“Jules-Anton was just 3 when we arrived in New York from Marseilles. At that time, he never had the chance to hear a single English word but his French was really good,” tells his mom Cathy.  “He discovered English at school in the neighborhood Day Care in Astoria. The beginning was tough for him. He developed aggressive behaviors towards his buddies because he didn’t know how to communicate with them.  After three months everything was fine though and now he’s not only able to understand his friends but he is also at ease speaking English according to his teacher.”

Cathy continues “At home my husband and I speak French and so does Jules-Anton.  But he is so comfortable with English now that he naturally became my personal translator!”  She admits that now she is the one who has to make efforts to introduce the American culture at home.   Cathy admits that Jules-Anton’s favorite meal is nothing else that the trio burger, French fries, and Ketchup.

“That said, it’s only a diet he enjoys during the weekends. I don’t really know if it’s good or bad habit, but I try to make him remember that we are French and not American. We have some habits that are quiet different from what an American would have and a healthy diet is also a good aspect of our culture and I feel good to preserve it. Jules-Anton is used to say ‘I’m not eating ice cream before dinner because I’m not American.’ Well, after such a statement I can only make him forgive me, that’s why scoop and doughnuts are welcome on the weekends !”