We’ve been living in Europe this summer and rented a beautiful apartment in Paris on the Isle St. Louis. It’s been a wonderful and amazing experience for our entire family.
I’ve noticed a lot of things while living overseas. One thing I want to mention is that what I read a few months ago, about French parenting””in my humble opinion””is just not accurate.
In the article, French children, even toddlers, were portrayed as super easygoing and obedient and relaxed and independent. This was contrasted by the author with American children, who she portrayed as unruly and spoiled and self-centered and over-the-top needy, demanding attention and energy constantly.
So after living in Paris for a month, and frequenting the beautiful, amazing parks that Paris harbors, I’m here to tell you that this just ain’t accurate.
Kids are kids. It’s their job to feel that they are the center of universe. They remember from living in the light, and they know that they embody this light. They know that they can be, do and have anything that they want. And at times, their behavior reflects this. They haven’t yet been brainwashed by well-meaning yet misguided people who say that life is hard and you better get used to it.
Do I see French toddlers throwing tantrums in parks and restaurants? Hell yeah. Do I see Parisian tots vying for attention while their parents try to get just one thing done? Absolutely.
After “the French article,” another article came out declaring that, “No, French parenting is not best! Chinese parenting is.”
Come on, people! Let’s stop comparing and competing regarding parenting styles. Enough is enough.
How can we know that this type of behavior and judgment is not behooving us? Easy. How does it make you feel to say that something is””or that you are””superior? That your way is superior, and therefore others are inferior?
This is not in the higher flow of the universe and will therefore only cause suffering.
Perhaps not immediately, but trust me, it will in time.
Because we are all connected, we are all one. And this is a form of disconnection.
Wouldn’t it be better if we could all laugh and smile and sigh together at this journey, which is often times challenging but all the while fulfilling and amazing?
Have the best day ever!
Namaste!
Taylor plus 5 from Paris
Taylor Wells, M.A., M.Ed., RYT, owns Prana Power Yoga, Inc., Super-mom.com and Prana Super-mom Consulting. She is also a Boston Herald columnist and blogger, United Nations Yoga Peace Ambassador, activist,and happy Super-mom of 5 kids. She is the author of the“Best Life Ever” blog at Vitacost.com.