Originally Posted by dmu

Sorry to butt in your conversation but I discovered it quite by chance when zapping in the Europe section. I've been following the thread you started in the French section, which went off into a variety of tangents...
Hasn't your OH asked Michelin NI about a transfer yet? That seems to be the most important thing to do before you make a decision about France. I'm sorry to continue being a wet blanket, but it won't be as easy as that to work in child care here. Check first that your diploma is accepted in France and be aware that child care training is a very popular career choice here and a fluent French speaker would take priority on the employment front. Meanwhile, before even starting to look for a job, you'd have to organize care for your two youngest and you can't realistically expect your local crêche to have room for them the minute you arrive. Likewise you can't set up private child-care at home in France, just like that. There are strict rules and regulations to follow...
If you've got Satellite TV, watch the French news to see all the discontent that there is in France, or failing that, buy a Figaro or Le Monde. Life isn't at all rosy over here....
P.S. I've been here since 1970 and so long out of the UK except for short visits, that I can't really appreciate what it's like to live there.

Originally Posted by stanage2

You are a big killjoyjust let them talk,it's all like a T.V. program

( Pie in the Sky)

Originally Posted by dmu

I've been too long out of England to know what "Pie in the Sky" is!
I'm just being a Cassandra, to warn about the realities of job-seeking in France when you don't speak the language and have 3 children to bring up....
Fore-warned is fore-armed....

Originally Posted by stanage2

Would not say one word you wrote is wrong,but will they believe it?

Originally Posted by Polly B

Thanks DMU for the link - checked it out as well as other links and sites on qualifications recognised in France. It all depends what area of childcare you want to go in to. If I was childminding at home I`d have my kids there too. From what I read, my diploma and experience would get me passed.

As for "pie in the sky" don`t we all have to start somewhere - just glad we`re keeping you entertained Stan

Originally Posted by dmu

Just checked on another site for expectant mothers and found that a registered assistante maternelle minding at home (crêche familiale) can only receive three infants maximum, which means that you'd only be allowed to mind one outsider together with your own children, which would considerably limit your potential income. (Unless you put your 2 year old in your local Ecole Maternelle, which should normally accept her if she's out of nappies). Also you'd best live in or near a town on a mother's way to work, not isolated in a country setting. It's good to dream, but there are so many practical things to take into account before making a decision.....

Originally Posted by stanage2

If your were just couples i would say, do as you like.But you are not.
When you decide the brink children into the world,things changed.
Then you must put the children first,and make your life round them,and do the best for them.

Originally Posted by jen_andy

how bad is life over in france for kids out of interest?

Originally Posted by jen_andy

how bad is life over in france for kids out of interest?

Originally Posted by jen_andy

So if a parent were to research the "move" thoroughly,

then make the most of it and grin and bear any inevitable mistakes,

and try and make the most of all situations,

then its not such a bad idea to contemplate moving?

There's a lot of problem solving to be done, and compromises to make,
but surely having 3 kids can't be considered a handicap for a move abroad when the situation lies purely down to how you deal with it and the most you make of any opportunities?

Jen