After hearing the hype (pretty much everywhere) about your new book "Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother", I finally read it. In fact, I liked it so much, I breezed through it in just two cozy, winter days. Honestly, I didn't expect to like it (or you!) as much as I did.
OK. I get it. As a Westerner, I am basically a kitten mother to my children ... respecting their individuality, providing choices, nurturing self-esteem, and accepting mediocre schoolwork. There is nothing I would love more than to prepare my children for the future by, as you put it, "arming them with skills, strong work habits, and inner confidence." Producing a math whiz or a music prodigy wouldn't hurt either.
In my mind, I wonder what it would be like if I became a Tiger Mother like you. For starters, I would hold a team meeting to announce my new title and --> "Now hear this little people! No more play dates or sleepovers, no TV or computer games, all grades will be A's, you will practice violin or piano 2-3 hours each day and you will respect all adults." No doubt TEARS would follow. And, as usual, Emma would still say, "You are the worst mom!!"
Back to reality and I realize, as a born and bred Western mom, I can never be a Tiger Mother. True. What I can do is this ~ find a balance between the two philosophies and be my own breed of mother. Sometimes though, when things get difficult (as they often do), I can think about you in the back of my mind ... WWTMD?? What would Tiger Mom Do??
Regards,
Tricia
PS to Amy: how about a follow up book "Battle Hymn of the Tiger Wife?"
PSS to C.: thank you for the gift of a new book!!
PSSS to all of my readers who are friends..if you want/need to borrow my copy of the book, you know where to find me
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