Wednesday, March 21, 2012

How to Be a Parent...and then some.

Today, I am struck by two different parenting books that have recently come out. I am so curious what other parents think of both styles outlined in these books. One is written by an American mother who moves to Paris and raises her children the 'French' way. 'Bringing up Bebe' by Pamela Druckerman outlines the tres cool life of French parents. Able to raise their children, and have seemingly little impact on their individual and social adult lives. Yes, you can have your cheese and wine while your children play quietly around you. Your children will sit nicely at a restaurant because they are actually hungry rather than snacking all day long on goldfish crackers and juice. The other is a new book written by Mayim Bialik. That's right, by Blossom herself. All grown up, with a PhD in neuroscience, she describes her attachment parenting style in 'Beyond the Sling'. She either carries or wears her babies in slings pretty much at all times, practices diaper less training (also known as elimination communication), and breastfeeds well into the preschool age. Her method requires a heavy amount of parenting throughout the early years of childhood. Children are home schooled, co-sleep with mom and dad in the family bed and always use positive discipline rather than time-outs or even harsher forms such as spanking. French-style parenting focuses on calm and committed discipline simply by using authoritative voice commands. Interesting, non?

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