TV
'Single mom' Kim Na-young "You don't have to get married"
In the 23rd episode of MBC's 'Fathers Who Crossed the Water', which aired on the 5th, French mother Olivia's parents were shown taking care of their three grandchildren, Louis, Luna, and Rumi. The best minute of the day's broadcast was the scene where French mother Oliviane Louis, Luna, and Rumi visit their grandmother's house, which recorded 2.7% (Nielsen Korea).
French mother Olivia previously attracted attention by revealing her French-style childcare routine that fosters independence. In particular, Olivia's eldest Louis and second child Luna were impressed by preparing their own meals on weekend mornings and taking care of their youngest child, Rumi, who woke up alone after sleeping separately. Olivia laughed, saying, “After appearing on ‘Fathers Who Crossed the Waters,’ parenting questions poured in, including how to foster independence in children.”
Kim Na-young smiled and said, “I taught my children French parenting. I told them to wake up on the weekend and play quietly among themselves instead of opening the door to their mother’s room, and they played really well.”
Olivia seemed to have no worries, but she said, "There are times when I have no choice but to ask my parents for help with childcare, but I feel worried because it feels like a burden," earning the sympathy of working moms and working dads.
Next, the French style of 'twilight parenting', where Olivia's parents take care of their three siblings on behalf of their daughter, was revealed. Olivia's parents split the burden between the youngest, Rumi, Louis, and Luna, who required a lot of work. At this time, the grandfather showed a gentle parenting style that embraced all of the children's playfulness, while the grandmother was affectionate but disciplined firmly when necessary, showing a difference in parenting.
Olivia's parents impressed us with their expert parenting skills, taking care of their children as if they had prepared a well-planned childcare program in advance. My grandmother, who had a Harvard Ph.D., helped me learn French by explaining Louis eye contact. Also, the grandmother had yoga time with Louis and Luna. The children imitated their grandmother well.
Grandfather taught Louis and Luna how to play baduk. Olivia revealed that she is 6th cousin to Lee Chang-ho, the strongest player of all time, and said, "Baduk has become a part of daily life, so Louis has been learning little by little since he was young." Louis' eyes were shining brightly and he was concentrating on the Go game. Jang Yun-jeong said, “We also want to go to that house to do a program.”
At the parenting community, the ‘twilight parenting’ culture of fathers’ country was shared. Andy, a South African father, said, “I think children are the parents’ responsibility, so it’s not common for grandparents to help.” On the other hand, Chinese father Zhao Lijing said, “In China, it is natural for grandparents to help.” Alberto said, “In Germany, if you have to look after your grandchildren, you get paid leave from work.”
Next, they freely shared their opinions on whether or not they would raise their children in their twilight years when my child has children. Tumul, an Indian father, said, “As I raised my child, I realized how difficult parenting is, so I think I will help my child.” In Gyo-jin said, “I talked with my wife So Yi-hyeon in advance about raising children in the twilight years, saying, ‘We will take care of our grandchildren, but let’s not take them for granted.’” When Kim Na-young was asked about raising children in the twilight years, she said, "I think Shin-woo and Lee Joon don't have to get married," making everyone on set burst into laughter.
Italian dad Alberto conducted a home physical examination for Leo and Ara along with playing hospital games. Leo was 127cm tall and weighed 28kg, and Ara was 88cm tall and weighed 14.2kg. Alberto looked at the children's growth and development based on the test results. Leo was in the top 5% of his peers in height, and Ara was in the top 10% in weight. Jang Yun-jeong said, “The children’s development is good.”
Alberto said, “In Italy, when a child is tested for development, they do not tell them what percentage of their peers they are.” Olivia introduced a culture different from Korea, saying, “It’s the same in France.”
Next, hearing, vision, and oral tests using a triangle were conducted. Alberto visited the dentist for an oral examination and checkup on Leo's shaking teeth.
Leo was a little nervous that he would have his tooth pulled right away. At the same time, fathers from the childcare neighborhood watched Leo's examination process anxiously. Leo was relieved when he was told he could have his tooth removed later. Afterwards, Leo applied a medication that showed dental plaque, identified areas where brushing was insufficient, and learned the correct brushing technique.
Jang Yoon-jeong recalled memories, saying, “In the past, didn’t you tie your shaking teeth with a thread and hit your forehead?” In Gyo-jin told the story of her sorry experience with the child, saying, "I tied Ha-eun's wobbly tooth with thread to pull it out, but I was weak and couldn't hit it properly, and only blood came out and the tooth stayed the same."
Japanese dad Midori said, “In Japan, you throw your lower teeth down and your upper teeth up to the roof.” Olivia, a French mother, introduced the culture of waiting for the tooth fairy, saying, “They hide their missing teeth under their pillow.”
When it was Ara's turn, Leo looked at his younger brother, who was frozen because it was his first time at the dentist, and reassured him, "Ara, it's okay." He made the fathers laugh by showing off his sweetness by holding Ara's arm when Ara was scared and struggling due to the sound of the machine and the wind. . Ara successfully completed her first dental treatment with the help of her brother.
Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr
