January 4, 2012 • Category: Blog, Excerpts
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We’re thrilled to give you an early look at Mei-Ling Hopgood’s upcoming book, How Eskimos Keep Their Babies Warm and Other Adventures in Parenting Around the World, publishing next week. This grand tour of global parenting techniques proves once and for all that there’s more than one way to diaper a baby.
See below for the cute book trailer and to read an excerpt. Also: We’ve got 3 copies up for grabs! Want to win one? View the (brief) trailer and let us know which example you like best–you can leave your comment here or on our Facebook page.
Mei-Ling Hopgood, a first-time mom from suburban Michigan—now living in Buenos Aires—was shocked that Argentine parents allow their children to stay up until all hours of the night. Could there really be social and developmental advantages to this custom? Driven by a journalist’s curiosity and a new mother’s desperation for answers, Hopgood embarked on a journey to learn how other cultures approach the challenges all parents face: bedtimes, potty training, feeding, teaching, and more.
Observing parents around the globe and interviewing anthropologists, educators, and child-care experts, she discovered a world of new ideas. The Chinese excel at potty training, teaching their wee ones as young as six months old. Kenyans wear their babies in colorful cloth slings—not only is it part of their cultural heritage, but strollers seem outright silly on Nairobi’s chaotic sidewalks. And the French are experts at turning their babies into healthy, adventurous eaters. Hopgood tested her discoveries on her spirited toddler, Sofia, with some enlightening results.
This intimate and surprising look at the ways other cultures raise children offers parents the option of experimenting with tried and true methods from around the world and shows that there are myriad ways to be a good parent.
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Tags: How Eskimos Keep Their Babies Warm, Mei-Ling Hopgood, Sneak Peek
Sara says...
Yes, there are great parents everywhere!! I love all of the examples and the reminder that different approaches are can accomplish that same thing – a healthy child who is loved very much. Can’t wait to read the book.
February 2, 2012@ 5:04 PMChristy says...
I love the example of mothers in Kenya! It makes perfect sense to swaddle babies close instead of parading through the streets baby first in such a busy environment! Looks like a very interesting book!
February 2, 2012@ 12:21 PMKim Weber says...
As a postpartum doula who works with families from many cultures, I am always interested in how different cultures parent their children. There is no right and wrong, there is only what works for your family. This looks like an interesting read.
February 2, 2012@ 11:45 AMAviva says...
I have to agree. I think it looks like a very interesting book but the title is very offensive and will put me off buying it or recommending it. Very poor choice.
February 2, 2012@ 9:38 AMJo says...
Ilove the split crotch pants in China – what a great way to deal with toilet training.
February 2, 2012@ 9:16 AMHave to agree about book title – Eskimo is a politically incorrect and offensive term for the Inuit. How was this title approved by the publisher?
Anne says...
I enjoyed this preview and thought that the trailer was well done and the China one was cute.
January 15, 2012@ 2:45 PMTayvia says...
I love that children are taught at a young age to enjoy food in france. I think that is wonderful!
January 12, 2012@ 6:23 PMAmanda says...
Since my little guy is eating solids right now, I’m curious to know how other cultures introduce solid food.
January 10, 2012@ 11:30 AMRebecca says...
It’s an interesting approach but the name of this book is highly offensive to me. How about not using a derogatory term for the native peoples and calling them Inuits.
January 10, 2012@ 9:09 AM