Title: Bringing Up Bebe Author: Pamela Druckerman Narrator: Abby Craden Genre: Nonfiction; Parenting; Memoir Pages: 304 pages Audio: 9.1 hours Year: 2012 Publisher: Random House Audio Source: Library Book Rating: 4/5 Audio Rating: 4/5. Druckerman is an American married to an Englishman raising their three children in the Paris area, so she has some unique perspective on how the French approach parenting. I'm a Francophile anyway, but I loved this American expat's take on the study of French parenting & how she tried to integrate it, as best she could, into her children's lives while living in Paris. Part of this is because French mamas still value themselves as workers. Bringing up Bébé, written by an American journalist, aims to uncover “the secrets to raising a society of good little sleepers, gourmet eaters, and reasonably relaxed parents”.The book has been around since 2012, but I have only discovered it this year, on a recommendation of another mom. It doesn't make the information presented any less interesting or valuable. © 2021 Mamas Café Society, All Rights Reserved. I especially love to read about how Americans perceive French life; I suppose this is an example of me living vicariously through my book choices. With a notebook stashed in her diaper bag, Druckerman realized that the French don’t just have a different parenting philosophy—they have a very different view of what a child actually is. I share my experience of conscious parenting, bicultural parenting, French parenting, and much more. I just finished reading Bringing up Bébé by Pamela Druckerman and as a mother of two, I felt like I had to share because it was very helpful and made me feel really good.. In fact, French parents worry if their kids are too docile. Druckerman is certainly more experienced than me when it comes to raising kids in the land of baguettes. It all stays in balance as pregnancy just sort of happens. First, a little about the book, Bringing Up Bébé, from the blurb on the back cover: When American journalist Pamela Druckerman had a baby in Paris, she didn’t aspire to become a “French parent.” Then she noticed that French children sleep through the night at two or three months old. It just made me so mad. I always thought that sounded so utterly sad. We've got you covered with the buzziest new releases of the day. It was like around 4pm that they ate cakes? While I have been living amongst the French for 10 years, I haven’t really observed them as a parent until now. Just as French parents move their babies into a room of their own relatively early, they also are only too eager for their child to start at the nanny or at daycare. The runaway New York Times bestseller that shows American parents the secrets behind France's amazingly well-behaved children. At the core of this book are a few decent parenting strategies (it's OK to say no in a firm but rational way, it's OK to let your baby shift around and cry for a few minutes while sleeping because they might just be between sleep cycles, believe in your kids and you'll be surprised what they can do, it doesn't make you a selfish monster to have your own time and your marriage be priorities) so I know I shouldn't completely take a dump on it, but for me those ideas were drowned out by soooo much. How are they not falling to pieces like me every single day?! Anyway. Learn about Bringing Up Bebe! Refresh and try again. Review: Bringing up Bebe. Start by marking “Bringing Up Bébé: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting” as Want to Read: Error rating book. If you’re looking for a book to solve a particular parenting issue, Bringing Up Bébé is probably not for you. Your email address will not be published. One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting, Pamela Druckerman. There's also very little data/history/useful information beyond the author's personal experiences. I love how the French teach their children the importance of Bonjour, Merci, Au Revior, as well as how they introduce them to food and get them involved in the kitchen. Bringing Up Bebe Book Review Lots of young families are reading Bringing Up Bebe by Pamela Druckerman. The most helpful advice the French have about child rearing is very traditional, the sorts of things people everywhere have said for generations: don't pick the baby up the moment it fusses, No means no, you have to try a bite of everything, children and parents are happier when the parents are in charge. French mamas approach sleeping with the same zen they applied to pregnancy and childbirth. Or, they give a huge stink eye (psst, which is hilarious—but it’s hard for me not to laugh!). Firm rules & boundaries, but with freedom within that. December 3, 2013 By sheila 9 Comments. In my early 20s I spent an academic year as a Teaching Assistant in rural France. The popularity of books like this give the impression that today's American parents are willing to take advice from anyone other than their own relatives. Obviously I disagree with the premise that the French are better parents. Now that you know a little more about some common French parenting methods, what do you think about them? When American journalist Pamela Druckerman has a baby in Paris, she doesn't aspire to become a "French parent." I would definitely suggest expecting parents and new parents to. This one was a gift, so I felt bad not reading it. Rather, it’s about letting their kids’ lives unfold naturally, about enjoying the ride. They don’t