I think there’s some truth to this. Perhaps not a “French” thing but I’ve spent a fair amount of time in Sweden, France and Germany and the parents treat their children, even small children, more like little adults. They expect more from them, they don’t indulge them and they talk to them like adults. Their methods aren’t perfect but quite frankly, they are better in my opinion than the “you are special; what do you want” attitudes that American parents have toward their kids. We are raising little terrors who demand and scream for what they want and usually get it from their indulgent parents.
I agree with your post, but then there are people like Tim Tebow was always told that he was special, but that his special talents came from God and that God had a plan for him.
There is a whole lot of truth to this.
Europeans in general do raise their children differently.
They are firm along with being kind and loving. Tone of voice does make a difference. Ask any dog whisperer.
Learning patience is key as well as constancy and uniformity.
A child has to learn how to entertain himself and understand that parents are not constant playthings.
Montessori understood this well.
Wife and I also raised our son without trying to win favor.
Too many parents try to be their child’s best friend. It doesn’t work.
I bet also that European children have less incidence of ADD, hyperactivity, learning disabilities, etc., which are a result of constant catering to kids.
I was amazed at the kids that could speak more than one language over there.