I've started preferring 'adult-only' hotels recently.  As in 'no children allowed'.  And why is this, you might ask?

Many parents seem to think that their progeny have a right to behave just as they like, with no thought for others, even their own parents.  The children (not kids, they don't belong to goats!) are allowed to scream, race around and generally behave like little princes (although having said that, I think that our Princes William and Harry were never allowed to behave like that!)

However are these children going to cope when they grow up and are out in 'the big wide' world?

I found this book in the library this week and was intrigued.  The book offers ideas of a way of parenting unlike that given by those child-centered parents mentioned above.  This book don't just cover eating habits; it advocates teaching children to wait, to cope with frustration and to consider other people.  It says that children can understand what is happening at a very young age, so long as things are explained to them.  Children are capable of thinking for themselves and deciding how to manage themselves.  

An example for older children is that they are not chided for not doing their homework, but for doing badly.  The parent says that it's a shame for the child if they don't do their best, it's the child's responsiblity.

I think the book's brilliant - and I'm only half way through so far.

It might be a good idea to buy a few copies of this book and leaving them lying around in doctors' waiting rooms, hospitals, pubs, charity shops and other places where people may pick them up out of curiosity.

Perhaps even some adults could adapt their own behaviour from reading this book ....

See article in The Guardian: http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/jan/20/french-children-food-pamela-druckerman, The Telegraph: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/9033450/Zut-Can-the-French-really-be-parents-sans-pareil.html and also: http://ratherbeinparisblog.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/french-children-dont-throw-food.html

http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/H/HE-0719/

Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/French-Children-Dont-Throw-Food/dp/0385617615