Having a baby changes your life. The people who have them know what i'm talking about, the ones that don't...just trust us. So while I initially I wanted to start this blog for DIY ideas and decor, I think it will now turn into baby in France stuff.
As an American having a baby in the French system was very different from what you see back home. Not just the pregnancy process itself, but what comes after also. For example, I am trying to get my kid into a chreche (nursery school) starting September 2012. While this may sound like an easy task it seems that because the chreche's are run by the government and therefore much cheaper than hiring nannies the competition is stiff. First of all what was schoking to me was that you have to sign up at the Mairie (city call of your arrondissmont) before the baby is even born. The instructions say anytime after your 6th month of pregnancy. So I literally went to sign my unborn child up for nursery school when I was 6 month pregnant! The author Pamala Druckerman perfectly describes the system in her book Bringing Up Bebe, which is a great read by the way. You basically have to beg the director for a spot. Call her every week asking if spots open up, etc. It is basically insane and the kid isn't even 6 months old yet!
I have not fully delved into the creche situation so I will keep you updated on what happens. So far I have sent certified copies of my kid's birth certificate as well as letters of introduction to our top four creche's. I will begin the director stalking next week.
As an American having a baby in the French system was very different from what you see back home. Not just the pregnancy process itself, but what comes after also. For example, I am trying to get my kid into a chreche (nursery school) starting September 2012. While this may sound like an easy task it seems that because the chreche's are run by the government and therefore much cheaper than hiring nannies the competition is stiff. First of all what was schoking to me was that you have to sign up at the Mairie (city call of your arrondissmont) before the baby is even born. The instructions say anytime after your 6th month of pregnancy. So I literally went to sign my unborn child up for nursery school when I was 6 month pregnant! The author Pamala Druckerman perfectly describes the system in her book Bringing Up Bebe, which is a great read by the way. You basically have to beg the director for a spot. Call her every week asking if spots open up, etc. It is basically insane and the kid isn't even 6 months old yet!
I have not fully delved into the creche situation so I will keep you updated on what happens. So far I have sent certified copies of my kid's birth certificate as well as letters of introduction to our top four creche's. I will begin the director stalking next week.