With so much discussion now about the Tucson shooting, mental illness is receiving more attention. There is certainly a hereditary or genetic component to some mental illnesses and it would be interesting to know about the Tucson shooter's family history. It would also be important to know how he was parented.
As a pediatrician, I read the account of Amy Chua's book, Battle Hym of the Tiger Mother, with horror. I amazed that Penguin Press would publish such a book. I guess money was their only interest. Having had parents like Amy Chua when I was in private practic, I know what effect such parenting can have on a child's mental health. I hope her two daughters have other adults with different parenting styles care for them when she is working. I remember one father sending his two-year-old to an educational nursery school at the local college so that he would be sure to be admitted to Harvard. When I asked how much free play time the child had, he could not or would not answer. Children need to be able to chase butterflies, play games of their own devising, read fun book, and just dream. Trying to teach a pre-schooler to read is most unwise. Each child must develop and grow at his or her own speed.
I remember one professional father who pushed his duaghter so hard that she later jumped from a high window at her university. At New York University, the library has high balconies that have been ideal for students' suicides. Because of the many suicides at colleges, extra mental health professionals are being employed. I hope no parent will copy Amy Chua's parenting methods. If so, I fear the results.
