There are many children here, and they are truly gorgeous!
As a society, the French value their children. In the 1970's, the birth rate was quite low. So, the government decided to pay each family for three of more children in a family. And, from what we see, it must be working. We noticed quite a few children when we got here, and mentioned it to our friends, Larry and Regina. They explained this to us.
Here are some of my observations:
First, the children are always acknowledged! Every adult, when they meet a family, will turn to each child and give them the 3 kisses on the cheek. I have observed Moms with a young child, and a newborn baby in a coach meeting other Moms with children....FIRST, before the newborn is cooed over, the Moms will acknowledge the older children with kisses, then, the baby is fused over.
And, it's true, the children are very well behaved! They rarely are wild or in any way out of control! We have seen them in all circumstances, and of course, they dance around, and do things that all children do, but they are NEVER wild and LOUD. At the Accordion and Tango Festival in our town, there were many children. They danced with each other, and with their parents too, but they never ran around. They go out to eat with their families, and, from an early age, they just seem to sit there quietly. One Sunday, at the Noonday Family dinner, we saw 2 children, a boy and a girl, about 8 and 10 respectively. The lunch, with Mama, Papa, Grandma and Grandpa. The children sat there for about an hour and half, eating, talking and playing at the table very quietly. They spoke with both parents, to each other, and to their Grandparents. Finally, they began to get up and go to the bathroom, one after another, several times....just for something to do. They never ran around or shouted, or got fussy! Amazing! They had to be there are the table, in the restaurant, for at least two hours, maybe two and a half!
On Saturday morning, the girls are often at the market with their Moms or Grandmas. I noticed the boys were rarely there...then, I realized, the boys are all on the soccer fields! The boys appear in their soccer uniforms about lunch time, with the Dads or Grandpas.
The children are all dressed! From a very young age, it is clear that the little girls are all groomed, and dressed. They wear skirts and dresses with tights, and have on scarves and a pocketbook slung across their bodies. Their hair is fixed, and often have a little flower or barrette in it. The boys are dressed, as well, not quite as fastidiously, but dressed, none the less! They dress to go the market, and out to lunch/dinner. At the Accordion Festival, most of the children were dressed for the bounce house experience, but most of the rest of the time, they are rather dressed up!
I had commented on the children in my blog before when I mentioned that they come home for lunch here in our village, and you see them walking, holding their parent's hand, well up until teenage years, and sometimes, even as teenagers.
Children are always accommodated. Most every bathroom (other than a bar) has a baby changing table. When there are any activities, there is always something for the children too. This past weekend, there was an Accordion and Tango festival...they had a bouncy house for the children. In our local pharmacy, there is a child's play table with puzzles, etc. for the children. It just seems like the French all pay attention to the children, and their needs.
In most towns of any size, there is a carousel. Each carousel has scenes of the local area around Top of the outside. The carousel in Arles, which is know for bull fights, even had a bull on the carousel!
Very Dear, and Very Nice! I enjoy seeing all the children! It makes my heart glow!
