Tiger Cub
Tiger parenting, a term popularized by Amy Chua, is defined as parents being deeply involved in their children's lives. Parents might use a strict form or demanding parenting style. Tiger parents push and pressure their children to attain high levels of academic achievement or success. Even though tiger parenting can be authoritarian, it also involves parental sacrifice rooted in selfless love for their child.
This book is a personal and introspective exploration of my experience growing up under tiger parenting, a demanding style defined by strict expectations, deep involvement, and an unwavering focus on achievement. While often perceived as authoritarian, tiger parenting is also rooted in profound parental sacrifice and a desire to secure a child’s future. Through this project, I revisit my childhood with a more mature lens, uncovering the intention, love, and complexity behind my mother’s approach.
The two main target audiences for this book are for parents who are hoping to better understand their children’s inner experiences, and young adults who grew up under high expectations. It aims to build empathy from both sides, encouraging parents to honor individuality and support genuine passions, while helping young readers recognize the cultural intentions, hopes, and sacrifices behind their parents’ actions.
The illustrations use primarily black and white tones to emphasize the seriousness of the story, accented with monochrome orange for contrast and warmth. A simple, child-like drawing style conveys innocence and keeps the narrative relatable across age groups, creating a visual tone that feels honest and emotionally grounded.
The narrative follows my journey of understanding: from feeling pressured and misunderstood as a child, to recognizing the emotional and cultural motivations behind my mother’s parenting style. As I reflect on the past, I begin to reconcile conflicting emotions and heal the bond between us. The story ultimately highlights how clarity and empathy can transform a parent–child relationship, offering readers a perspective that acknowledges both the challenges and the love embedded within tiger parenting.