Tough Love

In this era where parents are over-protective of their children, threatening to sue the school/teacher as soon as their child walks through the door to complain about their school day, this book is a timely reminder that mollycoddling definitely ain't the way to go.

In Strings Attached, and as concurred in Battle Hymm of the Tiger Mother, fun can only come after some very very hard work. Life isn't a bed of roses. One can't have fun all through life. As it is, everyone will experience his/her fair share of trials and tribulations in life. How a child would pass this test of life with flying colours often lies in the discipline instilled in the child from Day 1. And success here isn't even about how much money you would have or how famous you would be; it is about having the mental strength, self mastery and the tenacity to live life to the fullest in all circumstances.

As we progress in this VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous) world, it is time for us to accept and embrace tough love. 

Like what Mr K. told his students, "you will thank me for that one day". Which they did - in no matter what occupation or fields his students were in - they always remembered the tough lessons of discipline, hope and resilience that Mr K had taught them through the painful violin lessons they had when they were kids. For many of them, those lessons learnt consoled them in difficult times and helped them succeed in the path they eventually chose.

Heartwarming and at times wrenchingly moving, it is a must-read book for all educators and parents.