When my children were young, I was very cocky. I thought I could maintain total control. Amy Chua childcockycontrol Change image and share on social
The Romans thought of themselves as the chosen people, yet they built the greatest army on Earth by recruiting warriors from any background. Amy Chua armybackgroundbuild Change image and share on social
I once won a second prize in a history concert. My parents came to the ceremony. Somebody else had won the prize for best all-around student. Afterwards my father said to me, 'Never, ever disgrace me like that again.' When I tell my Western friends, they are aghast. But I adore my father. It didn't knock my self-esteem at all. Amy Chua adoreaghastceremony share on social
You know, parenting is so personal. And we're all afraid that we didn't quite get it right. And it feels like the stakes are so high. By we - what if we made a mistake? Amy Chua afraidfelthigh Change image and share on social
In Chinese culture, it wouldn't occur to kids to question or talk back to their parents. In American culture, kids in books, TV shows and movies constantly score points with their snappy back talk. Typically, it's the parents who need to be taught a life lesson - by their children. Amy Chua americanbackbook share on social
You know, I think it's so ironic that we're calling hard work, striving for excellence, don't blame others, you know, don't give up, that we're calling these, quote, 'Chinese values,' 'cause I always thought of them as American values. Amy Chua americanblamecall share on social
I'm a proud strict mom and, you know, I'm really proud of the two daughters I've raised. And I'm especially proud of my relationship with them. We're very close. I think we're good friends. Amy Chua closedaughterfriend Change image and share on social
I think the biggest difference is that I've noticed Western parents seem much more concerned about their children's psyches, their self-esteem, whereas tough immigrant parents assume strength rather than fragility in their children and therefore behave completely differently. Amy Chua assumebehavebig share on social
There's a lot of rudeness and sullen behavior and kids that are very entitled and spoiled, just buy me more stuff. I didn't want to raise kids like that. Amy Chua behaviorbuyentitle Change image and share on social
Real self-esteem has to be earned. I also believe in virtuous circles, like, nothing is fun until you are good at it. It is great if you can instill in children the ability to not give up, to have a work ethic. Amy Chua abilitychildcircle share on social