The so-called 'tiger mom' has been the subject of massive debate over parenting methods. However, researchers at Stanford say they have finally solved the problem of which is the best parenting method. They claim that in fact both methods are equally as effective. Motivation, the researchers wrote, is understood to come from within an individual in Western families, while Asian children find strength in parental expectations. In 2011, Yale law Professor Amy Chua (pictured) provoked a cultural clash with a Wall Street Journal article, 'Why Chinese Mothers Are Superior,' that advocated a strict approach – 'tiger parenting' – common in East Asia.
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Motivation found  to come from within an individual in Western families
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Asian children find strength in parental expectations
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Children can be motivated either way, Stanford team found
In the @placeholder family model, the authors suggest, children learn the value of being interdependent with one's close others, especially one's mother.