Keeping the "four-generation family" tradition in Hai Duong

Preserving the old home

The family of Mr. Do Van Thuoi (94 years old) is one of the typical "four-generation" families in Ai Quoc ward (Hai Duong city). He has 4 children, including 3 boys and 1 girl. In the past, despite being poor, the couple still took care of their children's education. Currently, all of his children are successful, some are military officers, some are doctors, some are local officials... In their old age, Mr. Thuoi and his wife live with their second son. Every day, 8 members of 4 generations still live under the same roof in a warm and harmonious family atmosphere.

At 94 years old and 65 years in the Party, Mr. Thuoi is always a shining example for his children and grandchildren to learn from and follow. Each family member has a different personality, but there are rarely any arguments or conflicts in his family. According to Mr. Thuoi, to maintain balance among family members, parents must always set an example for their children and grandchildren, must know how to distinguish right from wrong, and understand the psychology of each person so that they can easily teach and advise.

"For our family, tradition and history are very important. My grandfather always taught his children and grandchildren to look back to their roots and ancestors. They need to care for, be filial to their grandparents and parents, and constantly strive to improve themselves. We always consider their teachings as a guideline in life and in educating our children," said Mr. Do Van Phong, grandson of Mr. Thuoi.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern society, the family of Mr. Dao Van Nam (94 years old) in Hai Duong City still maintains the old family traditions. In the small house, 4 generations of the family are still living in harmony and supporting each other. According to Mr. Nam, he has 8 children and nearly 40 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He and his wife are living with their eldest son, who is 67 years old this year. In the past, he lived by farming but still tried to raise his children to be good people. Now that the economy is no longer as difficult as before, he still keeps the three-room house as a place to worship his ancestors to remind his descendants of their roots.

Being a daughter-in-law in a family of four generations for nearly 40 years, Ms. Doan Thi Lien, the daughter-in-law of Mr. Nam, has always received the attention and teachings of her parents and grandparents. Following the example of her predecessors, Ms. Lien continues to set an example in teaching her children and grandchildren to be filial to their grandparents and parents and polite to everyone. Ms. Lien said that Mr. Nam was a former local official, lived a very honest life and got along well with everyone. She always taught her children and grandchildren to strictly follow the policies and guidelines of the Party, the State and local regulations. Family members need to be harmonious, united, and take care of each other to create a good educational environment for their children and grandchildren.

Family bonding

Mr. Nguyen Van Giang in Duong Thai Nam village, Phuc Thanh commune (Kim Thanh) also has a family of four generations living together. Mr. Giang is 95 years old this year, with white hair but very agile and active. Every day, he still helps his children take care of and teach his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In his free time, he often tells stories about the difficult times, when he went to do revolutionary work... so that his grandchildren can better understand the history of the nation and the revolutionary tradition of his family. In particular, he always encourages his children and grandchildren to study hard, care for and help each other.

"The elderly are the roots and origins of the family. Therefore, they are not only shining examples but also the link between members. I always teach my children and grandchildren to love and care for each other. Conflicts in the family must be recognized and resolved skillfully, sympathetically and reasonably," said Mr. Giang.

Nowadays, most young couples tend to want to live separately to be proactive in their lives. However, if they do not know how to arrange their time, it will bring many consequences, because children are very likely to lack love and guidance from their parents. According to Mr. Do Van Phong, the grandson of Mrs. Thuoi, the young generation today likes a free life, simple thinking and lifestyle, so very few people want to live with their grandparents and parents. But for him, living in a multi-generational family has many advantages. The elderly live happier when they help their children with housework or take care of their grandchildren. On the other hand, the young generation has more opportunities and time to care for and support the elderly. The love and attachment of family members is the bond that binds everyone together. Thanks to the education of previous generations, all members of Mr. Phong's family are very united, harmonious, and live decently.

"We always believe that family is a picture and members are indispensable pieces. Therefore, we share all happy and sad stories so that everyone can contribute ideas and timely encouragement. I am very happy that my family still maintains the custom that on every holiday, Tet or death anniversary, children and grandchildren will gather together to cook a reunion meal, creating a joyful and warm atmosphere," Mr. Phong shared.

Over the years, most of the "four-generation" families in Hai Duong have always shown harmony and close ties of blood ties. Members of these families have many conditions to help each other materially and spiritually. This has created a cultural and civilized community in the locality. Although there are still many difficulties and barriers, members of the "four-generation" families are always aware that they are contributing to preserving the traditional beauty of the nation.