Both of my girls have very high self-esteem because they were both able to master certain things; I should think that's good for their confidence.

Everything I've ever done that's valuable is something I was afraid to try.

What Chinese parents understand is that nothing is fun until you're good at it. pg 29

The Chinese model calls for giving your kids very little choice - and I've come to see that you can go too far with that. On the other hand, I also believe that Western parents sometimes give their young kids too much choice.

I sort of feel like people are not that honest about their own parenting. Take any teenage household; tell me there is not yelling and conflict.

Never complain or make excuses. If something seems unfair, just prove yourself by working twice as hard and being twice as good.

For my senior prom, my father finally said I could go - as long as I was home by 9pm! That was around the time that most people were heading out. When I was little I was so mad at them all the time. Why can't I do this? Why are there so many rules? But looking back now, my parents gave me the foundation to have so many choices in life.