Moving to chamonix with 3 children

[LouiseMonaghan]

Hi. Am thinking about moving to Chamonix with my 3 children 10, 8 and 5.....help!!???? Anyone already there? Am I crazy? Will my children settle??

[Bevdeforges]

Hi, and welcome to the forum.

Why Chamonix? Your motivation for being there could very well influence how well you transition. Do you have a job to go to? Do you know anyone in the area? Have you ever been to the area?

Chamonix is a bit remote - up in the mountains like it is - though if you and your family likes to ski, you're going to be in heaven. You'll do better if you speak some French - but the kids should pick it up pretty quickly, especially if you send them to public (i.e. State) school.
Cheers,
Bev

[LouiseMonaghan]

Oh Hi - thanks for your reply!
chamonix because i think its gorgeous, great location, yes i have some friends there and yes I love to ski! And I think you're right, I think my attitude will really help the children with the transistion, but am still very scared!!

[Bevdeforges]

Hang onto that "scared" feeling! It's what I call "the good sort of being scared" and it's completely appropriate to taking a big step like you are doing.

It also makes it all a big adventure. The fact of knowing the area a bit and knowing people in the area should be enough to make a go of it. Just remember that everything you know to now is probably going to be proven wrong. <g> Get used to making a few mistakes and being able to laugh at yourself for them and you'll be just fine.
Cheers,
Bev

[Tigerlilly]

Hi Louise,
We moved here 2 yrs ago with a 3 yr old who started school 3 days after we arrived, and she is doing great. Of course heart in my mouth leaving her and making sure she knew where the loo was and could ask for water if thirsty...she couldnt speak a word...but now is correcting my French pronounciation!!
They will do fine. Just a point or two - France requires TB shots on commencement of school - no matter the age. You may consider doing this at home if free, and also as the children can have a reaction (not so common) and this may be better with your own doc.
Regarding the language - try to get them some french lessons before coming, and it may be an idea for them to stay back a year to do same work in French. Also french TV when you come is a must. Once you buy the receiver you get 5 main channels free (not so bad), and this will help alot. Check if their DVD's have french on language selection - They probably wont be impressed but it will be worth the effort.
Everyone says that kids pick it up easily - which is true, but the easier we can make if for them the better!
Take care and good luck,
Tigerlilly

[joey]

Hi louise... I am also about to take plunge and move to chamonix with my children 2 and 6. trying to get my head round schools and feeling incredibly "out there" my french is very rusty ... but hey nothing ventured nothing gained ..: Thanks Tigerlilly for the T B tip.. I'm on the case.

[LouiseMonaghan]

Originally Posted by joey

Hi louise... I am also about to take plunge and move to chamonix with my children 2 and 6. trying to get my head round schools and feeling incredibly "out there" my french is very rusty ... but hey nothing ventured nothing gained ..: Thanks Tigerlilly for the T B tip.. I'm on the case.

Oh wow! When you going? Where you going? I'm looking slightly outside Chamonix now, but still not sure where to go, how to achieve it but still desperate to do it!! You moving from UK?...ohhhh do let me know! Am very jealous!!!

[joey]

hi lousie well ... we hope to be leaving in mid july, from u.k still trying to sort schools out. I'm a bag of nerves thinking am i doing the right thing, " yes" i am ..still will keep you posted about things that i have learnt that might be of use to you..... jump on and hold on tight.