Hong Kong's "tiger mom" (Part 3 of 3)

The latest I gathered from reading The Star (5 March 2011) is that the two kids are now in the midst of writing a book about their experiences and success story! I can't wait to get my hand on it.....to hear from the horses' mouths, so to speak....

So, you have heard enough about the US “tiger mom”! Scary…..to some.
Now that you have also read about the HK's version, You can compare the two “tiger moms” and draw your own conclusions. But, here are my recommendations to all young mothers with kids:

First and most important of all, discipline your kids, so that they not only learn to be smart, they also learn to be good human beings. I leave it to you to list all the criteria for a “good” human being. (If you are NOT sure, read the Malaysian Educational Philosophy at the end of this posting. I am usually quite critical of our education system, but this philosophy is very well-stated, implementation is, of course, another matter....)

2) Yes, discipline your kids, but make sure they enjoy what they are doing, be it learning or playing. I leave it to you to be creative and innovative, in making learning fun and enjoyable.

3) Yes, discipline your kids, but NOT at the expense of their emotional and physical health. Give them plenty of love, enough sleep and rest, nutritious food and lots of good exercise and games which they enjoy. I leave it to you to draw up your own “sensible” plan.

4) Last but not least, discipline your kids, so that they learn and master at least two languages. Research findings have consistently shown that bilingualism enhances cognitive development.

BTW, if you are a grand parent, research has also shown that learning a second or new language at this ripe old age can defer the onset of Alzheimer disease and dementia! :-)

And, BTW, there are lots of "tiger moms" here in Malaysia, too. Look around...and you will spot them...

Here's the Malaysian Education philosophy for your reference:

Education in Malaysia is an on-going effort towards further developing the potential of individuals in a holistic and integrated manner, so as to produce individuals who are intellectually, spiritually, emotionally and physically balanced, based on a firm belief in and devotion to God. Such an effort is designed to produce Malaysian citizens who are knowledgeable and competent, who possess high moral standards and who are responsible and capable of achieving high level of personal well-being as well as being able to contribute to the harmony and betterment of the family, society and the nation at large.
[Curriculum Development Centre, Ministry of Education Malaysia, 1988]