I asked her to load it, she struggled for a moment, and then handed it back. I remember one specific example, a little girl wanted to shoot a nerf gun but it required her to pull very hard on the back to load the gun. I remember when I was a teenager, I would babysit other people’s kids and they would struggle with a toy. However, I firmly agree with the idea that struggle is a key characteristic of the optimal environment for a child to grow up. There is a lot that I disagree with in the way she interacts with her children and the relationship that she’s building with them.

Her execution, however, consists of screaming, fighting, criticizing, and undermining her daughters. By contrast, the Chinese believe that the best way to protect their children is by preparing them for the future, letting them see what they’re capable of, and arming them with skills, work habits, and inner confidence that no one can ever take away.” “Western parents try to respect their children’s individuality, encouraging them to pursue their true passions, supporting their choices, and providing positive reinforcement and a nurturing environment. Chua sums up her philosophy in contrast to the norm this way: While I was surprised by how aggressive her parenting style is, I was more surprised by the aggressive reaction that people had to it.Īs the parent of a 2, almost 3-year old boy and another one on the way, I consider myself an interested party when it comes to parenting. Every single person is different, and therefore the ideal parenting style for every child will be unique.Īmy Chua represents a very specific approach to how she expresses her creativity. Not only are you literally creating a person (their body, mind, habits, self-identity), but you have to get real creative in the way you go about raising this child.

Battle hymn of the tiger mother