Chinese tradition often described the ideal family as
慈父严母 (cífù yán mǔ, kind father strict mother) or
严父慈母 (yán fù cí mǔ, strict father kind mother).
慈 (compassion, kindness) is the same character used in
慈悲 (cíbēi, mercy) and the Bodhisattva
观音 (Guānyīn), associated with compassion.
