Can strict mothers' children be smarter, but have weaker personalities?

Every parent wants their child to be intelligent, capable, and successful. However, the strictness and strong control exerted by mothers in achieving this goal may not always yield positive results. Chinese scientists have clarified this issue through a new study. According to this research, mothers who strictly raise their children and consistently demand excellent grades might boost their children's intellectual capacity to higher levels, but there is a risk of insufficient development of their personal qualities.

Chinese experts have termed women who practice this strict parenting method as "tiger mothers." This term symbolizes a mother who continuously pressures her children, demanding high achievements from them. Scientists conducted this research among thousands of families across 25 provinces and autonomous regions in China. Within the scope of this research, decision-making in families, parenting methods, and children's intellectual and personal development were thoroughly analyzed.

Researchers evaluated children's cognitive skills using memory tests, mathematics, and special tasks from other subjects. When measuring personal qualities, they considered the five main traits of human personality: conscientiousness, kindness, extraversion, openness to new experiences, and emotional stability.

According to the results, nearly half (approximately 49%) of mothers in China fully met the criteria of being a "tiger mother." Interestingly, children raised under such strict parenting achieved high results in intellectual and cognitive tests; however, they lagged behind their peers in social interactions, creativity, and personal qualities.

Experts believe the main reason for these situations is that mothers who set excessively high expectations severely limit their children's freedom and leisure time. Children raised in such environments struggle to develop creative activities, self-expression, and independent decision-making skills. It is highly probable that their personality, openness, and ability to adapt to various life situations will not be sufficiently developed.

Furthermore, excessively strict parental control and pressure were found to negatively affect family relationships. In this parenting style, sincerity, trust, and open communication between parents and children are limited.

According to psychologists, it is advisable for mothers to follow balanced parenting methods to ensure the healthy development of children in all areas. Alongside high academic standards, special attention should also be paid to children's personal development, emotional stability, and social interaction skills.

Therefore, parents should provide a balance between education and personal growth in their children's lives. In any educational approach, it is essential to primarily consider the child's personal needs and abilities. Only then can a solid foundation be created for the comprehensive development of a child.

This research can offer parents an important lesson: one should not oppress children in the pursuit of making them smart. Parents who want to achieve high results in raising children should primarily pay attention to their children's individual needs and capabilities.

For a child to grow successfully and happily in all aspects, appropriate guidance and sincere relationships are more important than strict requirements. This serves as a key factor in nurturing individuals who are strong and successful not only intellectually but also personally.