Chinese Parenting Vs Western Parenting

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child “lazy”, “stupid” or “worthless” is a better way to motivate her to be good than some other more gentle but persistent mode” (Rosin, 2011). She believes that a parent’s role is not to act as a harsh critic and task master, but to guide them through the difficulties of life that come along.

　　It can be argued that the idea of happiness is almost completely absent from Amy Chua’s impression. Chua says, “Chinese parents believe that they know that is best for their children and therefore override all of their children’s own desires and preferences” (Chua, 2011) The child’s happiness, or misery, is completely irrelevant, because the parent is the supreme authority, acting in the child’s best interest. Chua claims, “It’s not that Chinese parents don’t care about their children, just the opposite. They would give up anything for their children” (Chua, 2011). However, the one thing that Chua and other parents will not give up is complete control.

　　 Rosin takes an entirely different approach to the value of individual happiness. She observes that happiness does not come through being successful; furthermore, “happiness is the great human quest” (Rosin, 2011).

　　In conclusion, it is undeniable that both Amy Chua and Hannah Rosin love their children and believe that their approach to parenting is based on a desire to do what is best for those children. However, the two approaches present a sharp contrast to each other. Amy Chua believes that success, perfection and being “the best” are of paramount importance, and will ultimately build a child’s self-esteem (Chua, 2011). Hannah Rosin is critical of the harshness of the Chinese template and argues for a gentler approach, one that takes the natural interests and talent of the child into account (Rosin, 2011). Rosin notes that the idea of enjoyment or happiness is strikingly absent from Chua’s parenting style; in turn, Chua observes that many Western parents are disappointed with the choices that their children make in their lives (Rosin, 2011; Chua, 2011). It can be argued that both the Eastern approach and Western approach have a great deal to offer each other; a wise parent knows how to walk a middle ground.

Works Cited

Chua, Amy. "Why Chinese Mothers are Superior." The Wall Street Journal 8 Jan. 2011. Web. 14

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Luscombe, Belinda. "Chinese vs Western Mothers: Q&A with Amy Chua." Time 11 Jan. 2011.

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Rosin, Hanna. "Mother Inferior?" The Wall Street Journal 15 Jan. 2011. Web. 14 July 2014.

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