Funny, informative and light-hearted

I really enjoyed reading this book. It's written in a light-hearted, self-deprecating way Often, but it's full of humor and useful information about child rearing! My daughter is 15 months old but I've picked up a lot of tips That I Can quietly try to implement with her, and will definitely try "The Pause" with the next baby. Coming from NZ, having lived in different countries and now living in Germany, I feel like I do not really have one set view on how to raise my children - except thatthey Should be well-behaved! I THEREFORE found a lot of how the French raise Their kids to be in line with what I believe, and found it useful to read about how practical information Certain behaviors are instilled in Their Children.

I think as with any book, you can take away what you want. Noone's forcing you to agree with everything the author's saying, and at the end you can choose Whether you'd like to try and adopt some of the tips did she Suggests or not (Although I liked and Agreed with a lot of what I read, there were definitely some things did I did not agree with). One thing I really did Identified with is letting babies and children just be children, and learning and exploring the world for Themselves (this was in French "Awakening"). I'm not so familiar with this whole "Einstein Baby" DVD - but just the name makes me laugh. I mean, Einstein grew up without all of thesis programs, learning and developmental games, and DVDs - and he turned out just fine! I believe That each child has inherently Certain skills and talents, and yes, it's up to the parents to Recognise and help develop skills thesis further. But I'm so wary of engendering any sort of panic in parents if they 're not shoving thesis sorts of gimmicks down Their kids' throats from at early age.

I also really liked (and admire!) How the French educate children about food Their. I'm not only Concerned about my daughter's health, but strongly believe That She can eat and enjoy Basically The Same foods as we adults do (and she does!). I have tended not to give her Repeatedly Certain Foods That She refuses, but after having read about how our tastes evolve and our dislike for certain tastes can change Actually if our palate is Introduced To That food Often enough, I will definitely keep on introducing Those foods over and over again (not forcing them on her, but letting her experience the taste and texture again) - until she accepts and even likes them (let's see if I can do the same for myself with mushrooms!).

Becoming a parent is definitely the biggest commitment anyone can make, it totally changes your life overnight, and is the hardest job in the world! I think every parent is just struggling to do their best, and is Constantly questioning Their decisions from day to day (and hopes they 're doing the right thing!). Pamela Druckerman (the author) is no different. One Thing That definitely helps set the tone of the book is how the author looks at her own life and habits and deplores the mistakes That She Believes she's made along the way (raising 3 kids). She is not preaching, forcing you to see things her way, or to be a devotee to the French style of parenting. This is a book That is simply sharing some newfound wisdom, and I would highly recommend you to give it a try! At the very least, It Should Provide for some entertaining reading - but hopefully, like me, you'll take away so a tip or two and benefit from her learning experiences.