When my daughter began maternelle (pre-school & kindergarden), I wanted to know where the best schools where. During my research online, I found that most information pointed out that all schools are equal in France. They teach the same material and receive equal funding from the government, so no matter if the school is in a neighborhood of poverty or excess, kids all have … [Read more...]
France to Reduce Prescribing Newer Birth Control Pills
I didn't know there was a difference in the level of dangerous side-effects when taking newer vs older birth control pills. I assumed newer pills would be safer. I was wrong. A Danish study published in the British Medical Journal in 2011 (as reported by France 24) found newer pills were twice as likely to cause venous thromboembolism (blood clots). If you choose to take a … [Read more...]
Who is Pére Noel?
Since we were spending Christmas with my husband's family, I wanted to know how his sister handles gifts from Pére Noël (Father Christmas aka Santa Claus). I hope to do the same for Juliana as my parents did for me - I have such wonderful memories of growing up believing in Santa. I picture baking cookies on Christmas Eve with the kids and leaving them on the fireplace with … [Read more...]
My Baby Fell Down the Stairs and onto Her Head!
We don't have stairs in our house, only outside on the balcony. The stairs leading down from the balcony doesn't allow for a normal barrier, so we had to purchase one with 5 sides so we could wrap it in an L shape (BabyDan barrière de sécuritie Flex 5 - we love it!). Last time we visited my mother-in-law, Juliana was learning to crawl, so the stairs weren't a safety hazard. … [Read more...]
President Hollande : No More Homework for French Children!
President François Hollande promised homework will be abolished and he'll reduce the number of students who must repeat school years. He has also pledged schools will be more welcoming for children with less stressful days and the number of teachers will increase. Getting rid of homework is excellent news for children and parents, however, it's a tougher sell on teachers and … [Read more...]