I have recently read The Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, a satirical memoir written by Amy Chua. It is a the story of her parenting two daughters the “Chinese way” in the United States. She shares her excitement and her sorrows with us. We sneak peak backstage pass to the lifestyle of another and if you are lucky, you will be able to learn something valuable.
The Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mom written by Amy Chua
Published by Penguin Books
Genre: Nonfiction, Autobiography/Memoir, Parenting
Pages:240
Synopsis
The book is written about Amy Chua and her dedication to parenting the Chinese way. throughout the book, you can see that she is determined to parent in that way, but also wonders if it’s the right way. She writes many comparison of Chinese parenting to western parenting. The effects and results of the Chinese way will be revealed and you will be left to wonder if maybe there’s something to this way of parenting.
The Review
I remember when this book was released. Western parents criticize her for the different way of parenting. At the time, I didn’t have children and so I wasn’t interested in reading about it. But now as a mom of two, I really wanted to know what this book was all about. I can see why it was criticized, but that doesn’t make it any less of a book.
When I first got the book, I thought it was going to be a parenting book (despite the cover saying “memoir”). But it’s the author’s story of growth and change. This book offers a look into a different manner of parenting. I was intrigued by the opposing method. Even though it opposes my method, the “tiger mom” parenting method is something I would like to strive for the sake of my children. I definitely wouldn’t go to the extreme as her, but I do think there are benefits to parenting in a intentionally strict way. The benefits can be seen throughout the the book with the level of success her children reach.
The Best
I like that the chapters are short. It makes for an easy read and creates the ability to stop at any time. I also enjoy seeing the pictures of her family. I think the stories she shared were really good as well.
The Worst
I really hate to say this, but I think the chapter about her sister didn’t tie in too well with the story. But I can definitely see why she added it and I could see that she tried to make it go with the story. It’s really isn’t too bad.
Good Points of Chinese Parenting
- Chinese demand good grades whereas some American are fine with anything as long as they tried their best.
- Chinese disapprove, but don’t make their children feel inadequate (there must be a skill to that). So if a child did get a B, the parent would give their child practice work test and worksheets.
- They demand perfect grades and believe the child can get them. This is called setting expectations.
Bad Points of Chinese Parenting
- The parents know what’s best for the child. I think this is true only to a certain extent. I think once a child reaches a certain age, they could start making their own decision.
- The parents pay for everything. I am on the fence about this one. Just because I would like my children to work for what they want. So this is a pending thought.
- They take the whole family with them on vacation. I do this. But I sometimes I want to go on vacation with my husband alone. But I can understand the reasoning for this.
- And sometimes when the Chinese parent pushes to hard, the child will push even harder.
Interesting Points in the Book
Nothing is fun until you get good at it. To get good at it you need to practice. Things are always hardest in the beginning. The reason Chinese child are successful is that they practice more than anyone else.
Quotes
“There’s nothing better for building confidence than learning you can do something you thought you couldn’t.”
“The Best way to protect the future: Let them see what they’re capable of, arming them with skills, work habits, and inner confidence that no one can ever take away.”
Book to Life Connection
I enjoy finding thing to do from a book, but this book really didn’t offer too much activites. There is some information that I am interested in learning more about though.
Asian parenting vs. western parenting
The Suzuki Method
Behavior of Birth order
Filial Piety
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