Welcome to my new blog. Well, this isn’t a “new” blog but a redesign of my previous blog (https://mytinylittlefarm.blogspot.com). Please visit my previous blog for many book reviews.
For those of you who have read my previous posts, I have been purchasing rather inexpensive Kindle books lately which is how I came across this book. Believe it or not, you can purchase the Kindle version for $1.99 right now! I normally do not read these types of books, but I am glad I purchased it! Not only was it rather fascinating to learn about the French culture as it relates to eating but gave me a sense of awareness of some really bad habits within my family. So, here is your synopsis:
French Kids Eat Everything is a wonderfully wry account of how Karen Le Billon was able to alter her children’s deep-rooted, decidedly unhealthy North American eating habits while they were all living in France.
At once a memoir, a cookbook, a how-to handbook, and a delightful exploration of how the French manage to feed children without endless battles and struggles with pickiness, French Kids Eat Everything features recipes, practical tips, and ten easy-to-follow rules for raising happy and healthy young eaters—a sort of French Women Don’t Get Fat meets Food Rules.
My favorite novel is Les Misérables. I have numerous French cookbooks and love to experiment with French cooking. I love “French country” decor and French history. I have always imagined how nice it would be to live in a small village and walk to small markets each week. What I did not consider, though, is how the French culture and perspectives to eating was vastly different than the “American” way! Along with that, I never thought about how my relationships would be based on the concept of food. I thought this book gave great insight. It really wasn’t until towards the end of the book until I remembered that the United States is a “melting pot” of many cultures and traditions, merging over numerous generations and resulting in our “new” and unique traditions. One shouldn’t feel guilty about not eating the “French way.” However, I do think the “French way” would do a load of good to the average family! There is so much I have to say concerning this book (her thoughts in the book) but only have time for a few so here you go…
1) French families value food and relationships. They do not spend hours in a day carting kids from one activity to another. Time is put into meals and eating as a family is a priority. I am always amazed at how so many families today consider “busyness” as the definition of creating a successful child. Call me a homebody, but I treasure coming home each afternoon. Because I treasure this, my kids do to. They do enjoy participating in school activities or horse lessons; however, they also enjoy relaxing at home.
2) In France, the parents dictate what kids will eat, fostering in them a love for a variety of food starting at a young age. A level of respect is instilled in children at a young age. The thought is “you may not like it but you will eat it.” I believe we are slowly losing this sense of respect in our nation. How many times have you (speaking to myself) allowed your child to tell you what he or she will eat? Parents are the authority. If you are pregnant or have an infant, I think you need to read the part in the book about how the French introduce veggies as the first solid food. They do not put cereal in milk as so many American families do. I wish I had known their strategy when my kids were young (but you have to buy the book to read what they do LOL).
3) Snacking – oh my word! This one got me! There is no snacking in France (or if there is, very little). You have a “snack” when you get in from school (like the British tea) but nothing else. Although there is no way I could adhere to the “no snacking” rule, I do think it brought attention to how much processed snack foods we have in our house. I have already had a discussion with the family about upcoming changes!
4) A point was made how schools and governments worked “together” on making food education a priority at a young age. As a public-school teacher, I can attest that good eating habits seems to not be a concern in schools. France bans (or at time of publication of book) vending machines in schools! Oh, how I wish that was true for all schools!!!! They are a nuisance in more ways than one.
I have pages and pages of highlights from this book. I even encouraged my oldest daughter to read the highlights if she doesn’t have time to read the book. If you love anything French, the French language, French cooking, or you have small children then this is a book you should read! So…Happy Reading!
