Bringing Up Bebe: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting by Pamela Druckerman

Bringing Up Bebe: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting is a memoir by journalist Pamela Druckerman. The book documents both her experiences of transitioning from an American parenting style to a French version and her observations of French parenting style.

Druckerman’s story begins with her and her husband Leslie, an Englishman, welcoming their first child, an infant daughter they named Bean. Druckerman quickly found the experience of parenting overwhelming, and like many Americans she craved information on parenting advice. She was seeking solace when a Parisian friend suggested that she explore French parenting style, explaining that French children tended to be better behaved than their American counterparts.

This advice led Druckerman and her family to Paris. During her time there she discovered that many French parents subscribe to a parenting style based on the idea of ‘équilibre’, or balance. This means that parents do not overly focus on their children (which cultivates independence), but instead create rules and boundaries that help keep them disciplined. French parents also focus on creating an atmosphere of calm and encouraging children to form self-control.

Druckerman analysed this parenting style further, noting how French parents select what and how much information they give to their children. Unlike many American parents, French mothers do not overwhelm their children with a lot of information and don’t give them too many options. Instead, Druckerman found that French parents calmly explained things to their children and reassured them, rather than scolding or reprimanding them.

In her book, Druckerman also looked at the dining habits of French households. French families dine together often, demonstrating clear eating guidelines that help children form positive eating habits. Druckerman recalls how French parents ensure their children eat the same meal they have and avoid giving them snacks or desserts before the main meal. She also noted that the French avoid letting their children snack throughout the day, instead reserving snacks for weekends or special occasions.

All of these strategies cumulatively helped Druckerman to not only improve the behaviour of her daughter Bean, but also to gain a better understanding of parenting. The book offers readers a fascinating insight into the world of French parenting and the strategies that anybody can employ to becoming a more competent parent.

Bring Up Bebe is an insightful read offering practical parenting advice while also giving an insight into the culture of French families. It is a must-read for any parent looking to improve their parenting skills, as it explores parenting strategies in a lighthearted, yet informative way. The book clearly demonstrates the wisdom of French parenting and its benefits. This makes Bringing Up Bebe an essential and inspiring read for everybody.