Child rearing plays an integral part in an individuals growth and development.

This stage entails an important phase wherein a child is molded through the guidance and tutelage of his/her parents. Parents are morally and legally bound to take care of children and to impart to them the ethical values, norms, and standards of conduct of the society (Medina, 2001: 218). As we can see parents/guardians play a very crucial role in a childs life, they serve as their first teachers and likewise are instrumental in socialization. With this, child rearing vis--vis culture inculcates or bestows children a means of acting, thinking and feeling towards others and the surrounding environs. In relation to that, the childs behavior is regarded as reflective of his upbringing (Ibid. 219) and so parents must teach their children the good manners and right conduct acceptable in their group to maintain a good family reputation.
Parents are dedicated to child- rearing not only because of genuine love and concern for the childs welfare but also because of community expectations and legal prescription (Medina, 2001: 219).

Aside from emotional support, parents provide their offspring with necessities such as a food, shelter, clothing, medical attention and education, aimed towards a better life and a sound character. In line with this, child rearing among Filipinos is nurturant, affectionate, indulgent, and supportive (Ventura as cited by Medina, 2001: 226). It is demonstrated through the parents enforcing rules and policies that aim to protect and keep the child safe. To instill discipline it is common for most Filipino parents/guardians to enforce corporal punishment among their children. In relation to this Medina, mentioned that the ideal time to begin with the said disciplining practice is when the child is still young as it is commonly acknowledged that values inculcated in early in life are more lasting (2001). Moreover, parental strictness is dependent on certain factors and circumstances such as site, occasion, and birth order (Ibid.). Parents are likely to be overprotective if the child is seen to be in a potentially threatening situation and usually have a pet whom is considered to be their favorite child. Typically, it is the youngest child (bunso) who is spoiled and given the most attention. On the other hand, the eldest child (panganay) serves as a substitute for the

parents when they are not present; the eldest child may have the capability to exercise authority among his/her siblings. Also, a childs gender is an important factor in reinforcing perceived gender roles. Similarly, gender role differentiation is emphasized (Medina, 2001: 227). If the child is female she is expected to play dolls, act modestly, stay and/or be at home as early as possible. However, the male child is allowed to stay outdoors even at a later time and is expected to be brave, strong and responsible to find a source of living. Contrary to practices in the Philippines, Asian Americans (particularly Chinese American mothers) also known as tiger moms are distinct to a certain extent. In the Chinese culture, the tiger is the living symbol of strength and power that elicits both fear and respect (Lambert, 2012: 30). Thus, children raised this way are said to be triumphant. The kids are pushed to excel greatly in their academic performances and shall do their best in whatever field or instrument their parents order them to pursue.
Parents must also prevent kids from wasting their precious time on non-productive activities like sleepovers, school plays, boyfriends, video games, craft projects, television, and hanging out with friends when they could be home solving math problems.

Tiger moms would tell kids what to do, when to do it, force them to do it, and severely punish even the slightest deviations from perfection (Lavin, 2012). We can say that they are completely authoritarian. The purpose of this disciplining technique is to let them see what theyre capable of, and arming them with skills, work habits and inner confidence ( Lavin, 2012). Constant practice and a certain number of hours dedicated to such activities are set and expected (i.e. playing violin for three straight hours a day and they cant have water or bathroom break until they play that piece perfectly). Even their childrens diet to how many hours they should be allowed to spend on the computer (Smeyers, 2010: 271) is being monitored. Aside from acquiring skills and knowledge, this prepares them for whatever challenges that lies ahead. Asian American mothers are very strict; they will do anything to elevate their childs self-esteem and at the same time to meet their expectations. If a child fails to do so, they

are negatively reinforced to do better through means such as insults, threats, punishments and the like (Lavin, 2012). We may generalize that there are some similarities and differences between Asian American and Filipino child rearing practices. It can be easily said that they came from similar cultural backgrounds. In terms of raising their children, the two mentioned cultures are highly involved in their childrens work and may be seen as doting. They watch over the relationships and activities inside and outside the household (e.g. caring for the elderly and younger siblings, cleaning the house). Also, mothers are primarily involved in managing and rearing their children. Furthermore, both groups practice corporal punishment as a means to discipline their young, which is somewhat negatively viewed by Western counterparts. Asian Americans differ in a sense that in some cases, children are not given the liberty to choose their own goals but instead are forced to fulfill what are set by their parents. Perfection in ones craft and discipline are expected and demanded from them, which may be viewed as coercive. Despite such, these efforts are undertaken to ensure a childs success. Filipino parents on the other hand may be strict and determinative but they are usually more open in terms of their relationship with their children. Camaraderie, warmth, love and concern among family members and kin are observed. Respect for the elderly is shown by saying po or opo and by doing mano. The practices involved in child rearing, similar to culture is dynamic, as time goes by changes may occur and adjust to what is needed. What is considered as proper is subjective to and is dependent on what socio-cultural lens/perspective people are coming from (Medina, 2001: 226). Filipinos and Asian Americans exercise rearing in various and similar ways which involve punishment and discipline. Although these may be perceived as controlling, enforcing obedience is done with the intent to ensure a childs security and future. Children are punished so as to keep them in line. At the end of the day parents, regardless of their cultural backgrounds do what must be done for their childrens benefit, nothing more and nothing less.

Bibliography:

Medina, B. T. G. (2001). The Filipino Family. (2nd ed.). Diliman, Quezon City: University of the Philippines Press.

Lambert, H. (2012, April 3). A tiger-like approach to parenting: The key to raising successful children?. Retrieved from http://education.tamu.edu/news-archive/2012/04/tigerapproach-parenting-key-raising-successful-children

Lavin, J. (2012). Raising Mature Kids. Retrieved from http://www.raisingmaturekids.com/Tiger_Mom_Parenting.pdf

Smeyers, P. (2010). Child Rearing in the Risk Society: On the Discourse of Rights and the Best Interests of a Child. Educational Theory, 60(3), 271-284. Retrieved from doi:10.1111/j.1741-5446.2010.00358.x