French Kids Eat Everything by Karen le Billon

French Kids Eat Everything by Karen le Billon



You guys know how much I love my anything-to-do-with-France-but-especially-eating books!

When in France, Karen kept saying that her girls “can’t” or “won’t” do certain things. I didn’t feel like she was being fair to them and didn’t believe enough in them or their ability to adapt to their new surroundings. I found myself feeling embarrassed for her many times because I didn’t feel like she was embarrassed enough about certain situations. At the same time, I can only imagine how hard it would be to move somewhere and be made to feel like you’re not raising your children correctly, especially when it is the correct way where you’re from. 

I wanted to listen/read this book with the hopes that it could offer tips to retrain myself to eat better and in the French way. It did offer tons of good tips. I was mildly distracted by how much she put down her kids, but other than that I enjoyed it. I feel like Karen gives up on things easily; if it seems like it will be too hard then she changes her mind about wanting it. I have the same tendancies so possibly I am reflecting on myself.


Karen’s French Food Rules:
1. Parents: you are in charge of food education.
2. Avoid emotional eating. No food rewards, bribes, etc.
3. Parents plan scheduled meals and menus. Kids eat what adults eat.
4. Eat family meals together. No distractions.
5. Eat your veggies. Think: variety.
6. You don’t have to like it but you do have to taste it.
7. No snacking. It’s ok to feel hungry between meals.
8. Slow food is good, happy food. As in, eat slow.
9. Eat mostly real food. Treats for special occasions are ok.
10. Remember: Eating is Joyful! Relax.

3/5 Stars