Time for another A Kid’s Life interview. Over the last year I’ve interviewed families about from Italy, Japan, America, The Philippines, Australia (Tasmania), New Zealand, Canada, Holland, Germany, Colombia and Belgium about their daily life and family routines. They have all been really interesting and quite eye-opening. I’m still thinking about the fact that school starts at 7:20 am in Colombia, that they eat fish for breakfast in Japan and that you have the option to learn Chinese in Tasmanian schools.
For this interview I talk with a family who is living in France. I stumbled upon Nicola’s blog ages ago and became enthralled with her gorgeous photography and stories about life in France. Nicola has 4 lovely daughters including twins. Being a mother of twins myself, I always have an instant connection with other mothers of multiples. Nicola is also a sewer and crafter and expert Lady Gaga hair-bow maker. Go check out her blog cover photo…absolutely gorgeous and self made!
I love Nicola’s comment, “so far our philosophy is to educate rather than restrict” in regards to their children and the amount of screen time they get. I think we could use that philosophy in so many areas of our parenting.. And I relate to the month of May being “Swiss Cheese Month”. We have the same problem here.
So, let’s meet Nicola and hear about her family and French style of life!
What country do you live in?
We’re currently living in France in the western suburbs of Paris, not far from the famous Château de Versailles. Before being posted to Paris, we spent ten years living in California. We love living in France, but our experience here is definitely that of expats. We are not a typical French family.
Are you and your husband the same nationality?
Yes, we’re both British born and raised. Our eldest daughter was born in London but the younger girls were born in the USA which entitles them to dual nationality. We always travel with a ‘tower’ of passports!
Do you both work? Or does someone stay at home?
My husband works very hard outside of the home and has to travel a lot for work. I work less hard inside the home and try not to feel too guilty when I get to go into Paris for a museum visit and a long lunch. It doesn’t happen that often!
How many languages are spoken in your house? What one(s)?
English; my husband and I with a British accent and the girls with an American accent! However, our two year old is learning English and French simultaneously which is fascinating to watch. I still can’t figure out what kind of accent she has!
How many kids do you have? What are their ages?
We have four girls. India is almost twelve, Georgia and Savannah are nine and Florence is two and – the all important – three quarters.
At what age do kids start school in your country?
The older girls are enrolled in an international school which begins with a preschool class at four and Kindergarten at five which is the same as the United States. Florence currently goes to a French Halte Garderie (non-compulsory nursery school) two full days a week and will start Maternelle (the formal and free beginning of a French school career) when she is three.
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