With university entrance examinations looming, the annual cloud of stress hovering above China's schools descends upon students and their parents. The latter, determined to see their progeny excel, are pulling out all the stops to ensure success. One peculiar method is the hiring of "nannies," who are brought in to assist students with homework, psychological development and meal preparation in the critical run-up to the exams, Wenhui Daily reported on May 10. Demand has risen to such high levels that household service companies are facing staff shortages.

"Many families seek nannies for their children who are preparing for university entrance examination," said a worker with the Shanghai Laibang Household Service Co. Ltd. "Most parents envision a nanny as taking on the roles of tutor, nutritionist and even psychologist. However, our company does not yet provide for this kind of skill-base and a nanny meeting this description is a rarity," the worker added.

The "Nannies Plus" that fit this profile are those with over two years of working experience and professional training in household services, but whose high market-value can command a daily wage of over 100 yuan, according to the paper. Most of them are actually university students who have been through the hell of the entrance exams and can thus dispense their own experiences thereof.

Xiao Shi is preparing for this year's university entrance examination and his parents are too busy with work to devote the necessary time and care he deserves. To remedy this, his parents have asked a university student to step in. "This nanny can not only guide my son in lessons, but also is good at making delicious and nutritious dinners. We pay 100 yuan per day. It is expensive, but we think it worthwhile," said Xiao Shi's mother.

Mr. Wang said he had specially rented a two-bedroom apartment for his son near his school and taken on a professional "nanny" at a high salary to guide his son educationally and psychologically. 

Regarding this phenomenon, opinions among normal citizens seemed fairly positive. Xu Weimin, declared that the fees were reasonable and that the choice could be advantageous to some children, since the benefits were tangible.

However, the occasional voice of dissent could be heard, some complaining of bringing additional pressure to bear on the children. "The university entrance examination is important, but one of its roles is to ensure that young people are ready to take their part in adult life," said Li Zhenzhong. "This Nanny Plus could increase youngsters' dependence on their families instead of taking wing as university life should give them a chance to."

Some experts shared Mr. Li's opinion, saying that this change of lifestyle may be brusque and impair their development with nutritionist Lü Li decrying that without specialized training, these new nannies may in fact have a counter-productive effect.

The mood among experts seem best summed up in the immortal words of Welsh poet, Ben Bowen, who wrote: "Cofia Ddysgu Byw" or "Remember to learn to live."

(China.org.cn by Li Jingrong May 14, 2007)