What is Tiger parenting?
Tiger parenting is a parenting style that relies heavily on strict rules and high expectations for their children, and it places high expectations on academic excellence, discipline, and hard work. Tiger parenting has its roots emanating from the Asian societies; it holds its values based on the idea that for children to be successful, they must be forced to move away from their comfort zone, and parents should enforce strict rules. Parents using the tiger parenting style want their children to succeed in all spheres of life, not just academically.
Why is it called tiger parenting?
Amy Chua, a professor at Yale Law School, coined the concept of “tiger parenting” in 2011. In her book titled “Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother,” she gives her personal narration of her story as a strict parent and how she used what she termed the “Chinese parenting model” to raise her two daughters. She raised them through strict discipline and academic success; she had to avoid being lenient and overindulgent, believing that children learn well when they face challenges head-on.
What are the characteristics of a tiger parent?
High expectations. Tiger parents set high standards for their children with no compromising in academic and extracurricular activities like music and arts. They expect their kids to excel in everything they do.
Academic success. Tiger parents are more concerned with raising their kids to be intellectually intelligent; hence, they value academic success and discipline more.
High parental involvement. In tiger parenting, parents hold authority over their children’s lives, and children are expected to obey. They get to monitor which types of activities they take and keep checking their performance in academics.
Strict rules and rigid structures. This way of parenting doesn’t leave much room for discipline, and kids are expected to follow the rules without question. They teach their kids to be responsible and self-controlled by using discipline.
Tiger parenting pros and cons
Pros of tiger parenting
1. Strong Academic Discipline.
Children raised in a tiger parenting household often develop excellent study habits, and they are focused on academics; therefore, they tend to perform well in school.
2. Develop strong Work Ethic.
Children in tiger parenting households learn time management skills, respect, and perseverance. For example, a child might learn to balance schoolwork and extracurricular activities by following a strict schedule, understanding that consistent hard work is the key to success.
3. High Academic Achievement
This parenting style places a strong emphasis on academic success; therefore, children who are raised in this manner excel academically. For example, tiger parents set high expectations for their children; therefore, children will study hard to meet those expectations.
4. Strong Family Values
The tiger parenting style fosters an environment where children know how to appreciate and respect the efforts of their parents, and it maintains strong family ties.
5. Goal-Orientated Mindset
Children raised in the tiger parenting style are installed with a clear, sharp mindset which is focused on setting targets and achieving goals. A child might set a target to improve their piano skills or sports performance, driven by the desire to meet their parents’ expectations and personal ambition.
Cons of tiger parenting
1. High Pressure and Stress
High expectations directed towards children from parents create stress and anxiety for children. For example, when a child fails to meet expectations from their parents, they become overwhelmed.
2. Poor communication and low self-esteem.
Children raised under tiger parenting are vulnerable to low self-esteem because their parents’ constant expectations lead them to question their worthiness for education. Since parents hold authority and children must obey, this leads to poor communication, as children are unable to express their thoughts, desires, and feelings. Children raised under tiger parenting are always fearful of their parents.
3. Emotional Suppression
Children raised under this parenting style tend to sacrifice their feelings in order for them to achieve their parental expectations.
4. Limited Creativity and Independence
Strict rules and a focus on achievement may restrict a child’s ability to explore their own interests and develop independent thinking. This can result in children feeling less confident in making decisions on their own.
5. Strained Parent-Child Relationships
The authoritative approach can sometimes lead to tension or resentment, as children may feel their efforts are never enough or that their feelings are overlooked.
How Tiger Parenting Affects Children Long-Term?
Tiger parenting, which is characterised by strict discipline, high expectations, and an intense focus on achievement, can have profound and lasting effects on children as they grow into adulthood. While this parenting style often aims to foster success and resilience, the emotional and psychological impact can be complex and deeply personal.
Children raised under tiger parenting frequently learn to prioritise their parents’ expectations over their own feelings and desires. This can lead to a persistent internal conflict, where they suppress their emotions to meet external standards. Over time, this emotional suppression may result in difficulties with self-esteem, as these individuals struggle to recognise their own worth beyond achievements and approval from others.
Moreover, the pressure to excel can create chronic stress and anxiety, which may carry into adulthood, affecting mental health and overall well-being. These individuals might find it challenging to manage emotions effectively, leading to struggles with emotional regulation and vulnerability.
In relationships, former tiger-parented children may have trouble asserting their needs or setting boundaries, as they have been conditioned to please others and avoid disappointing authority figures. This can sometimes result in feelings of resentment or isolation, as their authentic selves remain unexpressed.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that the long-term effects vary widely among individuals. Some may channel the discipline and work ethic instilled by tiger parenting into positive achievements and resilience, while others may need time and support to heal from the emotional challenges it can bring.
Ultimately, understanding these nuanced impacts helps foster empathy and encourages a more balanced approach to parenting—one that values both achievement and emotional well-being.
Learn more about the Baumrind parenting style. What Are The Four Styles Of Parenting Balance According To Baumrind For Successful Kids? 2026