There is a wide cultural and generational gap between Chinese immigrant parents and their American children. Having vastly different life experiences, the parents often find it difficult to understand the struggles of their children growing up in America. On the other hand, the children also find it difficult to straddle two cultures and meet the expectations of their parents while struggling to fit in at school. Similar gaps may exist between later-generation Chinese Americans and their children, as well as between American parents and adopted children of Chinese descent.

Chinese American Museum in Washington DC in collaboration with Calvin J Li Memorial Foundation are introducing an annual Essay Contest series with an aim to Bridge the Cultural Gaps in Chinese American immigrant families. Our inaugural Essay Contest is titled “Dear Mom, Dear Dad,” an open letter from the children to their parent(s). In this letter, you can write something that you find it hard to say in person. You can express your appreciation and gratitude; you can voice your complaints and criticism. Most importantly, we would like you to share your struggles, your dreams, your questions, and your deepest emotion with your parents. We hope these essays will promote an open dialogue that will bring our families closer together, and help students and parents understand each other better.