So I never set out to read any parent books. They just sort of happened. Prior to going on our trip to Paris last month I had been hearing about the book about French parenting through an expat mom's eyes called Bringing Up Bébé. If there's one thing I noticed in my short jaunt to Paris, it was indeed the chemistry between the women and their children. I found it interesting how cooperative and behaved the kids were that I'd see around town. So naturally, I had to start reading this book when I returned home.
Then there's the book that my friend Alexis blogged about that really struck a chord with me called Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids. I like to think that Eric and I go the way of simplicity when it comes to our kids, but there's always something to learn so I was super anxious to read this one too! It reminded me of the documentary Eric and I saw called Born Rich about children of the "insanely rich," directed by Johnson & Johnson heir, Jamie Johnson. It showcased the exact opposite of simplicity. It was fascinating (and a little bit sad) to watch these kids who literally have everything at their fingertips still struggle with feeling lost in life. There were definitely lessons to be learned from this film for every type of family.
So tell me, has anyone read either of these books? Seen the documentary? What did you take away? Oh and fyi, Alexis is hosting a virtual discussion of Simplicity Parenting on her blog May 7th if you'd like to join in. I'm sure the discussion will be great. You know what they say ... it takes a (virtual) village.
P.S. I did a Mother's Day gift round-up over at The Post Social. Check it out!
8 comments:
i'm reading simplicity parenting, and i have the other on my wish list (refusing to buy until i read the first one!)... and i have seen the documentary.
it's gotten a little harder as the kids are getting older (& have so many more outside influences), so this book has been a really good tool for us to sort of get back on track (since we have always been huge believers of keeping it simple)... we've been able to refocus and realize that even though there are many situations (& family members/friends that are around our children that don't adopt this philosophy :)) that we can't control- there is so much that we can control, and influence.
I just finished reading " Bringing up Bebe" it's fantastic - For me it captured moments of my childhood and having a French mother. And as I start to think more and more about having a baby - there are definite concepts and ideas that were very interesting and I think I would want to try.
I am in the middle of reading Simplicity Parenting and can't wait to discuss on May 7th! Yay!
I actually downloaded the book on Kindle a year ago and immediately proceeded to do the toy purge. Life got in the way and I stopped reading the book. When you mentioned Alexis was doing the (virtual) book club, I went to the Kindle to download it, totally forgetting I had it. Duh!
I am currently on the Chapter about treating boredom as a gift, and really appreciating this concept. Many points are striking a chord with me in this book.
PS~Really want to read Bringing Up Bebe next. (Maybe I can borrow it. ;)
I am not a parent, but instead a kindergarten teacher with an AMAZING French grandmother. I bought the book 'Bringing Up BeBe' to try to better understand how her parenting style aligned with the French culture. (Her parents immigrated before her birth and she was raised in a close knit French community in California. She did not hear or speak English until she went to school.)
I found the book a treat to read. I loved the author's voice and found it delightfully informative (and funny). Not only did it help me discover how my grandmother's style (in eating, life and parenting) lined up with this age-old French philosophy, but I found that the teaching style that comes so naturally to me to be in close accordance with the French, too.
It made me wonder if this outlook on life is in the blood or a learned behavior...maybe both.
Vive la France!
Thanks for the post!
okay is SP blowing your mind? BMM {blowing my mind} is all I can say when I think about the book. I mean it is so many things that I have kind of thought but also have totally never thought of. I am super excited about our virtual book club, I am so happy you are along for the ride ;) and hopefully some kiddos will benefit from it too. oxoxoxo
PS. I keep hearing about Bringing up Bebe as well... I heard it is similar to SP... I would love to read it although I think I have to crack 50 shades of Grey after all this Parental enrichment.
I haven't read either but I've heard of Bringing Up Bebe. I'm going to download Simplicity tonight. thank you so much for sharing!
I have BUB, but haven't read it yet. I think I'd rather read Simplicity Parenting, I really need to learn about that! I'm an overthinker and I need to just relax when it comes to bringing up my little guy!
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