I'm American, my ex is French, I've lived in France for over 14 years, I have a 10 year old, and this book is utter crap.
This woman is just cashing in, and why not? There is a string of bestsellers about France, living in France, what have you.
French kids can be holy terrors, and so can their parents. I've seen just as much screaming, whining, spanking and slapping here as I did with kids in the US. I really don't think there is superior parenting going on here. Maybe just a hell of a lot more threats not to act up in public!
As for being able to criticize other people's parenting-- just try it. French parents are as defensive as Americans. Their kids can do no wrong, and they'll let you know it but quick.
I will agree on the foodways, because it is just different here. Nobody wants to eat in the car, and they usually don't have to-- they have TIME to eat. Family is still important, and eating/everything arounf eating is a big part of the culture.
You might say as well that the author is part of a certain class of people, the "nouvelle bourgeoisie" if you will. Yeah, they're the ones with full-time nannies and maids and a host of other people raising their children most of the time. So it's maybe a little easier to be patient, non?
This woman is just cashing in, and why not? There is a string of bestsellers about France, living in France, what have you.
French kids can be holy terrors, and so can their parents. I've seen just as much screaming, whining, spanking and slapping here as I did with kids in the US. I really don't think there is superior parenting going on here. Maybe just a hell of a lot more threats not to act up in public!
As for being able to criticize other people's parenting-- just try it. French parents are as defensive as Americans. Their kids can do no wrong, and they'll let you know it but quick.
I will agree on the foodways, because it is just different here. Nobody wants to eat in the car, and they usually don't have to-- they have TIME to eat. Family is still important, and eating/everything arounf eating is a big part of the culture.
You might say as well that the author is part of a certain class of people, the "nouvelle bourgeoisie" if you will. Yeah, they're the ones with full-time nannies and maids and a host of other people raising their children most of the time. So it's maybe a little easier to be patient, non?