just throw away their career, marriage, friends, and hobbies because they’ve had a baby. French parents put on a unified front when it comes to discipline. As someone who works with the public on a daily basis in a place that caters to children & families (as well as adults), I'm frankly appalled at some of the behaviors I see that would never have been tolerated a generation ago. And I've never seen a parent slide down the slide with a child. I decided to read it myself and offer a review. See all 3 questions about Bringing Up Bébé…. Had she applied her journal. Kids are hard on a relationship. As she emphasizes, she is American; she does not live in France because of francophilia; she does not imagine that she will stay or live in France. No one, no matter what country you live in, has to conform to any cultural set of parenting norms. My mama read it on the plane on her way over to France to meet her new grandbaby. I hope you will too. American and French society are so different that of COURSE American parents differ in their parenting styles. Happily enough, I lost most of them by the end, although not necessarily for the reasons the author intended. What I was expecting was another pat, self-help-section miracle solution to everyone's parenting woes type of book (the endorsement by and comparison to. 2012 May 18. by WWGD **WARNING – Super long post** So you can now officially add me to the list of the thousands of “mommy bloggers” who have reviewed Bringing Up Bébé by former Wall Street Journal writer Pamela Druckerman. Some of the reviewers lambasted the author for depicting the parenting styles of upper-class Parisians as 'out of touch' wit. French children are fed a wide variety of fruits and vegetables as soon as they are able to start solids. It has become so popular that I look at it as the Definitive Guide to French Parenting for Americans. It’s not about doing everything possible so their kids reach some arbitrary milestone, faster and earlier. A coffee break for mindful mamas. I ready this book but can't remember. In this video, we do a … They’re not measuring each gram of food. Firm rules & boundaries, but with freedom within that. Grab a glass and join us in the conversation! I could relate to much of what she said though. The point is, her experience is her own, and I still found it extremely helpful. We’d love your help. French women don't like to breastfeed, go back to work very quickly and expect the creche and nursery to bring up their children. They can do whatever they want within that frame. They induce a sense of fear, guilt and inferiority that, book lover though I am, I don't want to gravitate toward as I enjoy this stress-free pregnancy of mine. At the core of this book are a few decent parenting strategies (it's OK to say no in a firm but rational way, it's OK to let your baby shift around and cry for a few minutes while sleeping because they might just be between sleep cycles, believe in your kids and you'll be surprised what they can do, it doesn't make you a selfish monster to have your own time and your marriage be priorities) so I know I shouldn't completely take a dump on it, but for me those ideas were drowned out by soooo much neurotic NYC upper middle class mom bullsh*t. This book is a lot of memoir, and it's a lot of fantastically obnoxious memoir. I like to think they balance each other out. When American journalist Pamela Druckerman had a baby in Paris, she didn't aspire to become a "French parent." I'm somewhat confused, as these are listed as just different editions of the same book. 10 Chic French names for your baby in 2020, Parenting Rules I Do Not Follow, Part Deux. by admin November 29, 2018. As I read on I realised that maybe their kids do do all these things but at what price? “You have to read Bringing Up Bébé !”. :). Controversial Parenting Book. So I came to it with curiosity and hope for insightful perspectives. One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting Review: Pamela Druckerman is a New York transplant living in Paris. I find the book to be a fair balance of French parenting, not being too favourable as to deem as if these techniques are perfect, and not being too patronising towards the American ways (no matter how imperfect it is). 5,137 reviews. French mamas and papas approach parenting with zen. When I first heard about the book, I was immediately intrigued. 1153) are self-made. I like a good anecdote as much as the next person, but this isn't a good anecdote. French Children Learn to Wait. Gouter (with an accent cironflexe on the "u"), Bringing Up Bébé: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting, The popularity of books like this give the impression that today's American parents are willing to take advice from anyone other than their own relatives. Protecting your kids from uncomfortable feelings isn’t actually going to help them deal with life in the long run. I hate that! I think that when you're a stranger in a strange land, as Druckerman was, you end up putting a great deal of emphasis on fitting in and behaving to the detriment of what's truly important. Book Club: Bringing Up Bébé. The basis of the book has been recounted, but is worth retelling. Join us on Facebook Live as we discuss the controversial book Bringing Up Bébé and French parenting. It’s about letting your kids go out and do their thing while socializing with people outside of the household. Bringing Up Bebe has been popping up on my various radar