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One of the joys of parenthood is watching your children grow and develop their own interests and passions. When your child expresses an interest in what you do for work, that joy grows. As a lawyer and a father, I have always talked with my Emily about my work and the law, hoping that it might kindle her enthusiasm for the law.
Emily has demonstrated a curiosity about the law from an early age, raising all kinds of questions ranging from the serious to the silly! Like all parents, I worked to answer Emily’s many questions and, looking back, I am so grateful that we had those early exchanges.
As time passed, I realized that my girl not only understood many of these “dreary” laws but was also forming her own reasoning skills. The outcome of her deduction was sometimes very close to the formal answer, and I marveled at Emily’s potential in the legal field. I also realized that I might have underestimated my girl and overestimated myself.
As Emily’s research process progressed, our discussions gradually concentrated on legal issues often encountered by juveniles. For example, if you were injured by a classmate at school, can you hold the classmate’s parents accountable? One day, Emily excitedly informed me that she had shared with her friends several of the scenarios we had discussed. Not only were her friends curious to hear these stories, but they also benefited from the stories! From my daughter’s firm tone, I was impressed with her strength and growth.
When Emily proposed that we write a book for children based on our discussions, I was thrilled and supportive. I also knew how hard the writing process would be and that it would be a significant learning experience for Emily. As expected,Emily experienced all the irritability, restlessness, and frustration that accompanies a project of this size! However, she pushed forward, and I am so happy that I encouraged her in this project.This book is also a very special record of the many conversations she and I had throughout her childhood.
When we first embarked on this project, I thought I would take the lead to discuss and summarize; in fact, my daughter also pushed me to grow and expand my knowledge. Whenever my daughter shared with me the scenarios or her growth from the research, I was always deeply impressed and touched by her desire and enthusiasm to explore unknown subject areas, and that was precisely what motivated and drove me forward. I began to focus systematically on child and juvenile protection around the world. Inspired by my girl, I started to share details of what a lawyer actually does with young students. I often tell myself that maybe one day these kids will grow into lawyers or judges who can offer help to many more. Therefore, I ought to thank my daughter for opening a door and a window in my life, where air is always fresh and vibrant!
Daughter, my dear, people always march on the steps paved by others; so, no matter what difficulties you may encounter in the future, even in the face of an epidemic unlikely to have occurred in a century, you must continue to maintain a soft and compassionate heart and do your best to bring warmth and strength to those around you.
We would like to acknowledge Fudan University Press. As a world-renowned publishing house, best-known for academic monographs, Fudan University Press’ assent to publish this book is per se a recognition of its value, and it makes the best gift for my daughter and myself!
Hongshan Shen
March, 2020