When you think of France, what first comes to your mind? Paris and the Eiffel Tower? Louis Vuitton or Chanel? The Louvre Museum? France, of course, is famous for its luxury and cultural heritage. But it would be their unique lifestyle which makes France a beautiful, elegant and gorgeous place. In this article, I would like to introduce French parenting and food culture.

French parenting

French parents are very strict in some areas, but in others, they respect their children's autonomy. The Cadre model, which allows as much freedom as possible within a solid framework, is at the heart of French childcare. So what are the strict areas that French parents will never tolerate? The French regard respect for others as an important virtue. Therefore, children are trained to say ‘bonjour’ (good morning), ‘au revoir’ (goodbye), and ‘merci’ (thank you) from their childhood and should always speak politely to their parents and other adults.

French mothers help their children learn how to play alone. When a child learns to be happy on his own, he learns how to rely on himself and becomes less dependent on his mother. Of course, the same goes for children when they play together. When a fight takes place on the playground or when there is a fight between siblings, French parents hesitate before intervening. This is because they believe children have to learn to solve their own problems by themselves. If they quarrel with their friends in kindergarten, children usually don’t go and tell their parents. This parenting culture creates a kind of self-reliance for children who learn to depend on each other and rely on one another rather than rushing to their parents or teachers to ask for help.

In general, French parents support their children, but they do not praise them indiscriminately. If praise is too frequent, children will be addicted to the positive attention and they will crave the recognition of others to get satisfaction or they might give themselves an over-inflated sense of self-importance.

Food culture

“Tell me what you eat and I will tell you who you are,”

said Jean Anthelme Brillat Savarin, the famous French lawyer better known as an epicure and gastronome. For the French, food represents their identity and is more than just a meal. They are famous for having a long and leisurely meal time.

Breakfast is called ‘petit déjeuner’. It is common to drink ‘cafe au lait’ (made with coffee and milk) with a few pieces of butter or jam and baguette or a croissant (crescent-shaped bread).

Lunch is called ‘déjeuner’, and is typically two hours from 12 to 2 o'clock. Mealtimes are so long because French people enjoy discussions while eating. They spend a long time talking about in-depth topics at the table, such as art, politics and society. If you go to France, sit quietly at restaurants and listen carefully to voices around your table, as colorful as French food is, stories will flow through every table.

Dinner is called ‘dîner’ and is the most important meal which is prepared in the order of appetizer, main course, salad, cheese, dessert and coffee. Dinner is served with wine and usually begins at 8 pm and lasts about 4 hours for guests.

Have you ever heard that “French women don't get fat”? France is famous for its appetizers and sweet dessert culture, but nonetheless French people are slim and healthy because they keep up with their diet. French women know the best way to love oneself: The Secret of Eating for Pleasure. They carefully choose what they want to eat and enjoy the taste, sound and texture of food. They know how to make the best chocolate to bite. Cafés in France don’t have large sized coffees. The healthy lifestyle of French people who enjoy their own life, earns them the name ‘French chic’.

By Sarah Park, reporter

French parents are very strict about courtesy

Sarah Park  starcity2015@changwon.ac.kr

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