la petite pomme

2 hours is a very long time to hold a conversation with a three year old - especially if they don't understand what you're saying! I appreciate the parents' intent but think their approach impractical. Far better would be to surround the 3 year old with English speaking peers/older children for short but regular bursts of time. If that's not possible, half an hour one to one every few days will be ample. It sounds like they are trying to wangle a babysitter!

When I worked in Paris for a law firm, we would receive many applications - none of the letters of motivation was handwritten, everything was typed as it would be in the UK. But most CV's had photos attached.

Thanks to all who have replied. Starting reception in the UK she was always clingy and got through that, so I am hoping that it will be a matter of time before she finds her feet and settles in. I for one am really looking forward to the move, though am fully aware that it won't be straight forward and we will have lots of new day to day problems that we just don't face in England. I hope in a year or so I can look back and feel that my worries were if not unfounded then not as bad as I'd imagined! Thanks for all your help and support.

  Just wanted to say "Bonjour" and introduce myself as a new member. I'm going to be moving to France this summer (Loire) as partner has been sent over by work. I already speak fluent French, having a degree in it and spent a year or so in Paris, as well as a stint working in Pas de Calais. This time - the move will be permanent (or, at least, it's supposed to be - I suppose we will see how it goes). My main concern is my daughter Marta, now 6. She already has what I would term (very) basic French as my brother in law is French (though living in the UK) and speaks to her in French and I have taught her the odd thing during her short life. But I just can't imagine plonking her in the middle of a French school and leaving her to fend for herself. She is not a particularly outgoing child and has already expressed some reseverations. I feel like a terrible mum for uprooting her like this but fully recognise that sometimes "in at the deep end" is the best way to go. My question is - how did your kids fare at the beginning? How long did it take them to settle in? How did the other kids respond to them?   I know every situation is different but any advice (about anything!) would be appreciated   Thanks!