions had grown hazy. This fresh role didn’t sit well with me; occasionally, it felt more like a duty than a choice.

It was an understood yet unsaid rule that, since I grew up as a child of immigrants, I should respect my elders, particularly my parents.
xiao shun
being dutiful and respectful. This feeling would arise every time I disregarded a request from my parents, be it for fetching groceries from the supermarket or heeding their guidance.


It doesn’t matter whether it’s small or not.
“? (‘Are you obedient to your parents?’) was a query accompanied by the motion of a wagging finger.” Unlike in the West,
filial piety
In Chinese and certain other Asian societies, significant importance is placed on showing deference to elder authorities and upholding familial dignity.

Unaware of what was truly happening, I witnessed deep respect and devotion when observing how my father and his brothers and sisters looked after my grandmother following my grandfather’s passing. Each one would take turns visiting her and contribute to ensuring she received proper attention. Additionally, an uncle and aunt have been taking care of their elder parents—affectionately referred to as ‘the super seniors’—for many years now; this includes everything from scheduling doctors’ visits to cooking meals.

As mentioned, taking care of parents and other older relatives goes beyond cultural boundaries. Across various cultures and religious beliefs, looking after senior citizens continues to be significant. A majority of my Jewish acquaintances would absolutely refuse to consider putting their parents in a nursing home. Similarly, numerous American friends also take responsibility for their aging parents. Such acts reflect the norms we uphold in this era.

Many individuals in their 40s and 50s find themselves caught between looking after their children and taking care of their aging parents, managing busy schedules filled with responsibilities towards their careers, personal relationships, and even pets. Approximately 23 percent of U.S. adults fall into this category.
“sandwich generation”
, looking after both elderly parents and children under 18, with people in their 40s being the most likely group to be in this situation, as reported by the Pew Research Centre.

In reflecting on
xiao shun,
I now understand that this concept occupies a distinctive position within Eastern culture, particularly where reverence and compliance are integral parts of familial dynamics. Arguably, it serves as the foundation of Chinese households, shaping both family and societal hierarchies. This is why my father—the firstborn—continued to look after his younger brothers and sisters even when they were adults, including giving them red envelopes.
covering the costs of the family dinners
.

This framework holds an undeniable solidity. Embracing the idea that respecting one’s parents is non-negotiable rather than optional reveals a certain elegance. Responsibilities and duties within this dynamic are well-defined. Personally, I am convinced that maintaining this respect remains crucial even when faced with the difficulties of care-giving. This isn’t merely about adhering to custom; it also serves as a means to express appreciation for everything those preceding generations have bestowed upon us.

I’ve loved taking care of Dad and find pleasure in all aspects of it, from the essential tasks to the more enjoyable ones. In October, I brought him to the yearly “senior prom,” which is organized by our local Office for the Aging for seniors in our area. Dad thoroughly enjoyed himself, meeting new people and dancing along with the tunes. Seeing his laughter filled me with happiness.

My sister has chosen to create special occasions like “dinner with Dad” or “breakfast with Dad,” during which they enjoy homemade meals and casual conversations. These moments together have brought us immense value. In return, our father shares tales from his childhood along with valuable insights, enriching our family’s legacy with these precious narratives.

After every gathering, he sends a text saying “Thank you for coming to see me.” Such gratitude isn’t required. I’m merely fulfilling my duties as both a daughter and someone of Chinese-American heritage. My dad simplifies things—he’s amazing and has done so much for us over the years.

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The article initially appeared on the South ChinaMorning Post (www.scmp.com), which is the premier source for news coverage of China and Asia.

Copyright © 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Why Do You Want to Be a Caregiver? Compelling Answers for Your Interview

Why Do You Want to Be a Caregiver? Compelling Answers for Your Interview


During an interview for a caregiving role, various questions might come up. A common query you may face is, “What motivates you to become a caregiver?” Providing an excellent answer to this question can boost your likelihood of getting chosen for the job.

Being a caregiver ranks among the most fulfilling professions if your aim is to make a positive difference in others’ lives. As a caregiver, your usual responsibilities may involve looking after individuals suffering from long-term illnesses, administering medication, or assisting with tasks like bathing and dressing. This role could see you working in settings such as an assisted living facility, medical center, or within a family’s private residence for elderly members.

What motivates you to become a caregiver?

The motivation for choosing a caregiving role is significant. Interviewers ask about this to gauge how your enthusiasm has shaped your professional path. Below are several motivations you could share when explaining why you aspire to work as a caregiver.

