20.05.12

"There are lots of ways to be a good parent," Chua said."There is also a lot of mutual judgment."

The judgment part came down like a 50-pound hammer after a Wall Street Journal excerpt of Chua's book ran last year under the headline: "Why Chinese Mothers Are Superior." Another publication countered, calling her "The Worst Mom in the World."

"I think there are real weaknesses to traditional Asian parenting," Chua now says. "There is too little choice." But she's pretty convincing about instilling a work ethic from a young age.

St. Louis psychologist Philip B. Dembo was among those who spoke out against "Battle Hymn," Chua's memoir of how she said no to play dates and sleepovers and demanded her daughters spend hours on studies and music.

Dembo's new book, "The Real Purpose of Parenting," is anti-Tiger Mother, decrying the push for kids to perform: "My concern is that kids have less of a conscience because they are so worried about performance."

Source: Chicago Tribune