What is tiger parenting, and does it work?

Are you especially strict? Do you place higher demands on your kids, because you want them to do well? You could be a tiger parent.

Tiger parenting, according to educational psychologist Ashley Jay, is a form of parenting that’s “authoritarian and somewhat intrusive”. It’s characterised by strict rules, with parents pushing their kids to do well in all areas, from schoolwork to extra-murals and behaviour.

Positive aspects of tiger parenting

All parents want their kids to be stars, right? So, there must be some positives to tiger parenting. Ashley says some potential benefits include the fact that it may encourage self-discipline in kids and help develop a strong work ethic. It may also teach kids to challenge themselves, help them get to grips with problem-solving, and encourage them to focus on intrinsic motivation rather than external rewards.

Negative aspects of tiger parenting

There are negative aspects to this parenting style too. Especially since it can make kids very self-critical and undermine their self-confidence. Ashley notes that kids may also become afraid of making mistakes, and may blame themselves for not being able to be perfect in everything they do. “This intense focus on perfectionism can lead to symptoms of anxiety and depression. It may even reduce their belief that they are able to accomplish goals. “Tiger parenting may result in poor coping skills, leaving children dependent on others,” she says.

Ashley reports that children who are parented this way show “maladaptive outcomes, such as depression, anxiety, and poor social skills. “The research also indicates that tiger parenting tends to set enormously high and unreasonable expectations for children, and that there are negative cognitive and emotional effects to having overly demanding goals.”

The con of putting too  much pressure on your child

If you realise you’re prone to pressuring your kids, remember to prioritise your child’s emotional wellbeing over achievement. Rather focus on building resilience when it comes to coping with schoolwork and the associated stress, Ashley advises. “Make a point of spending quality time with your child that doesn’t revolve around school schedules or extra-mural activities. This emphasises the importance of good time-management skills while allowing for fun and relaxation as well as homework. Finally, it’s important to widen your definition of success. Valuing creativity, individualism and emotional intelligence, as well as educational achievement, is more likely to lead your child to become a happy and thriving adult.”