If you are luckier and wiser than me, then you haven’t spent too much time fretting about the latest book by Tiger Mom Amy Chua. As described in Time Magazine, “Chua’s most recent book, The Triple Package… looks at success in America—specifically why certain groups (Jews, Indians, Chinese, Iranians, Lebanese, Nigerians, Cubans, and Mormons) succeed. In a recent New York Times article, they offer a synopsis of the book, citing what they regard as the three pillars of success: (1) “a superiority complex—a deep-seated belief in their exceptionality”; (2) “insecurity—a feeling that you or what you've done is not good enough”; and (3) “impulse control”—essentially self-discipline.”
It would be nice if Chua defines ‘success’ as achieving a loving and generous self-concept and inner peace, but I suspect she’s talking about outward signs of success like social status, wealth and achievement. Never-the-less, her three-item hypothesis seems to capture (and then super-size) some of the habits of character we emphasize at Evergreen. That is, if a 'superiority complex’ means ‘self-confidence’; a feeling that what you’ve done is not good enough means ‘drive or curiosity'; and ‘impulse control’ means ‘patience,' then her assessment may align with our school values. At the end of the day, though, I suspect her book may leave us wanting a child-friendlier, unconditional-loving and more humane style of parenting. Let’s see.
I will download my Kindle edition tonight.
John DeMarchi is Head of School at Evergreen School, a Montessori program for children ages 2 to third grade. Learn more at www.evergreenschool.com.
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