REFINING READS | BRINGING UP BEBE
the entire family needs équilibre (balance)
children are separate, capable human beings with their own tastes, pleasures, and experiences of the world
set firm limits, a cadre, and give children tremendous freedom within these limits
if you expect a child to be able to understand and give it the chance, you might be pleasantly surprised
children can attend, or wait, they can adapt and cope with a little frustration - in fact, it is a good skill for them to learn
a polite child knows to say bonjour, au revoir, s’il vous plait, and merci - this lets them to interact with adults and feel comfortable as a part of society
involve them in preparing meals, and naturally encourage tasting by discussing textures, colors, and flavors - if they keep trying foods, eventually they learn to like them
help them be sage (wise and calm) through meals by serving a couple of courses, a new dish is much more fun and interesting than an overwhelming plate of food
faire une bêtise is a small act of naughtiness, not really warranting a punishment - but a few might, perhaps les gros yeux, this allows labeling the offense and distinguishing the severity without labeling the child “bad” or “naughty”
non can be all you need to say, je ne suis pas d’accord treats their action as a poor choice that they have made, c’est moi qui décide eliminates power plays
the perfect mother does not exist
french mothers don’t loose their pre-baby identities
give children the space and freedom to be children, to explore, experience, and build their own relationships