After being on bed rest for 3 weeks and not being allowed to clean the house, it has become more evident than ever before that my French husband really does not know how to do a deep cleaning. In fact, he said he did not know how to dust. He admitted that he never had a chore day growing up and was only asked occasionally to help with cleaning. So what did he do now? He … [Read more...]
Celebrating Bastille Day Today in France – La Fête Nationale
Bastille Day is a national holiday in France, celebrating the day the public rose against the monarchy in 1789. Often compared to Independence Day in the USA, I find that it is actually much different – except for the fireworks in the evening. France did not gain independence from the monarchy on this day, but it was a turning point in the French Revolution that lead to … [Read more...]
Choosing a Baby Name in France According to French Customs
Trying to find the perfect baby name for our little French American girl has been quite a challenge. What is current in one country does not seem to be current in the other. Since she will be growing up in France, we placed a higher priority on giving her a name that will help her fit in here. Luckily, many French baby names are trendy in the USA - just agreeing on one is … [Read more...]
Parenting in France – Be Guiltless and Confident
Several months ago I started reading books and articles on different parenting styles. Every parenting styles claims to be the best method, but who really knows for sure? The more I read, the more confused I became on what is really the right way to raise a baby. How long should I breastfeed? Do I tend to her each time she cries out? Should we share the bed? How do we teach … [Read more...]
What is a Baby Shower? In France, Women Go Without!
One of the cherished traditions in the USA that I was very much looking forward to is having a baby shower. I started imagining it in my mind not long after finding out I was pregnant. But to my dismay, I found out that baby showers are nearly unheard of in France. Instead, friends and family provide expectant parents with hand-me-downs during the pregnancy so that they are … [Read more...]