Times Tables, The Fun Way
My eldest boy has started learning times tables in earnest last year. If you’ve been through, or are…
Venetian Charm in Annecy
My little muffins’ favourite activity at the moment is dressing-up, and I can tell you it’s not always…
The Tale of the Fair Isle Jumper
Have you, on your Christmas shopping, found yourself pondering on the purchase of a ‘fair isle sweater’ for…
Find a Book, Find a Treasure
I can never walk past a bookshop without having a quick look inside and, since becoming a mum, I’ve…
St Nicolas Nicked My Chocolates
On the night of the 6th of December, French children leave their shoes by the chimney for St Nicolas.…
No Homework, More Fun ?
New expats moving to France will see educational reforms take place from September 2013. After months spent debating over…
Follow the Yellow Trail
One of my favourite pastimes in Autumn is going out for walks with the children. France is great…
My Daughter’s Vintage Birthday Party
When I was small and living in France, all birthday parties took place at home. So when the…
Raising a Bilingual Child
I don’t pretend I got it all right and my daughter does make mistakes as she is learning…
Pardon my French !
Is the French language so rude that it should come with an apology ? Should expats expect to hear…
As Easy as Tu or Vous
The use of ‘tu’ and ‘vous’ adds to the difficulty of the French language. Being a foreigner, you will…
Come & Play !
How do French people organise playdates ? Since moving to England, I’ve realised how easy and flexible playdates…
Sunday Lunch “en famille”
French families traditionally spend long Sunday lunches together, with lots of verve and scrumptious food. Sundays can get a bit…
Vive la Classe Verte !
If your children attend a French school, chances are they will be taken on a ‘classe verte’ during…
French Terms of Endearment
‘Céline, what are the pet names that French mums use for their children?’ asked my friend Michela. Of course! She…
Langue de Boeuf, Anyone? Or Why French Schools Won’t Allow Packed Lunches
A large white plate with two big floury potatoes, boiled. No butter, just a bit of gravy. The…
How Teachers Can Shape You
At the beginning there was a teacher in a classroom full of 14 year-old students, who were learning when to use the…
Supermarket Sweep, French-Style
Here you are, living in a French village just across the border from Geneva, an expat landed in…
Mums Rule the Playground
We all had a favourite playground game when we were little, but can you keep up with your little…
Memoirs of a Young Teen Rangée
The choice between a private and state school can be a tricky one, it doesn’t all come down…
Memories of My French Childhood
Join Céline on her trip down memory lane. Céline grew up in Lille, northern France, before moving to…