screens for weeks, and I've been at my wit's end with my newly minted three year old lately, so when the opportunity to read a book for pleasure this afternoon presented itself, I decided, why not? This was fun. News, author interviews, critics' picks and more. I've purposefully shied away from so many parenting books on the bookstore shelves these days. Book Review. I see many of my own French mama friends carrying out their lives with a sort of whimsy. It’s not empirical, it’s mystical. Sorry, a 2-month-old sleeping through the night is not uniquely French. bringing up bebe: a book review Posted by Susie April 28, 2012 June 24, 2012 Posted in books there’s been a lot of chatter about Bringing up Bebe: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting , a narrative/parenting book by expatriate, Pamela Druckerman . There are no “kid foods” and “adult foods.” Their menu is generally derived from whatever the parents have on their plates, and adapted according to texture. I, personally, always really loved hanging out with kids but had the sort of subconscious thought that mayb. It’s no secret that I love to read. I practice this in my family and honestly, it’s been a gift for my marriage. I read it in the weeks after her trip when C was born. Some of the reviewers lambasted the author for depicting the parenting styles of upper-class Parisians as 'out of touch' with how the French really raise their children but so what? It was a fun, easy read that will leave you thought-provoked. It was such a relief to read this. Parenting Advice from the French | A review of Bringing up Bebe. Article by Emilie Sarkissian, kids fashion expert and parenting book reviewer. Pamela Druckerman is an American journalist and the author of Bringing Up Bébé (The Penguin Press: 2012); the U.K. version of the same book - French Children Don’t Throw Food (Doubleday UK: 2012); and Lust In Translation (The Penguin Press: 2007). When I was pregnant with C, my clients and colleagues all recommended to me the same book with the sort of enthusiasm you come to expect from an impending birth. But much to my surprise, this was a far better book than I had imagined. French parents don’t distract their kids with something shiny over there; they let the frustration play out, and eventually, it passes. Pamela Druckerman unveils all the secrets she’s learned about French parenting on the ground. But if you’re looking for a funny, sarcastic, and sometimes poignant book about American versus French parenting styles and making mistakes along the way, you’ll fall in love with Bringing Up Bébé. But one who hasn't the means shouldn't indulge it what Hepburn is doing. This book is terrible and from a journalist, shockingly unresearched. I've been trying to avoid the most super-trendy of the parenting books, because I was afraid they would make me crazy. You know, if I were a lot smarter and still in school and hadn't had to look up how to spell "thesis". French parents know this, and they act accordingly. And a great number of those American billionaires, from Bill Gates (No. That book was Bringing Up Bébé: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting by Pamela Druckerman. Review: “Bringing Up Bebe”. There's a lot to filter out in this book - specifically, the author's lack of objectivity, considering that she appears to live in a manner to which most people do not have the financial means to aspire - but the core ideas she's captured from her experiences in Paris are very useful for parents struggling to raise their children with discipline and manners without resorting to shouting. I'm beyond my child rearing days and headed into Grandma-land. The French … February 7th 2012 Not all French parents are alike. Welcome back. The author mentions that she believes the French public services don't explain the differences in parenting that she sees. Well, kids naturally get frustrated. And when bébé is born, his mama isn’t now “just” a mama—she’s still a woman, who also now happens to be a mama. BUT, like many e-books, it tricked me by ending at the 86% mark- after that it was all index, etc. Ever wondered how women in France prepare for birth? When American journalist Pamela Druckerman had a baby in Paris, she didn't aspire to become a "French parent." Thirties audiences definitely loved seeing the rich at play. THIS. But the balance of power is achieved by giving kids opportunities—and the responsibility—to behave appropriately. Also known as "French children don't throw food". I have observed that American parents are more eager to start with grains such as wheat and rice. Bringing Up Bébé is chock full of the wisdom of French parenting. She simply meant to keep everything in balance. It’s the perfect way to open the category of French parenting here on Mamas Café Society, because, while I have much to say on the subject, my thoughts and ideas are unfolding as my daughter grows. I do think think that 'the pause' is enacted way too early and, although I agree with a feeding schedule, four times a day isn't enough for an infant in my opinion. How do they do this? THIS. I’m just starting on my journey. