More on Tiger Moms!!

Our current debate about styles of parenting has spurred me to do some more research about different angles on this issue. I found an article (http://www.slate.com/articles/double_x/doublex/2013/05/_tiger_mom_study_shows_the_parenting_method_doesn_t_work.html) on Slate called "Poor Little Tiger Cub," which describes a study that seemed to show that children of "tiger parents" actually performed at lower levels and were depressed at higher rates than children of more supportive parents. Personally, I think data can probably be manipulated in favor of either side, but it seems like studies on this topic regardless of bias fail to measure an extremely important part of childhood growth: emotional intelligence. I think it's possible that even if tiger parenting does produce higher grades and test scores, these kids might not have the opportunity to experience a relationship of support, compromise, and give and take with their parents and may not be fully equipped to have such healthy relationships in the future. There is a lot of focus on the different ways to raise children to be academically successful, but I think it's crucial not to forget about the other equally important aspects of a child's growth and development that should not be compromised.