The Tiger In The Family.

If you just set out to be liked, you would be prepared to compromise on anything at any time, and you would achieve nothing. -MARGARET THATCHER

I've posted this quote before.

Whether you're a lover or a hater of the term, tiger mother {or stepmother} before you throw stones, let me explain.

I liked Amy Chua's book, The Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother. Why yes, the first chunk of it drove me crazy and I questioned the authenticity of some of the situations and also wondered how someone could be so crazy obsessed, I think she makes valid points about parenting today. And that is that a lot of our society has stopped parenting altogether in order to build up their children's self esteem, become their children's friends and create monstrosities.

And who doesn't love that Chua ends up put in her place as she seemingly comes around to realize that her intense, obsessive, no room for grace parenting module is not working.

That said. I parent much like I was parent-ed, which was not extreme Chua style but nor was it the style she criticizes. It was middle ground.

Expectations were made clear and high. Respect was not optional. And freedoms and privileges were not a given or a right.

I admit one of my biggest downfalls is the inability to see grey. I see black and white. This is the line, the end, the limit. {I wonder if I should blame this on my parents or take responsibility for my own shortcoming? Yes, that is sarcasm.}

All this to say, this week, I'm feeling a little bit like the Tiger Stepmom.

And as one on my facebook posting suggested, maybe that's a role best played by stepmom. And another reminded me that somedays we're the tigers and other days we're the supers.

But then my dad's advice was to hit the ground in prayer. And so we do.