A Place to Belong

Granny Zhang: I have to raise the kids and carefully keep the peace with my daughter-in-law! This is so hard! Granny Zhou: I don't want to look after kids. I just want a thriving career and a beautiful second chance at love! Granny He: Wait, having a kid seems to have raised my standing in the family? That's great! The state has eased its three-child policy and encouraged people to have children. Some people are terrified of giving birth, while others have two babies in three years. Raising children is the first great mountain families have to climb. Most households still rely on the older generation for help. Some elders are in poor health but have no choice but to pitch in; others move to the city to care for their grandchildren and have to live apart from their spouses for long stretches. Rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and tea: everything comes back to one word, family.