Parenting in America: 36 years back and 36 years ahead

Parenting in America: 36 years back and 36 years ahead

May 4, 2023Posted inopinion1 Comment

Thirty-six years ago today, I became a father: My first child was born on May 4, 1987. Happy birthday, Dan!

As parents, we all want to see our children doing well. If they do, we are happy. If they do not, our hearts get broken. This is human nature, universally.

For a child to do well, all three elements must be right: parenting, self-effort, and the environment.

There has been no better environment than America over the past 36 years! But will this still be true 36 years from now? I am worried, deeply …

The battle hymn of the tiger father

The battle hymn of the tiger father

April 28, 2023Posted inUncategorizedNo Comments

In 2011, Amy Chua published a book entitled “Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother“. As a tiger dad, I felt obligated to speak out and I did, with an article entitled The Battle Hymn of The Tiger Dad. Below is the conclusion:

There are many ways to do the same thing. In parenting, between the Chinese way and the American way, I chose the latter and am very happy about it!

Now, twelve years later, I have more complete results to report:

  • My elder son Dan (Yale, Economics, Class 2009) is now the CEO of a start-up named “The Real Seat” (https://www.therealseat.com/). It is intended to rival Ticket Master or Stub Hub (his last employer).
  • My younger son Ben (Michigan, Business, Class 2011) is now the CFO of a major line of business within GE.