WOMEN & WORK
abberbabber
POSTED: Sat, 02/19/2011 - 12:27pm
Stay-At-Home Moms---The FRENCH way!
Hey all! I'm just wondering how all you stay-at-home moms do it the french way? I'm not married or anything, but it is my passion to be a stay-at-home mom one day and from what I hear, many say that you lose a lot of time and are completely invested in your kids---which is fine :) BUT.....when do you fine time to go on a bunch of walks and monitor your eating while monitoring your kids food? I feel like being a mom the FRENCH way would be different than the typical American mom. I would love to be a stylish mom---not one that looks like the frumpy housewife----what are some tips from stay-at-home moms out there? What do you do as a mom to keep that French figure? :) :) Merci!MIREILLE'S CALENDAR
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bananie67
POSTED: Mon, 04/25/2011 - 10:39pm
A little late
Hi abberbabber- I few months have gone by since you asked your question, but I just came across it. I am a stay-at-home mom to a 4 year old daughter and 1 year old son. I whole-heartedly agree with taking care of yourself first- which by the way, is much easier said than done! So, I do a couple things to live a happy French lifestyle. I wake up a half hour earlier than my daughter, so I can start the day in a relaxed manner- drink my water, make some coffee, watch a little news. We have most meals at home, at the table, sitting down with each other. My kids eat what we're eating, unless it's something spicy- then I plan ahead for them. We go on walks together, either in town or around our neighborhood, we play outside, we dance, and we garden together. Then there's what I do without the kids. I go out with my girlfriends, I go on dates with my husband, I go to the library by myself, I lock my bedroom door and take long baths. It's easy to get in a rut of yoga pants and t-shirts, but I make it a point to get dressed every morning and do my makeup. It just makes me feel like a better mom. And don't get me wrong- there are some nights when my kids are eating McDonalds- but those days are a rarity. Oh, and one more thing- I never ever over-schedule our days. Nothing gets me off track quicker than feeling like a frenzied maniac. No thank you! If there's any other fabulous SAHM's out there, I'd love to hear from you.abberbabber
POSTED: Mon, 02/28/2011 - 2:15am
THANK YOU!
Such wonderful advice from all of you! Thank you so much! I will definitely take it to heart :) I just spent the weekend with my SAHM aunt and what a role model she was! All of her food was natural, but not over-the-top organic (which by the way is a pet peev of mine) and she plans and gardens in the summer so that in the winter she is prepared to serve her family healthy canned goods and herbs from prior. what a smartie :) Can't wait to someday do something like that! Have a good day! Au Revior!Lila
POSTED: Sun, 02/20/2011 - 3:29pm
I am a stay at home mom and
I am a stay at home mom and have been living the french way for about three years now. It is not too difficult and has actually had very positive effects on my family and my kids specifically. I walk either when my hubby gets home from work or when all the kids are in school. I still have a little one who is home a couple of days a week. So basically I walk whenever I get the chance. Sometimes the kids all go with me on their bikes and we walk to the park. Food wise, my kids are eating much better (healthier) than before and have become accustomed to trying new things. I find it is easier for me to stick to simple and light meals for breakfast and lunch during the week and that way I don't really have to monitor what I am eating during the day. For dinner I make a larger family meal and the kids eat what we eat. They don't always like everything but if they see it on their plate enough times they learn to like it and it will not be foreign to them as adults. I make sure that there is always something included that I know they will like. I just try to follow the FWDGF principles as much as I can. I hope I answered some of your questions. If you have more specific ones please ask. I love being a SAHM! It's the best thing ever. So rewarding and fun!Marilyn
POSTED: Sun, 02/20/2011 - 2:01pm
Mums
When DD was young I did both. I stayed at home until she started school and then was lucky enough to get a job that enabled me to work the school term and have most of the school holidays at home until she was about 12 years old then my job changed and I worked different hours but by then OH was at home more. When I look at her now a 30 year old about to get married I can see that the time invested was so worth while. But when I was at home I took time for myself, cooked family meals, excercised, didn't 'slob' around but dressed casually but smartly. I do feel though that modern young women are under so much more pressure than we were then especially with the recession still snapping at our heels.Kimberly
POSTED: Sun, 02/20/2011 - 1:34pm
I too am not a mom.....
but I am a stay at home wife. This is just recent as I have been working since I graduated from college about a decade ago. I still value my time though. I have projects that I do. I do think taking care of oneself is very important. A lot of people who stay at home become relaxed in how they present themselves. I think, as was mentioned before, that one munst take care of themselves. After all, you are the primary example to your children. If they see you taking care of yourself and taking care of the home, then they will learn this behavior. Mirielle's books always refer back to what she learned as a child growing up and that has made her the way she is today. As in any other case, stay active, enjoy the outdoors as much as possible, eat fresh food and incorporate a love for a variety of cultural things. We rarely eat out now because I like to cook fresh food. I want to know what I put in my body. I think the books can be applied to all stages of life regardless of being married, single, a parent, retired, etc.Vintage1944
POSTED: Sun, 02/20/2011 - 12:52pm
Hi Abberbabber
What Jas says is so right on.And to learn that a young woman as yourself,sees the importance of being a healthy well-balanced Mother is very reassuring.I am well passed that phase of life.I am in Nana phase.A fabulous time let me say!When I was young ,it was in the midst of the Feminist Revolution and motherhood was not valued.In fact,it wasn't truly understood and valued before that and women said why should I do something nobody appreciates.We did not do our sisters ,who valued Motherhood,any favours.People tried to become Super Women and kids became "latch key kids" and others took over raising them.We are seeing the outcomes of that now and it is not pretty.Many women MUST work to help keep the family fed and safe and they deserve the best support we can offer.I don't mean,good child care facilities only, but a support at a deeper level,the value level.This is one of my rants,so excuse me for going on a bit.I hope your dream comes true!!Jeanjas
POSTED: Sun, 02/20/2011 - 12:21pm
the french way
forgive me for not being a mom but still wanting to answer this question. I am answering from the opposite place of watching many of my "Mom" friends one who does it the "french" way most who don't. The key seems to take care of yourself first. That before a woman can meet someone else's needs she has to care for herself. That means eating food she needs, getting the exercise she needs, having date time, fun time...balance in life. When you are full then you have room and ability to nourish others, to give the best to your kids. Mom's that feel guilty for taking time for themselves and that they aren't always there for their kids...they seem to have a really hard time. (Just my thoughts from the outside...but what do I know, I'm not a mom)Vintage1944
POSTED: Sun, 02/20/2011 - 12:41pm
Very well said Jas
The young women ,I know,who are happy Moms ,are the ones who care for themselves and guess what the kids are happy,better balanced and less selfish and entitled.