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of, Published The author often cites one person or some French moms she spoke to to support her assertions about the French way! Then, allons-y! (It was not the case for us, but that was a personal choice, and I do feel that Druckerman is right to generalize this about the French.). But once I got past the crazy, indulgent American parent v. calm, wise, strict French parent nonsense, I could enjoy this author's engaging, witty writing. Their parents sip coffee while the kids play by themselves. The most helpful advice the French have about child rearing is very traditional, the sorts of things people everywhere have said for generations: don't pick the baby up the moment it fusses, No means no, you have to try a bite of everything, children and parents are happier when the parents are in charge. Patience, too, is taught on a daily basis. They want their kids to develop their own tastes and opinions. Love the way the writers' approach in the book, regaling her own thoughts and experience and try to find a balance through research from parents and experts before adapting it into her own family. My take on French parenting so far actually comes from some wise words from an Anglo-Belgian friend of mine living near me: Being a mama is your priority, but it’s not your only priority. French parents realize the value in sleep—guiding, not forcing, their babies to learn to sleep benefits everyone. As time goes on, French kids are still put to bed relatively early in order to preserve the evening for Adult Time. Anyway. However, when you read up on it, it says "French Children Don’t Throw Food (U.K. edition of Bringing Up Bébé)" - so it looks like they are one and the same / maybe some variations to make it paletable to the UK public? June 15, 2020. At the same time, someone recommended the exact same book to my own mama, who was about to become a … It's so interesting reading this book as a non-parent (and as somebody who never intends to be a parent). They’re not “helicopter parents.” They let their kids be kids (within reason). This book was recommended to me by a good friend. I originally purchased this book due to online recommendations and I love the idea of a calmer style of parenting (compared to the common American, overly protective and overly involved style). French kids know who’s running the show: their parents! French parenting isn't a known thing, like French fashion or French cheese. Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2018. The fetishization of the French (or the Chinese or whatever the 'hot' culture of the moment is) bugs me, to no end. As the French lifestyle is famed around the world, it was like living the dream. But she noticed that French children slept through the night by two or three months old. Why Does Bringing Up Bebe Touch Such a Nerve. Really? https://amzn.to/2EDW9kD In this video, we review the book Bringing Up Bebe by Pamela Druckerman. What I could tell myself in 2018: my advice for new mamas, What to look for when selecting baby toys this holiday season. “Within a few hours of meeting him, I realized that "love at first sight" just means feeling immediately and extremely calm with someone.”, Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Nonfiction (2012). I am aware, though, that it's easy to be smug, It's so interesting reading this book as a non-parent (and as somebody who never intends to be a parent). Follow me? At any rate, I couldn't put this book down, and I have lots of take aways that I'll use in the future. That’s what this post is for! "Forget sleep, when you have kids" - "Enjoy your LAST VACATION THAT'S ACTUALLY FUN" - "Good luck eating chicken fingers the rest of your life." But it’s not just for a certain demographic—it’s for everyone, including kids! The same is true for her descriptions of an American she knows whose baby does xyz and that means all Americans parent in that way! I loved this take on what an American raising her children in Paris sees as the … Bringing Up Bebe has been popping up on my various radar screens for weeks, and I've been at my wit's end with my newly minted three year old lately, so. First, let's clear something up, shall we? Druckerman agrees: “If family life is centered entirely on children, it’s not good for anyone, not even for the kids” (270). Having read many reviews on this book, I knew to not expect anything scholarly, but rather, one woman's observations from her life. Is this the same as "Bringing up Bébé"? Bringing Up Bébé: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting Hardcover – Feb. 7 2012 by Pamela Druckerman (Author) 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,817 ratings See all formats and editions The French aren’t obsessed with fertility planning in an otherwise healthy woman. The post ‘Bringing Up Bébé’ Review: Why French Parenting Helps Kids Eat Normal Foods, Behave Themselves, and Sleep All Night appeared first on Fatherly. I still wonder how they actually do it. I couldn't read very much without putting it down in disgust. As someone who works with the public on a daily basis in a place that caters to children & families (as well as adults), I'm frankly appalled at some of the behaviors I see that would never have been tolerated a generation ago. So 4 stars. The fetishization of the French (or the Chinese or whatever the 'hot' culture of the moment is) bugs me, to no end. We don't allow our four-year-olds to crawl under the table and bite our hostess during dinner. One could easily argue that if many American parents didn't have to worry about child care costs, preschool, college tuition or health insurance their parenting styles would be vastly different. Book Review: Bringing Up Bébé by Pamela Druckerman. 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