A recent survey conducted by the Institute of Psychology attached to the Chinese Academy of Sciences has revealed that two thirds of families lack adequate or proper education to instruct their children.

After a three-year investigation, Professor Wang Jisheng of the Insitute of Psychology concluded that while most parents are caring for their children's education in every possible way, few are succeeding.

Thirty percent out of 1,800 parents surveyed in Beijing are " highly protective" of their children. They act more like baby- sitters. Some of their children are unable to peel an apple even by the time they reach high school.

Professor Wang said that parents who are overly protective of their children tend to produce children who are dependent, shy and incompetent, and show little creativity or imagination.

Another 30 percent are "overly interfering" parents, who restrict their children in every possible way. As children are behaving more like their parents, they are sure to lack the ability to make decisions or solve problems by themselves.

Some 7-10 percent of parents surveyed were "severely punishing " their children. They tend to scold and even hit their children. Such children might develop into depressed, rude and indifferent adults.

Only 30 percent of parents are "understanding and democratic", said the professor. His conclusions were made after surveying 60 top students from Beijing and Qinghua University.

He said almost all understanding parents are trying to provide a more carefree environment for their children so they will grow and develop naturally. These parents tend to praise and encourage their children rather than scold or beat them.

Professor Wang noted that very few parents spend money on books about psychology or pedagogy though they spent a lot of money on providing their children with nutritious foods.