NetCafeLive

May 14, 1999

Borders.com presents NetCafeLive with Sylvia Rimm, a noted child psychologist who discusses health issues concerning women, parents, daughters, psychology, career, and success.

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CCCheer: Welcome to NetCafeLive Where we host authors and celebrities throughout the month. Thanks for joining us! Borders NetCafeLive is a joint production of Borders.com(tm) & Talk City(tm), a Talk City, Inc. Production. Tonight's guest is Sylvia Rimm here to talk about her new book: "See Jane Win : The Rimm Report on How 1,000 Girls Became Successful Women" Dr. Sylvia Rimm is the author of "Why Kids Get Poor Grades"; "How to Parent So Children Will Learn"; "Raising Preschoolers" and many other useful books. A clinical professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, she is also the director of the Family Achievement Clinic at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland and a contributing correspondent for the "Today" show. Its great to have you with us Sylvia, Would you tell us about the book "See Jane Win"?

SylviaRimm: "See Jane Win" is based on research that my daughters and I conducted with over a thousand successful women -- 1236 to be exact -- in eight non-traditional careers for women, and four traditional careers. To qualify to be in the study, the women had to perceive themselves as successful and happy in their careers, and reasonably happy in their relationship life. We actually advertised nationally to attract these women, and they represent each state in the Union. The non-traditional careers we had were government, medicine, science, law, orchestral music, visual arts, and the media. The traditional careers included education, nursing, mental health and homemakers. In addition to surveying these women with the 23-page extensive survey, we interviewed 110 of the women. We then analyzed this information and described case studies to provide themes in their childhood that seem to related to their success, as well as themes for different careers. Based on our findings, we've offered advice to parents for raising girls to be successful women, and we've provided inspirational stories for young women as well to see how their lives compare to successful women. Some of the important findings included that only 25 percent of these women's mothers had a college education, but their parents had high expectations for them. The characteristic words these women typically used to describe themselves in childhood were "smart," "hardworking," and "independent." Some other characteristics that we think of as "gender characteristics" were "shy," "sensitive," "good little girls." There were many bookworms and tomboys among these successful women. Very few trouble makers, very few rebellious girls, and very few fashion leaders. The main reason the book is called "See Jane Win" is when these women were asked about their most positive experiences in childhood, they frequently indicated winning in competition as important. Many of the women describe themselves as competitive. They were also resilient, they didn't always win. Our advice to parents is teach girls how to compete, because winning builds confidence, while losing builds character. There were many other characteristics that I'd be happy to share, but I think this would be a good opportunity to open up questions.

Jeannie: I'm a mother of a 5-year-old and really want to start a business of my own. Right now, I feel very unhappy in my current job. The pressures are really putting a strain in my marriage, what do you advise? Also, where can I find your new book?

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