Tiger parenting is one of the parenting methods of parenting. This method is judged to be harsh and too demanding. Parents will use their authority so that the child obeys without thinking about the child’s feelings.
A child in general would want to get the love and tenderness of his parents. However, with this parenting method, children may lose their rights. So, to avoid this, let’s learn what tiger parenting is.
What is Tiger Parenting?

As parents, of course we want our children to grow up to be extraordinary and successful individuals, don’t you think, Mom? But be careful, Mom, our expectations of your little one may lead to inappropriate parenting, including tiger parenting.
Have you heard the term tiger parenting before, Mom? The definition of tiger parenting is a parenting method that tends to be harsh and demanding, often aiming to form high-achieving children.
At first glance, tiger parenting is a parenting method that looks similar to authoritarian parenting, Mom. However, there are actually characteristics that distinguish tiger parenting from other parenting styles, you know!
A study of 444 Chinese-American families showed that tiger parenting parents not only scored high in negative parenting – such as administering punishment, violence, overcontrol, and shaming children, but also scores high in positive parenting – in this case continue to provide love, apply structure and boundaries, and provide support to children.
Well, from this research we can see that the tiger parenting method means applying positive and negative parenting patterns simultaneously.
Then the question is, does this make tiger parenting acceptable, or should it be avoided? So that Mom will understand better, let’s discuss more about tiger parenting, let’s go!
Features of Tiger Parenting
Tiger parents often show support and pressure at the same time in parenting. These characteristics make tiger parents perform the following behaviors when accompanying their little ones.
- Encourage children to maintain high academic scores and apply penalties if they fail to meet them.
- Making rules that are very rigid, excessive, and perhaps irrational, for example not giving children the opportunity to socialize at all with peers so that their learning time is not disturbed.
- Very concerned with the achievements and skills of children, to the point of neglecting things that children actually like or are interested in.
- Focuses on the child’s achievements rather than the effort he puts into achieving them.
- Do not want children to experience failure, so they are constantly reminded and set what to do by children.
From some of the behaviors above, have you ever done anything? Please note, Mom, although some parents agree that there are positive effects of tiger parenting, such as building a more disciplined character and having a good work ethic in adulthood, several studies have shown that this parenting pattern can have more negative impacts, especially for mental health. child.
Negative Impacts of Tiger Parenting
So, what are the negative effects of tiger parenting? Here are some of them, Mom.
1. At risk for mental health problems
One of the negative effects of tiger parenting is that children are at risk for mental health problems. Yup, children with tiger parents may be able to achieve many achievements because of their parents’ encouragement.
However, some critics argue that the negative parenting that is applied can hinder his emotional development and mental health.
This opinion is in line with a study which proved that children who received negative care scored lower on their socio-emotional health compared to children who received positive care.
In addition, experts argue, children who receive negative parenting are more at risk of developing anxiety disorders and depression.
2. Troubleshooting self-confidence
Next, the negative impact of tiger parenting is that it can cause problems in children’s self-confidence. Parents who only focus on results and continuously make demands on their children can affect the way children judge and see themselves (self-esteem).
This makes the child may feel questioning his own abilities and feel his self-worth only depends on the achievements he has achieved.
3. Children are afraid to make mistakes
A parent’s high standards may create fear in a child if he or she cannot meet those standards. This also includes the negative impact of tiger parenting, Mom.
If your child experiences it continuously, he will tend to hesitate in conveying his creative ideas and initiatives for fear of disappointing others.
4. Academic achievement is not getting better
Although the goal of tiger parenting is to encourage children to achieve high marks, research shows that children with tiger parents score lower academically than children who receive more positive parenting.
This proves that the tiger parenting method does not guarantee your child’s academic success.
Well Mom, that’s a complete explanation of what tiger parenting is. Judging from its impacts, it turns out that tiger parenting is a parenting pattern that we should avoid.
Mom can do more positive parenting alternatives by providing warmth, applying positive discipline, supervising, and also providing opportunities for children to be independent in making decisions.
That way, your little one’s motivation to succeed will develop by itself and he can grow up to be a happier child.