Are French Women the New Tiger Mothers?

[Snake Alchemist]

Parents used to look to doctors for advice on raising kids. Now they look to other countries. The latest contender for the world's best mom is from France. Author Pamela Druckerman's new book, Bringing Up Bébé: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting, asserts that the Jerry Lewis-loving culture is better at raising children than Americans. Call her 'Le Tigre Mom', the French version of the 'Tiger Mother.' The latter refers to writer Amy Chua's popular Chinese parenting model emphasizing an extremely structured focus on academia.

In contrast, the French parenting model, focuses on discipline, particularly in social situations.

"Authority is one of the most impressive parts of French parenting," writes Druckerman, a mother of three, who spent years studying the culture's child-rearing methods. "Their kids actually listen to them. French children aren't constantly dashing off, talking back, or engaging in prolonged negotiations."

Some of the admirable aspects of French-raised children, according to Druckerman's research:

* They're better eaters. They don't throw tantrums in their high-chairs and they're less fussy about healthy food.
* They're more polite with adults. Raised early on to say please, thank you and proper greetings, their social skills are embedded early on.
* They're more likely to sleep through the night. Druckerman found evidence that French parents are less likely wake up every few hours or to attempt the "cry it out" practice.

http://shine.yahoo.com/parenting/french-women-tiger-mothers-203400595.html

Interesting article.

[mainer]

1. They are definitely better behaved

All the time I lived in Paris, I never saw a kid throw a temper tantrum in public.

[Snake Alchemist]

4. Agreed.

When I was there I was amazed at the manners.

[CTyankee]

10. I noticed how well behaved the kids are in museums there. They didn't whine about

wanting to go to McDonald's or complain that everything was boring and roll their eyes...and lots that I saw were little kids. I think they just grow up thinking that this is what they do and that's that.

[seabeyond]

2. meh... i dont need french moms to tell me boundaries and lines are good, healthy things for

children. that they need/want those boundaries and mutual respect, listening and interaction make life so much easier for both parent and children.

[Snake Alchemist]

6. You are not the problem

But many American mothers will not put any boundaries on their children.

[Cleita]

3. Looks like the way my mother raised me, but she was Chilean.

I was always expected to be polite and not to interrupt the adults when they were talking. My mama had to contend with me on very long trips by ocean liner, train and airplane. She was often complimented by crews and passengers on how well behaved I was. She did it without slapping me or intimidating me in any way and I could be precocious at times. I was only allowed a few toys, never ate candy and got ice cream or a hamburger as a treat occasionally for a special occasion.

[southernyankeebelle]

5. You can keep tiger momma from France or China. I'll stick with my good ole fashioned Italian mom.

I adored her. I respected her, I would do anything she asked of me. My mom was a great cook, made our cloths. She wasn't the best housekeeper because she never had to do house work before. But she kept it straighten up. When my dad came home from work his dinner was on the table. On the weekends he take us out to give momma a break and on sundays they cooked together. I wouldn't trade my momma for anybodies momma. I was truly blessed with parents. I didn't disobey my parents. They would only look at you to realize you shouldn't be doing that.

[AverageJoe90]

11. Your mom rocks. Plain and simple. nt =)

[southernyankeebelle]

12. She really really did. Every day goes by I think about her and my dad. She was so funny and she

did even realize it. She came from Italy. When we would tell a joke she and everyone would laugh. Someone would ask momma did you get it? She still laughing and would say no. Well I swear we would all laugh harder. Then we'd sit there and example the joke until she finally gets it. Then she would say I get it I get it. It was worth everything to see her laugh. Those were the days. I tell my grandkids about her and I treat them like she was with us. I bet your momma was good also. Tell me alittle about your momma. Moms are great aren't they?

[October]

13. Well, some of us had mamas (or grand-mamas) from France...

[southernyankeebelle]

14. Good. I'm not knocking your momma. All am saying is my is just as good as the French, or China

or any other country. I don't know your grandmom or your momma. You should be proud of them. Just like am proud of mine.

[October]

15. :) Peace.

[TwilightGardener]

7. Meh. As a mom, I've always been pretty good at "No". Or "hell no!"

Or "OVER MY DEAD BODY YOU WILL!!" If that makes me a good mom, I'll take it. LOL.

[Snake Alchemist]

8. Thank goodness for mothers like you.

But they seem to be far and few in-between these days.

[HappyMe]

9. Yup. That's pretty much what I did.

Teach them manners, respect, compassion, and to be gentlemen always. No stupid 'time out' crap needed.