Interesting title, eh?
How French Parents Raise Better Kids by Terryorisms
French Lessons
- Children should say hello, goodbye, thank you and please. It helps them to learn that they aren’t the only ones with feelings and needs.
- When they misbehave, give them the “big eyes”—a stern look of admonishment.
- Allow only one snack a day. In France, it’s at 4 or 4:30.
- Remind them (and yourself) who’s the boss. French parents say, “It’s me who decides.”
- Don’t be afraid to say “no.” Kids have to learn how to cope with some frustration.
via Why French Parents Are Superior by Pamela Druckerman – WSJ.com.
This was a very interesting and informative article I stumbled upon this afternoon.
I am Parisian French so my point of view will probably differ from yours if you are from North America or other parts of the world.
I wouldn’t say that French parents raise better kids. In fact, I don’t think there is one good approach at parenting but I do believe that French people are less children-oriented than their fellow British, American and Canadian peers.
I can relate to some of the things talked about in the article but I think it is good to keep in mind that not every French parent raises their children the same. I experienced both types of parenting while I was working as a babysitter in France and as a nanny in London which, I believe, will enable me to find a good balance between the two.
My daughter is only three months old and three weeks and I have already started to let her know when enough was enough. And I don’t see anything wrong with that. My mother always made sure I was polite, well-behaved and respectful of others. I always knew where my place was but also felt loved and respected as an individual. I want to teach those values to my daughter.
Here is another article from the Guardian UK that an American friend of mine posted on her FB profile. The parenting gap: why French mothers prefer to use the firm smack of authority
I would love to hear what you think about “French parenting” versus your own ! Please share !
Sixtine et Victoire 
and her book! http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/jan/20/french-children-food-pamela-druckerman?CMP=twt_gu
(but i admit i don’t want to read it as for me it’s obvious we should bring up children the French way!)
I hear you…but I think it is a book I would enjoy reading and own – so I will buy it ! I might even get my husband to read it. 😉
I think the “French” way of educating children is good enough since they get used to be polite, to help people and they don’t pass over the limits! (not always ;))
I think French parents raise better kids, but it’s not only the parents’ fault, it’s mainly the education system’s fault. I can see it in the school I’m working in the UK. The kids are not well-behaved at all. They stand up in the middle of the lesson to throw away something in the bin, or to give something to their classmate who is in the other side of the classroom, they call out all the time, they are rude to the teachers….
They’re also allowed to go to the toilets during the lesson, either to fill in their bottles, or the usual thing. One day, I told them that in France, we’re not allowed to go the toilets during the lesson, and that you need to go during breaks. They were shocked!
I was raised both Portuguese and French way. I’m glad my parents and my school taught me good values and good behaviour.