I read this book ages ago, before Eddie I think, but picked it up again off my kindle.
Given my love of all things French, this still resonates w me. I also saw it in practice with my au pairs.
Just using this blog to capture some of the key takeaways for me:
Watch and listen to babies and toddlers - respect them as individuals - don't jump in and assume. This applies to sleep training (listen and wait before attending to). Also believe wholeheartedly that they can learn at all ages (again with sleep training - have faith in their ability to learn to sleep). Also teach them from birth the social norms and believe they are teachable. "Doucement" (gently) a biggie for my boys.
Use a "cadre" and be v strict re stepping out of this framework but within it allow the "bêtise s" or little naughtiness. I love this and find I do this naturally. D needs practice not overdoing the discipline for the bêtise and underdoing when outside the cadre.
No snacking. I also do this now as matter of course. I believe it is why my kids eat so well at mealtime. They are hungry. No snacks in car or use of food to make things happier. Also with eating, appetizer of vegetables pre the main course. They devour it as they are hungry and I can worry less re veggies in the main meal. Then fruit for dessert. Yet to add cheese course! Only sweets at afternoon snack time. Am already big fan of baking with kids.
Importance of greeting others. When guests come over or adults are met (shops, etc) it is v important for children to acknowledge them politely. In France bonjour and au revoir is as important as please and thank you.
My greatest challenges are to 1)teach my children patience and 2) to allow myself more time for me without guilt. The two are linked I think.
French children know that life does not revolve around them, so there is acceptance when their needs are not met immediately.
French women don't allow their motherhood to overwhelm all other aspects of themselves. Their professional life, their beauty and health, their marriage, their interests and pleasures.
Jane, underline that paragraph.
Sometimes when I look at other mothers around me I feel I don't devote enough of myself to my kids. Friends who have never left their kids with anyone but a parent, who don't get any help at home, who never date night or go away with their husbands. But no I need it and I need more than I am getting.
Next week Ed starts 3 days daycare. Gulp. He is going to take a while to get used to it. Next year Sammy will do 2 days so I can go back to real work. This year I will grab work where and when I can.
I want more time alone. More time with Damien. More sleep. More time to slow down everything. It's a mission, if I choose it!
So good refresher! Bon chance!