I was raised by a tiger mom. In turn, I myself am a tiger mom. I have no qualms admitting this fact. My mother was born and raised in the Philippines. She was sent to America to attend college so she could eventually support her parents and eight siblings back home. Which is exactly what she did. My mom knew that the world was a tough place, so as a child growing up, she prepared me for that. She taught me to be competitive, because let’s face it – the best jobs go to the best candidates. She taught me to persevere no matter what obstacles came at me, because she knew I would face many. She taught me to be disciplined, because who wants a world full of spoiled children and adults who are only concerned with getting their own way? She taught me a strong work ethic, something for which my employers are all grateful. My mom might not have been sentimental, but there has never, ever been a doubt in my mind that she loved me and wanted the best for me. If she didn’t, she wouldn’t have cared enough to fight me so hard and instill these values in me. So, when I had my children, I did the same. I was “that mom.” The mom who made sure she knew all her kids’ friends, their parents, and had physically seen their homes before ever letting my children go to them. I was the mom who wouldn’t let my daughter wear make-up, heels, and mature clothing when she was only ten years old – no matter how much she argued that all her friends were doing it. My son is 18 years old and has never owned a Grand Theft Auto game. My kids understood at an early age that the rules were different for them than many of their friends. Now, I will admit that I am much more touchy-feely with my kids than my mom was with me, but it doesn’t change the fact that they will tell all their friends I am the most strict parent they have ever known. Yet, every day, they hug me, kiss me, tell me they love me. They thank me for caring enough about them to be so invested in their well-being. They have grown up to be amazing young adults, known for their honesty, responsibility, and good hearts. They both have goals and plans and are working to achieve them. So while every family and culture is different, go ahead and call me a tiger mom. It won’t offend me in the least.
Words from the Long Run 