Tiger Mom
John Abbott College
Tiger Parenting: a Mistake
By Alexander Haniotis
Question
Should “Tiger Parenting” be the norm when raising your children?
Thesis Statement
I believe “Tiger Parenting” shouldn’t be tolerated in our society.
Tiger Parenting: a Mistake
Amy Chua’s provocative Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother has caused great controversy and debate mainly because of her strict parenting philosophy exercised throughout the entire novel. Chua is questioning the traditional Western parenting ways and inevitably promoting her self-righteous “Tiger Mom” ideology. While I understand certain positive aspects of her extremist theory, I believe that Western parenting is in fact the way to go. Not only should parents respect their children’s opinions and desires, her definition of success is tremendously subjective and is most likely not representative of your average parent’s definition of the term.
What is Amy Chua really achieving by forcing her daughter to take intensive piano lessons and practice “at least ninety minutes every day, including weekends” ? Nothing at all. The truth is she is totally disregarding her daughter’s physical and mental abilities, which is simply unhealthy. Most kids would probably not enjoy such a task, and most likely grow to resent the instrument forced upon them. Perhaps learning such a complex instrument could be a beneficial thing for a child’s growth, but Chua’s approach is more counterproductive than anything, in my opinion. “We worked right through dinner into the night, and I wouldn’t let Lulu get up, not for water, not even to go to the bathroom.” Extreme disciplinary measures such as depriving your child of basic sanitary needs are simply abusive and should not be promoted in any way whatsoever.
In contrast to her parenting method, I would observe my child and help him develop his own interests and talents, instead of pressuring him into doing something against his will. Furthermore, I strongly believe that
Tiger Parenting: a Mistake
By Alexander Haniotis
Question
Should “Tiger Parenting” be the norm when raising your children?
Thesis Statement
I believe “Tiger Parenting” shouldn’t be tolerated in our society.
Tiger Parenting: a Mistake
Amy Chua’s provocative Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother has caused great controversy and debate mainly because of her strict parenting philosophy exercised throughout the entire novel. Chua is questioning the traditional Western parenting ways and inevitably promoting her self-righteous “Tiger Mom” ideology. While I understand certain positive aspects of her extremist theory, I believe that Western parenting is in fact the way to go. Not only should parents respect their children’s opinions and desires, her definition of success is tremendously subjective and is most likely not representative of your average parent’s definition of the term.
What is Amy Chua really achieving by forcing her daughter to take intensive piano lessons and practice “at least ninety minutes every day, including weekends” ? Nothing at all. The truth is she is totally disregarding her daughter’s physical and mental abilities, which is simply unhealthy. Most kids would probably not enjoy such a task, and most likely grow to resent the instrument forced upon them. Perhaps learning such a complex instrument could be a beneficial thing for a child’s growth, but Chua’s approach is more counterproductive than anything, in my opinion. “We worked right through dinner into the night, and I wouldn’t let Lulu get up, not for water, not even to go to the bathroom.” Extreme disciplinary measures such as depriving your child of basic sanitary needs are simply abusive and should not be promoted in any way whatsoever.
In contrast to her parenting method, I would observe my child and help him develop his own interests and talents, instead of pressuring him into doing something against his will. Furthermore, I strongly believe that