I just finished the book Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua. As a mother, I found it very insightful. While I think Ms. Chua was into extreme parenting, I do think she has a point about expecting the best of our children to show them how much they can achieve. I recommend every parent read this book. Several of her quotes are worth noting: On Teaching: "What Chinese parents understand is that nothing is fun until your good at it. To get good at anything you have to work, and children on their own never want to work, which is why it its crucial to override thier preference." "I am here to prepare them for the world, not be their friend." (I superimposed these two ideas onto what it means to be a teacher when I was at a recent interview for a teaching position.) "Tenacious practice, practice, practice is crucial for excellence; rote repetion is underrated in America." (I think she has a point. I wonder if that strategy plus memorizat