HONG KONG – As the new academic year kicked off on Sunday, September 1, several of Hong Kong’s most recognizable celebrity parents took to social media to document their children’s first day of school, offering a mix of nostalgia, humor, and heartfelt parenting advice.
Among the most touching posts came from actor Carlos Chan and his wife, singer Shiga Lin. Their two-year-old daughter, Camila, started preschool, and Chan marked the milestone with an emotional Instagram message. “It’s a day that lost meaning for me for 20 years, but starting today, it will be tied to me for the next 20,” he wrote. “How many more years will my little star be reluctant to let go of her daddy?”
Chan’s post resonated with many parents who understand the bittersweet mix of pride and separation anxiety that comes with a child’s first school day. The couple, who married in 2023, have been open about their parenting journey.
Meanwhile, Ryan Chau, better known by his stage name Gigi, shared a lighthearted post with his children, playfully nicknamed “Bobo” and “Bao Bao.” Chau posted a pre-school photo of the three of them, captioning it: “Happy first day of school! (Forcing a look of alertness).” His candid admission about the early morning struggle struck a chord with parents juggling school routines.
Cathy Tong, a well-known actress, and her husband, Jason Mak, documented their daughter “QQ” starting her final year of kindergarten—K3. Tong, whose daughter is now five years old, emphasized the importance of parental involvement. “We strive to be parents who never miss a moment,” she wrote. “QQ has grown up in the blink of an eye. Her teacher says this year’s workload will be similar to last year’s, and she’s become much more independent. I’m relieved. Dad will continue to work on her revision with her—teamwork makes everything happier.”
The posts from these celebrity families highlight a broader cultural moment in Hong Kong, where back-to-school season is both a logistical challenge and an emotional rite of passage. According to the Education Bureau, the 2024-2025 school year sees approximately 580,000 students enrolled in primary and secondary schools, with additional thousands in kindergartens.
Education experts note that parental anxiety often peaks during the first week of term, particularly for families with young children transitioning into formal schooling. Psychologist Dr. Emily Wong, who often works with families in Hong Kong, advises parents to maintain consistent routines and open communication. “Children pick up on their parents’ emotions,” she says. “A calm, positive goodbye—even if the parent feels sad—helps the child build confidence and resilience.”
For many working parents in the city, the start of the school year also requires careful coordination. A recent survey by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups found that over 40% of families report difficulty balancing work and school drop-off schedules, a challenge mirrored in the celebrity posts about “teamwork” between mothers and fathers.
As the school year unfolds, experts suggest that parents focus on small, daily habits: reading together, establishing consistent bedtimes, and celebrating small achievements. As Tong’s post reminds readers, “Stay happy together.”
