Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother

This post is a book review.  If you're anything like me, you'll see that's the case and click on to the next blog without even skimming.  That's fine.  But I just have one thing to say before you click away.  I wouldn't be writing a book review unless I thought the book was really interesting and had some affect on my life view.  With that being said, I will proceed.

 Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua tells her personal story about how Chinese parenting is better than Western parenting.  So, if you've ever wondered why Asian kids are always the ones who excel the most at music, math, science, and pretty much everything that they do, it's not because of any special Asian gift, it's because their parents force them to be nothing short of better than awesome.  The parents are extremely critical, high strung, slave drivers.  But what is interrupted as cruel in Western society is showing love in Chinese.  Chinese parents push their children so hard because they know that their child can be great and it's not loving to let them be mediocre.
I'm a fan of discipline.  And I want my daughter to feel good about herself, and while I know there is no way that I could not be a "Chinese" mother, I am definitely more determined to do whatever I can to help my little girl, and future children, be successful.
I had a great mother, and I know that she tried her best, but she either trusted me too much to make my own decisions or was always too busy and tired that she didn't fight me when I wanted to quit.  She didn't push me to do anything.  So while I "won" as a child and got out of ballet lessons, or practicing the piano or play any sports, or do anything other than play with my friends and watch TV, I ultimately lost big time as I am now a talentless adult with little achievements to speak of from my youth.  I don't want that to happen to Gracie. Having her hate me is a small price to pay for her to learn to be a hard worker and excel. 

If you want to read a synopsis of the book and get a better idea of what I'm talking about, click here

I really enjoyed the book, it was a quick fun read even if you're not a parent.  Often times I caught myself laughing out loud. 

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