If we seriously believe the oft-made claim that children are future of the country, then we truly have something to worry about.

The All-China Women's Federation (ACWF) report on the conditions of children left behind by parents working away from home paints a grim picture that we cannot afford to understate.

Many of us have heard about the so-called left-behind children. But not as many people could have anticipated what the ACWF report reveals - more than a quarter of Chinese children who are 17 or younger live apart from one or both of their parents because they are working in places other than in their hometown.

This is no small matter.

In the eyes of developmental psychology, the early years of life play an essential part not just in forming one's personality, but also in the acquisition of the knowledge and skills that last a person's entire life. Out of respect for their special vulnerability, children in this age group need particular parental care. Few of those left behind are home alone - most are left in the custody of grandparents - but the separation from their parents will inevitably affect their development in less-than-positive ways.

The ACWF has spearheaded a series of initiatives to promote awareness of the situation. Thanks to its persistent endeavors, various countermeasures are now at work in different communities.

It is inspiring to see local authorities providing welfare and educational guarantees. Such efforts offer an indispensable compensation for the otherwise unbearable sense of loss these youngsters must cope with as a result of living without parental care.

But parents are parents. No outside intervention can take their place to ensure the healthy growth of their children, so it would be ideal if fewer children had to live without their parents around.

Most Chinese parents foster high hopes for their children. They are tireless custodians, keen on offering meticulous care and support so that their children can lead successful careers and lives.

Few parents leave their children home because they want to dodge responsibilities. It is more a matter of necessity. Most parents of left-behind children take jobs in cities, where local schools are supposed to focus on serving registered local residents. Non-residents are either left out or face extra charges, which are usually exorbitant even by urban standards.

In such circumstances, most parents choose to leave their kids at home, where they can receive affordable schooling.

This is yet another demonstration of the embarrassing mismatch between the system and reality.

(China Daily, February 29, 2008)