Let me start by saying that I haven't been too excited about reading parenting books. Even the pregnancy books, while at times enlightening and highly educational (I do need to know this stuff, after all...apparently *wink*), haven't gotten me excited. In all honesty, the only thing that gets me REALLY excited is the growing belly (although clothes are the devil lately), the occasional "knock-knock" baby's giving me (yes, I know you're there!), and the private conversations I get to have with my husband about everything. Oh, and the thoughts of how to decorate the nursery - those are pretty fun, too.But, when I saw that this story was going to be on "The Today Show" this morning, I immediately said, "Ohhhh, I hope they post a link for that on Facebook so I can see it!" I adore that Dave watched it, and texted me the title of the book that it was based on. I asked him what he thought about it all (I had been a bit of a skeptic when I heard it, assuming they'd skew it in a Tiger Mom direction), and he said that it "sounded really good". Wow, a glowing recommendation...about a parenting book...from my man. How could I NOT get a tad excited?
Then, I watched the link (which, side note, I Googled). While the article accompanying the video at first admonishes the idea that one culture shouldn't blatantly state that it's better at anything (ironic, being Americans), but goes on to recognize that the author writes in a humorous, thoughtful manner (and apparently from an American perspective - being an American in France). Whew, good to know.
Here's the video link. Give it a try. :-)
So, I've put the book (entitled Bringing Up Bebe - accent on the "e"s) into my Amazon Baby Wishlist (soon to be my Amazon Baby Registry), although I'm so excited to read it, I may have to purchase it as my "first baby item". That's right, we technically haven't purchased any clothes, books, ANYTHING (other than stuff for the nursery, but I see that more as organization - not fun stuff) for the baby since finding out. I just haven't found the perfect "first onesie". Plus, we've already been getting awesome hand-me-downs (including my sister's favorite pregnancy book, which is where I'm getting all my "knowledge" on the ins-and-outs of what's happening and what will happen), so there's no point in splurging. Not quite yet. Not if we're squeezing pennies. (That, and we don't want stuff for stuff's sake.)
It's not that we're down on American parenting. Heck, it's what WE had, and we're (pretty) well-adjusted and (publicly) respectful members of society. But, we're open to alternate ideas on the subject - anything that may give kids in a 21st century environment greater sensitivity and awareness, and which may make parenting a more connected, less co-dependent situation. After seeing countless American children in my everyday job over the past several years, I've seen some wonderful behavior...but I've seen absolutely selfish, demanding, relentless behavior. And, I hate to say it, but it's on the rise. It's a challenge when trying to teach independent use of the library for future success as young adults and adults, I'll tell ya that.
So, I'll be sure to let you know how the book is when I've finally received and read it. Heck, that may not be until a month before the baby comes. I foresee that it'll be hard to put it down for the pregnancy books.
What do YOU think? Are things just fine the way we handle parenting in America? Or, is it right to look for other methods elsewhere? Do tell.
There are some great onesies at the NBC Experience Store in New York City! It might have Al Roker's face on it, but it fits your story here.
ReplyDeleteLOL I'm a tad pickier than Al Roker's face. (And I think it only vaguely fits the story, kid - just the video's from NBC, not the rest of the post. ;-)) Thanks for posting, though!
DeleteI think you'll do fine no matter what you do. I know lots of folks who read up a lot on parenting and had every intention of doing it this way or that way, but ultimately, it comes down to just instincts and what you know is right and good and true. So, enjoy the reads, but ultimately, I'm betting it will be "Parenting by Megan & Dave" that will rule the day - and baby will be just fine (if not, great) with that :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm not necessarily worried about it at all - sure, there are insecurities, but I wouldn't say I'm concerned. It's just nice to get perhaps some inspiration or ideas on how to handle the challenges that arise. Thanks for the kindness, as always! :-)
DeleteWell I have never read that book- sounds intersting. But I wanted to comment because somewhere, during prgnancy #2 I think, I read about tribes potty training their babies during infancy, right from birth, and I thought that since all these people had successfully been doing that for generations that we should give it a try. Needles to say, I ultimately decided I wanted to potty train like a typical American and actually use diapers of some sort. But it was good for some laughs. And laundry. =)
ReplyDeleteI've heard of other elimination techniques, too! I'm a tad too traditional for those types of methods, myself, so I hear ya, Kayte. (I believe I have a friend who's interested in trying it, though.) In the end, it's whatever works for the family - and you guys obviously have found what works for you! :-)
DeleteHrmmm... I think that the Tribe needs to come together more. More community, more stability... less Parent Vs. Teacher.
ReplyDeleteI get ya there, Sarah - but I'm feeling like quite the lone wolf as far as the education community this year. One can blame lots of things as to poor student behavior - their teachers, their parents, and, yes, even my own faults as an educator (and I've got lots). I definitely wish a stronger all-around community with less pack mentality could evolve.
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