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.
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.
Standard kanji form of the proverb.
Variant with わが in kana; equally common.
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.