French Children Don’t Throw Food by Pamela Druckerman / Review

I expect it’s obvious from this post but i’m bringing the book review section back to the blog. For a long time I’ve focused on motherhood as it’s basically consumed my life (and still is), however now I’m starting to find my feet (9 months in!) and feel like I can diversify my brain a bit more!

As a parent, It’s SO important to have time to yourself. I’ve decided to change the ‘review’ section of this blog to ‘time for you’ in hope it will encourage all you mums and dads to take some time out when you can.

It’s my time now

My favourite thing to do when I’m childless, which is mainly in the evenings, is read. I’ve always been a bookworm. There’s nothing better than diving into another world and burying your head in a novel. However, of late, I’ve been more interested in non-fiction titles, particularly those surrounding parenting and babies. I guess this is only natural! I am trying to steer away from reading solely those sorts of books and reignite my passion for fiction.

How I can now relate

I’d seen the title French Children Don’t Throw Food by Pamela Druckerman around for quite some time. Pre-baby me was even a tiny bit interested, given that the title mentions ‘food’! I never picked it up because I just would never have connected to the author like I do now. Oh boy, now I relate hard!

I have found reading to be a challenge though. I’d read a chapter here and there and then not find the time to dedicate to it, especially if the book didn’t capture my attention. I would end up casting it aside as who would want to spend their baby-free time reading a book they don’t like! I thought that this might be the case with this title but I was hooked by the first chapter. I can see why it’s a Sunday Times bestseller!

The low-down

French Children Don’t Throw Food is an insight into French parenting through the eyes of the American author, Pamela Druckerman. Pamela moved to Paris and ended up meeting someone and starting a family there. She soon discovered the vast differences between American/British and French parenting techniques. I would highly recommend giving this book a read, even if you’re not thinking of moving to France. Here a few things she discovered:

Some french parenting differences:

Babies are expected to sleep through the night at 3 months and are pro-controlled crying.

Babies attend a government-run crèche from around 9 months.

French babies tend to be formula-fed on a strict schedule. Breastfeeding is discouraged.

Most French woman opt for an epidural. It is very rare to deliver with just gas and air.

Partners are discouraged to be a the ‘head end’ of the birth as to not ruin the ‘allure’.

French children will eat exactly the same as the adults. There is no such thing as a ‘children’s menu’.

French children are given a lot more freedom and autonomy. Parents tend to be less overbearing.

These are just a few of many, many ways that the French do things differently. Of course, I’m sure there are parents who do things similarly here in the UK, likewise to the fact the not all French parents do all of these things.

However, if you are a parent, you may read this book and take away a few tips, as did I. I won’t give away anymore but what I would like to know is –

Do you agree with any of the above statements on French parenting techniques? Which do you disagree with? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Remember though – be kind.

French Children Don’t Throw Food* is available on Amazon UK for £7.19.