Pardon My French
Quite a few exciting things have gone on in the past couple of weeks. Sorry to leave everyone hanging…..will finish updating later this week on all things car and mortgage.
Being the large, pregnant lady that I currently am has led to a barrage of neverending books, products, clothing and all other things “baby.” I haven’t actually delved into any of these things yet; in fact, I’ve only read one book in the 6 months of my current state of baby-carrying-hood. This book has totally rocked my world. “Bringing up Bebe” was written by Pamela Druckerman, an American who moved to France with her husband.
Druckerman talks about the differences between French parenting and American parenting. Throughout her time in Paris she notices that French toddlers politely sit through 4 course meals at restaurants without making a scene or throwing their food; they EAT the food that’s served in these 4 course meals (no pizza or chicken fingers;) they say hello and goodbye to friends and family (or bonjour and au revoir;) they speak to their babies like they are adults from the moment they are born; and they get their children to sleep through the night an an average of TWO MONTHS!!!! I say, sign me up for this program. I want a polite little “Diego” that will eat anything and sleep through the night right away! My sister-in-law recommended this book to us and we both loved it! Every mother and pregnant lady that I have recommended this book to has devoured it and thoroughly enjoyed it!
Reading this book was rather convicting also because I am guilty of what Druckerman refers to as “narrated play.” Apparently it’s something that we Americans are quite good at. If you go to your local park, “narrated play” sounds a little something like this:
Mom or dad: “You’re going up the stairs. Now you are running across the jungle gym. You’re going down the slide. WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEE. Aren’t you having so much fun Connor?”
French: (cricket, cricket) French parents let their children play on the playground while they watch from the benches and socialize with the other mothers and fathers. Their school of thought is that their child KNOWS they are going down the slide, and if they don’t, they let them figure it out and find their own joy instead of constantly getting and needing verbal reassurance. Something interesting to think about.
Check out Bringing up Bebe
Questions for you: Anyone read this book? Any thoughts from mothers and fathers out there? Would this be applicable to how you raise your children?
This post was not sponsored. These are my own thoughts and opinions.
Nurse Frugal 
I have heard of this book but have not read it. I definitely will when the time comes, or maybe before. It sounds interesting, and honestly, I’m totally willing to get help from other cultures who seem to have more stuff figured out than us!
I’ve never heard of this book. I definitely want to read it. Thank you for sharing.
I definitely understand the “narrated play.” when I take my son, to the park I see all parents do it. If you were to sit down and just watch your son play, am guessing i will get the evil eye from other parents.
My husband and I both read this book and we both loved it! Although my baby isn’t due for another 4 weeks, I’m not sure if any of the techniques will actually work.
I did like how the books emphasizes children acknowledging others including adults. I’ll be doing that with our little one for sure.