Abstract: Education is a cultural phenomenon whereas family education is the most basic part of the whole education system. It not only teaches children to learn knowledge but also helps them to form their values, worldviews and philosophies. So it has a lasting and profound influence on the developments of children in the future, even may determine the destinies and prospects of nations and peoples indirectly. However, due to the cultural differences, such as: historical background, religion and belief, the way of thinking and so on, different nations have their own family education systems. With the deepening of the economic and cultural exchanges among countries, we can more clearly recognize the differences and better learn from one other to overcome respective weaknesses. So this paper firstly introduces the concepts and functions of family education, and then mainly contrasts the differences of family education between China and western countries, as well as analyzes the reasons about them from the view of cultural differences. Finally, it puts forward some suggestions to solve the problems existing in our family education. By doing these, to promote the development of family education in our country and construct a new mode of Chinese modern family education. Only then can we cultivate happier, healthier and more outstanding children in this competitive society.

Key words: family education; cultural differences; influences; suggestions