Author	Thread: Chinese Mothers
Admin	Chinese Mothers Posted : 14 Jan, 2011 07:20 AM Well here's the article I alluded to in another post on women staying home vs. working. It's from the Wall Street Journal about Eastern mothers vs. Western mothers. It's more interesting and relevant than it sounds, trust me. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704111504576059713528698754.html Post Reply
bcpianogal View Profile History	Chinese Mothers Posted : 14 Jan, 2011 11:27 AM That's a fascinating article. As a musician myself, I see the end result of that parenting style. For a couple years, I had little Chinese boy in my piano studio (I was teaching through a music academy). He started lessons when he was 5. By the time he was 6, he was able to play an entire Mozart sonata with ease. His parents had an awful lot to do with that because of the supervision and expectations at home. My other students' parents would ask me what made the difference in that 6 year old and their own 10 year olds who were struggling to play a really simple piece correctly. I told them that it was because the parents (neither of whom were musically trained) didn't let practice time be an option...and if he didn't get a good "grade" at the lesson, he had to practice extra the next week. Of course, they thought it was horrible that his parents MADE him practice, but they had to admit that something was different. I really miss that kid! He always greeted me with a huge hug and a "Hello, my Miss Beth!" I only got to teach him for two years before I took a full-time teaching position that required me to end my part-time job with that particular academy. I still have the precious card that he gave me at his last lesson. He said "Dear Miss Beth, Thank you for teaching me beautiful music. Thank you for being my first piano teacher. Love, *****" I wouldn't say that I totally agree with everything that the "Chinese mothers" do, but stricter does seem to be better in a lot of ways...as long as strictness is accompanied by love, and achievement is rewarded with praise. Post Reply
Tulip89 View Profile History	Chinese Mothers Posted : 14 Jan, 2011 10:54 PM Personally I see guitar as a much better starter instrument, as the child can learn songs he or she likes rather quickly, and I place a value on athletics that most Chinese parents wouldn't even begin to touch, but I definitely support the general idea behind "Chinese parenting." Maybe I'd let my kid have a play date or two, but I totally agree with assuming strength instead of assuming weakness. Post Reply
View Profile History	Chinese Mothers Posted : 15 Jan, 2011 03:22 PM I was thinking about this last night about how odd that Western philosophy is so objective and technical and Eastern being so subjective and flexible yet are completely switched up when it comes to parenting. Odd. I also love the part where it says 'They understand that nothing is fun if you aren't good at it. And that to get good at something takes discipline.' Post Reply
View Profile History	Chinese Mothers Posted : 26 Jan, 2011 09:17 PM Ah yes, Discipline the key word every teacher loves to hear, and many parents refuse to use. Post Reply
View Profile History	Chinese Mothers Posted : 26 Jan, 2011 09:18 PM I do agree with BC though that it was interesting. Post Reply
susana21 View Profile History	Chinese Mothers Posted : 30 May, 2011 08:32 AM My mother is not Chinese, but i was raised in a strict Asian home. I remember being overweight when i was younger and when my mom told me "fatty loose some weight" it never bothered me, it just makes me aware that if i didn't loose this weight i will be doomed. I didn't became a music prodigy nor a math wiz, but i think i ended up well. I have seen worse parenting or more lenient than that of Amy's and results are not the same. But i still think the good 'ol stick is still the whip of love and i will, Lord willing, do the same thing to my kids. Post Reply