Ep 1. I Am Not a Tiger Mommy

Child Genius is a reality competition show that premiered on Lifetime in January 2015. The show follows 20 of America's brightest children as they compete to be named the nation's smartest kid. In season 1, episode 1, titled "I Am Not a Tiger Mommy," viewers are introduced to the contestants and their families as they prepare for the first round of competition.

The episode begins with introductions of the children and their families, all of whom express excitement and nerves about the competition. Some of the kids are homeschooled, while others attend elite schools. They all share a passion for learning, and many have already won awards and accolades for their academic achievements.

The competition is divided into a series of challenges that test the children's knowledge in a variety of areas, including math, science, history, and literature. In the first challenge, the kids are given 30 seconds to memorize a random assortment of objects, and then must recite them back in the exact order they were presented. This proves difficult for some of the contestants, who struggle to remember all of the items in the correct sequence.

Next, the kids are tasked with solving a series of math problems as quickly as possible. They work feverishly, scribbling equations on notepads and scratching their heads in concentration. Some of them finish quickly and confidently, while others struggle to even begin.

As the challenges continue, the competition becomes increasingly intense. Some of the kids thrive under the pressure, while others crumble. The parents also begin to show signs of strain, especially those who are heavily invested in their child's success.

One such parent is Sue, a Chinese-American mother who is determined to see her daughter win the competition. She admits to being a "tiger mom," and pushes her daughter, Ashley, to study for hours on end. Ashley is a gifted musician and artist, but struggles with mathematics. Her mother is relentless, however, and wants her to excel in every area.

Other parents take a more laid-back approach, encouraging their children to do their best but recognizing that winning isn't everything. One mother, Lori, says she wants her son, Jackson, to have a well-rounded childhood and not be defined solely by his intellect. She worries that the competition will put too much pressure on him and take away from his other interests.

Throughout the episode, the kids bond with each other and form unexpected friendships. They commiserate over difficult challenges and celebrate each other's successes. They also show remarkable poise and maturity, handling the pressure and scrutiny of the competition with grace and dignity.

As the episode draws to a close, the contestants anxiously await the judges' verdict. Only 12 of them will move on to the next round, and the tension is palpable. When the winners are finally announced, there are tears of joy and relief, as well as disappointment and heartbreak.

"I Am Not a Tiger Mommy" is a fascinating and at times heart-wrenching glimpse into the lives of these brilliant young people and their families. The show raises important questions about the role of education in society, as well as the pressure parents place on their children to succeed. Ultimately, it is a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit, as these kids demonstrate their intelligence and creativity in the face of fierce competition.