Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/the-gift-of-talent/5021455/
Talent, of whatever variety, is a gift of nature that can only be fully realized with the help of nurture. I was reminded of this truism while watching two young performers, Astro and Rachel Crow, on the “X Factor.” As I watched these two talented young people, I could not help thinking that at least some parents might see them differently than I did. Some might believe that what Astro and Rachel Crow had attained, could be acquired by nurture alone and without any natural ability.This idea has recently been reinforced by the publication of Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mom (Chau, 2011). In this bestselling book, Chau describes the rigorous parenting practices she believes account for her oldest daughter’s academic prowess and musical skills. For example, she did not let her seven-year-old daughter sit down to dinner or go to the bathroom until she learned to play a particular piece on the piano. Another example of Tiger Mom parenting that Chau gives is one occasion when she threw a birthday card, made by her daughter, back at the girl saying, “I deserve better than this, so I reject this.” Chau’s second daughter was much less compliant and cooperative. Chau learned ...