expression
spare the rod, spoil the child; let your children face hardships to grow
Proverb meaning that parents should let their children experience difficulties so they become strong and independent. The literal image is of a lion pushing its cubs off a cliff and raising only those that climb back up.
「獅子は我が子を千尋の谷に落とす」という言葉があるように、子供にはあえて厳しい経験をさせることも大切だ。
As the saying goes, 'the lion drops its cubs into the abyss,' it is also important to deliberately give children tough experiences.
A similar Japanese proverb meaning 'send the beloved child on a journey,' emphasizing that letting children face the world helps them grow. 獅子は我が子を千尋の谷に落とす is more dramatic and uses the lion metaphor.
A Japanese proverb of uncertain origin, possibly influenced by Chinese or Western fables about lions testing their cubs. The phrase uses classical elements like 千尋 (a great depth) to create a dramatic image.