Chinese Mom's Article Controversial, But Boosting Sales Of Book

stltoday.com:

It is reassuring to hear that Chua is not advocating the style of parenting described in the article, although that is the argument made in the excerpt. The controversy has certainly helped book sales, which has already hit #7 on Amazon's list and appears upward bound.

Read the whole story: stltoday.com

Comments

[Leviathan21]

01:51 PM on 01/18/2011

The amount of anger and vitriol being directed at Amy Chua is stunning. People are lashing out perhaps because they recognize their own faults as parents. You may not agree with the extent of Chua's parenting style, but you have to recognize that she is presenting a valid, thought-provoking critique of American parenthood.

[FlaviaDeLuce]

01:57 PM on 01/18/2011

I have to agree, I'm shocked at the backlash this woman is recieving for writing something that is true in her life...

[am10]

11:01 AM on 01/19/2011

I wasn't outraged by this mom's tactics although I allow play dates and occasionally sleepovers (which I hate) - you can still be selective which I think may help your child learn about which friends to choose or hang out with. I don't tolerate bad grades either and cheesy ways to get around school projects.

Where I was turned off is that the author has chosen her childrens' paths and interests (one broke a little free) and that they need to be the best in class, sport, instrument, etc. they partake in.

[Nelle]

01:05 PM on 01/18/2011

If a parent doles out too much discipline, their children could end up like Michael Jackson.

I love MJ and his music, but I'm not sure if I'd want my children to be emotionally and mentally scarred that way even if they become financially or professionally successful..

[victorsays]

12:09 PM on 01/18/2011

You all have been fooled. Now go out there and buy her book so you can have more reason to feel outrage, morally superior, and pity for her daughters.

[Anthea Carson]

06:39 PM on 01/15/2011

While I have mized feelings about the style of parenting described in this book, I have to admit that american kids are growing up lazy, spoiled and self-centered, thinking the world owes them a job. They are in for a rude awakening in a world where hard working kids from other countries whose parents still know old fashioned discipline are the competition. On the other hand, I childhood should be fun and magical, like it was for me, and so like I said, I have mixed feelings.

[am10]

11:03 AM on 01/19/2011

I agree with this, but how do we know this author doesn't feel the same way. My husband student taught at a wealthy school and a Chinese American student got a 97 on the first quiz he gave. Her mother, outraged that her daughter's 100 average was ruined, complained and my husband was removed from that class.

Personally, I think this woman is using "Chinese" mother in place of "helicopter" mother.

[Commonwealth]

08:23 AM on 01/15/2011

I've just finished the book and find it nuanced, self-reflective and somewhat humorous. No one can decide for certain whether she chose the right method of child rearing, but here are some realities: 1) Though a busy woman with her own career and professional obligations, she devoted her time and energy to her daughters in a way that many parents today do not 2) She had a vision of how she wanted her children to grow up: disciplined, ambitious, and successful. Show me a parent that wants her children to grow up undisciplined, unambitious and a failure (both in their own eyes and in the eyes of the world) and I will show you children who are depressed and aimless. 3) Her daughters are ambitious, talented and intelligent and though not yet out of their teens, have accomplished more already than many adults even hope to accomplish. 4) We live in an undisciplined, laid back era and children are suffering. As a psychotherapist, I work with many kids who readily admit that between computers, television, and texting, they spend upwards of 40-50 hours a week in front of a screen. Many of these kids lack both a social life and a sense of social obligation.

Chua put both herself and her kids through hell to get where they are. She herself was driven, but she herself was very intelligent and had the financial wherewithal to provide the supports needed for her children to achieve. Most parents do not.

[Northern Observer]

03:25 PM on 01/14/2011

Success is so subjective, what's makes her kids a success in her eyes can mean something completely different in someone elses. She can parent her kids any way she wants but will her children be proud of the things they accomplished or will they be proud that they satisfied their mom? I'll just be happy if my child is a happy, healthy, good kid that will be able to support himself when he gets old enough. That to me is being successful in life, being happy with ones self above all. Any of his "successes" and achievements will be something for him to take pride in.