Tiger parenting is a style of parenting that is characterized by strict rules, high expectations, and an emphasis on academic achievement. This parenting style is often associated with Asian cultures, particularly in countries such as China, Korea, and Japan.

 In countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea, the tiger style of parenting has caused students to be under tremendous pressure to perform well academically, and failure to meet expectations can result in feelings of shame and inadequacy. This pressure can be intensified by the strict rules and expectations of tiger parenting, which can leave little room for children to explore their own interests and passions and can harm the growth of developmental milestones.

Tiger parenting tips include the need to be authoritative; there’s no room for children to voice their desires or opinions on that matter. They make decisions about what should be a priority for their children and limit socialisation, believing that peers may stray them away from studies. 

Who’s a tiger parent?

Tiger parents have full control over their child’s life, this comes from a place of lack of trust of parents in their children. Tiger parents believe that their children are incapable of making decisions.

• High expectations for children's academic and extracurricular performance.
• Strict rules and guidelines that children are expected to follow.
•  Emphasis on discipline and structure, with strict routines and schedules.
•  Highly involved in children's lives, including education and extracurricular activities.
• Focus on achievement and success, pushing children to excel.
•  May use strict discipline methods such as corporal punishment or removal of privileges.
•  Can create significant pressure for children, leading to burnout or other negative consequences.
•  Parenting style often associated with Asian cultures, particularly China, Korea, and Japan.
•  Controversial approach to parenting, with supporters and critics alike.

How tiger parenting can affect a child’s emotional and mental well-being 

The term "tiger mom" has been the subject of much controversy and debate in recent years. While some people see it as an effective parenting style that produces high-achieving children, others see it as a harmful approach that puts undue pressure on children and damages their emotional well-being. 

While it may be associated with high levels of academic achievement, it can also create a number of negative outcomes that can impact children's mental and emotional health in the long term. 

• Anxiety and stress: Tiger parenting often places a great deal of pressure on children to perform well academically, which can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress. Children may feel overwhelmed by the expectations placed on them and struggle to cope with the pressure to succeed. This can result in a range of negative outcomes, including difficulty sleeping, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
•  Low self-esteem: Strict rules and high expectations can also have a negative impact on a child's self-esteem. Children may begin to internalize the belief that they are only valuable if they perform well academically, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-worth. This can impact their ability to form healthy relationships and may contribute to depression or anxiety. 
• Lack of creativity and individuality: Tiger parenting can also limit a child's ability to explore their own interests and passions. Strict rules and expectations may leave little room for children to pursue activities that don't align with their parents' goals for them. This can lead to a lack of creativity and individuality, as children may feel pressured to conform to their parents' expectations rather than develop their own unique sense of self.
• Burnout: Finally, tiger parenting can contribute to burnout in children. The pressure to perform well academically, combined with strict rules and expectations, can leave little time for children to relax and engage in self-care activities. This can lead to exhaustion and burnout, which can impact their ability to perform well in school and engage in other activities.

Parenting tips against tiger parenting 

Here are some parenting tips for parents who want to avoid the negative impacts of tiger parenting and promote a healthy and supportive environment for their children and nurture developmental milestones:

• Prioritize communication: Maintaining open and honest communication with your child is key to promoting a healthy and supportive environment. Encourage your child to express their feelings and opinions and listen to them without judgment. Encourage creativity and exploration: Allow your child to explore their own interests and passions, even if they don't align with your own goals for them. This can promote creativity and individuality and may lead to a greater sense of self-worth and confidence. 
• Promote a healthy work-life balance: It's important to encourage your child to engage in activities outside of school, such as sports, hobbies, or spending time with friends and family. This can help promote a healthy work-life balance and prevent burnout.
• Avoid excessive criticism: While it's important to provide constructive feedback and guidance, excessive criticism can have a negative impact on your child's self-esteem and emotional well-being. Focus on building your child up and highlighting their strengths rather than constantly pointing out their flaws.

Encourage self-care: Encourage your child to engage in self-care activities, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time in nature. This can help promote relaxation and reduce stress levels, which can have a positive impact on their mental and emotional well-being.