  • I enjoy assisting and supporting those who are in need.
  • This provides me with an opportunity to understand others better and form robust relationships.
  • I like communicating with elderly people and helping them.
  • I aim to provide family members with reassurance, ensuring they have confidence in a trustworthy individual caring for their beloved relative.
  • Gaining a feeling of individual satisfaction comes from knowing that you’ve made a positive impact on others’ wellbeing.
  • I’m seeking a meaningful and satisfying career where I can have an impact on others’ lives.

What motivates you to become a caregiver?

This question gives you an opportunity to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the caregiver role. While responding, emphasize what drives you to seek out a career in caregiving. Below are several responses you might consider using should this query arise during your interview.

  • I derive satisfaction from assisting others and offering them support and care when they are in need.
  • This provides me with a chance to create positive change in individuals’ lives, boosting their overall wellness and elevating their standard of living.
  • I have a close family member who needs specialized care, so I understand the importance of providing personalized care to those who need it.
  • This is an immensely fulfilling profession, and I am honored to have the opportunity to create a significant positive difference in my clients’ lives.

What makes you a suitable candidate for this caregiving position?

Should this question arise during an interview, be sure to convey your sincere desire to assist others and emphasize the rewarding elements of the caregiving role. Below are some effective answers that can boost your likelihood of getting hired for the position.

  • I’ve demonstrated an aptitude for building robust personal connections with clientele across various age groups.
  • I strictly adhere to comprehensive safety procedures to guarantee the client’s continuous protection.
  • I derive immense satisfaction from offering emotional backing and friendship to those who need them the most.
  • My exceptional communication abilities and sincere concern for my clients set me apart from other caregivers.
  • I consistently make sure that all documentation and patient files remain current and precise.
  • I have expertise across several caregiving domains, including medication administration, personal assistance, and ensuring safety measures.
  • My true enthusiasm lies in helping others, and working as a caregiver allows me to pursue this.
  • In addition, I possess strong communication abilities that enable me to interact efficiently with clients and their relatives.
  • I work on establishing trust with my clients by understanding them personally and discovering their tastes, aversions, and preferences.
  • I have faith in my capability to deliver excellent care while upholding the autonomy and respect of elderly individuals.
  • I possess a broad array of abilities that will enable me to thrive in this position.
  • I realize that looking after clients demands patience, empathy, and comprehension.

What makes you enjoy taking care of elderly individuals?

The response to this query should emphasize the uplifting facets of looking after older adults. It should concentrate on the requirements of senior citizens, particularly their desire for social interaction. Additionally, it should highlight positive traits like empathy and kindness. Below are some examples of responses to consider.

  • I like collaborating with the seniors since they have plenty to impart to me.
  • Taking care of elderly individuals enables me to offer tailored support that enhances their health and upholds their self-respect.
  • A lot of older individuals suffer from long-term medical issues that stop them from enjoying dynamic and sociable lifestyles. I offer them companionship and an opportunity for interaction.
  • I aim to have a positive impact on their lives by offering the necessary care and support for them to achieve independent living.
  • Taking care of elderly individuals allows me to positively influence their lives during times when they may be more susceptible.

Share your story about being a caretaker.

While responding to this query, showcase the pertinent expertise and abilities that set you apart from fellow candidates. Highlight any credentials or courses you have completed. Below are some model responses you may offer when requested to outline your background.

  • I have employed innovative strategies for tackling difficult behaviors through creative problem-solving methods.
  • I’ve put in additional effort to guarantee my clients get exceptional care.
  • I possess significant experience in offering hands-on care for seniors within their residences.
  • I have helped clients with various day-to-day tasks including bathing, meal preparation, and travel.
  • I’ve had the chance to collaborate with elderly individuals who have been diagnosed with different medical issues within healthcare environments.

Wrapping up

Why do you aspire to become a caregiver? Now that you’re aware of the top answers you could provide when faced with this query during your job interview for a caregiver role. Each individual embarks on their journey into caregiving for various personal reasons. However, irrespective of these motivations, being a caregiver stands out as a fulfilling profession focused on delivering empathetic and respectful support to those requiring assistance.

The website LIFEHACK.co.ke has shared insights into frequently asked managerial-round interview questions along with sample responses. Prominent organizations utilize these structured queries during interviews to pinpoint the most suitable applicant for open positions within their firms. Typically, following successful completion of previous stages in the hiring process, applicants encounter a group of evaluators in this final phase.

Regardless of whether it’s a fresh hire or a promotion, candidates go through an intense and competitive procedure to evaluate their skills and capabilities. Many of these management-level interview questions aimed at assessment have been posed previously. Have your answers ready and be confident; you’ll ace the interview. Check out this article to discover more details.