Hot Topic! "Tiger Mom"

It seems that the “Tiger Mom” hit a hot spot around the world; from cartoons to articles of both support and outrage.    My blog on the subject produced the largest number of hits to date; double of my previous top ranking blog.  I’ve read several follow articles and responses to Chua.  Apparently, she did not choose the title the Wall Street Journal used and her book is about her journey away from being a Chinese mom when her 13 year old rebelled. 

Another friend sent an article about the fierce competiveness of the Chinese culture.  Some places in Hong Kong require a resume and interview to ensure a child is proficient in Mandarin BEFORE they enter pre-school.   Early childhood development begins at age 2.  While we struggle to bridge the education gap for our low income families, China has made huge strides in even outlaying villages.  While China should be proud of their nation’s accomplishment in education in just a few years, they are still lacking.  "Many Chinese complain scathingly that their system kills independent thought and creativity, and they envy the American system for nurturing self-reliance - and for trying to make learning exciting and not just a chore."


Apparently it is hard to duplicate creativity and ingenuity.  


http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/16/opinion/16kristof.html?_r=2