Battle Hymn of The Tiger Mother is alarming.  To see extreme parenting spelled out –unabashadley and at times poetically -by a Yale Law Professor saddens me deeply. Every parent wants success for their child. But at what cost? CHUA offers up the idea that hijacking a childhood and breeding intense competition at age 4 is beneficial for both parent and child.

“Western parents try to respect their children’s individuality, encouraging them to pursue their true passions, supporting their choices, and providing positive reinforcement and a nurturing environment. By contrast, the Chinese believe that the best way to protect their children is by preparing them for the future, letting them see what they’re capable of, and arming them with skills, work habits and inner confidence that no one can ever take away.”

Below are the guidelines that the author sets out to breed the best and brightest child.
• NEVER attend a sleepover
• NOT have a playdate
• NOT be in a school play
• NEVER complain about not being in a school play
• NEVER watch TV or play computer games
• NEVER choose their own extracurricular activities
• NOT get any grade less than an A
• NOT be the No. 1 student in every subject except gym and drama
• NOT play any instrument other than the piano or violin
• play the piano or violin.