"Tiger Mother" Amy Chua defends parenting style on "Today" show

(CBS) Amy Chua, author of controversial memoir "Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother," appeared on the "Today" show defending her strict parenting philosophy and addressing readers' reaction.

Chua's book claimed that her stern parenting style, which includes mandatory piano and violin lessons and practice, as well as criticizing her children's mistakes, is superior to traditional American parenting today. The strong reaction to her book took her by surprise, according to her interview on "Today."

"The internet is scary," Chua said on the show.

The mother also claimed that it wasn't just criticism of her that took her by surprise, but also the things people said about her children. Though, she said her daughters were "amazing" and stood by her amidst all the criticism.

"If I had to do it all over again I would raise my kids the same way," Chua told "Today" show co-host, Ann Curry. "I'm a proud, strict mom."