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H A T W E O F F E R |
| What can
MESSAGE do for you, should you become a member?
MESSAGE provides three different types of services :
Please note that MESSAGE is a members-only organisation; we are unable to provide information services to the general public. If you are visiting France on holidays or for a very short-term stay, we regrettably cannot assist in your search for baby equipment rentals and the like; playgroups and other activities for you children; medical practitioners; babysitting services, etc. Instead, we recommend you purchase a copy of the ABCs of Parenting in Paris, which covers some of these topics, to use as a general reference during your visit.
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Events
& Activities:
 Meetings
& Activities
Ongoing children's activities, speakers, informal coffees, seasonal parties, evening & weekend events and social activities for parents and the whole family.
Babies
and Toddlers
Regular meetings for mothers-to-be, often including speakers or facilitated discussion on matters relating to pregnancy, childbirth and infants.
Primary
School Kids & Kids Getting Older
Fun events & activities for kids ages 5 & up, including activities such as magic shows, picnics, games at the park and outings to English bookstores.
Working
Mothers
Frequent opportunities for enabling working mothers to meet and exchange experiences and ideas, at lunchtime, evenings and on weekends.
Weekenders
Can’t make it to anything during the week? MESSAGE members organize activities for families on most weekends, in many different locations.
Country and Language Groups
Connect with members who share your mother tongue or home country. MESSAGE has contacts for 16 languages and many more nationalities.
Speakers
MESSAGE maintains a list of qualified speakers on a range of topics from bilingualism and fitness to child nutrition and “Positive Discipline.” All the speakers give their time freely to MESSAGE for this purpose.
MESSAGE
- Wide Events
As well as the more local events scheduled on a daily basis, larger events for members are organised throughout the year : the Annual Easter Egg Hunt, Father’s Day Picnic, Halloween Trick or Treat, and the twice-yearly Bring & Buy Sales are examples of these. MESSAGE also organizes jointly with the AAWE and WICE, the bi-annual Education Fair, which allows bilingual schools in and around Paris to promote their services; and bi-annual panel discussions to help facilitate the transition to college or lycée.
Personal Development Workshops
& Seminars for Adults
Since 2004, workshops for MESSAGE parents have been held by MESSAGE on “Prosperity”, “How to Start your Own Business”, “How to Run a Successful Business” and “Coach Camino” insights into what professional coaching is all about.
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Parenting
Resources*:
Website
The members-only private website is rich with parenting resources, and keeps you in contact with the 1,800+ strong network of fellow MESSAGE members through lively discussion forums.
ABCs of Parenting in Paris
The 2006 updated version of this indispensable guide to living in Paris as a family, is filled with useful information. Chapters include: Activities, Administration, Childcare,Education, Health, Pregnancy and Birth, Shopping, Travel and Work.
Library
More than 500 recent books and videos in English and French about fertility, pregnancy, parenting and life in France, as well as children's books, tapes and educational CDs.
Cookbook
The new third edition MESSAGE Cookbook, containing recipes from members as well as practical culinary advice.
Quarterly
Magazine
The quarterly Magazine contains information, articles and the schedule of planned activities each season. Note, we have removed some sections from this online version to protect member privacy. Any unauthorized use of member details included in the magazine is strictly prohibited.
Medical
Directory
Information on medical practitioners, hospitals and clinics in and around Paris provided by members, for use by members.
Education
Directory
Information and feedback on the French education system, local schools in and around Paris, enrolment procedures and school curriculae.
Information
Leaflets
Includes a glossary of English-French terminology on pregnancy and childbirth.
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Support
Services*
Childbirth
and Early Parenting Classes
Classes in English for mothers-to-be and their partners, covering topics relating to pregnancy, childbirth and coping with a newborn. The Instructors are MESSAGE members with recognized qualifications.
Breast
& Bottle Feeding Support
Trained supporters are available to discuss difficulties or simply answer questions relating to breastfeeding & bottle feeding - and weaning.
New
Mother Contacts
When you’ve just had a baby, sometimes it helps to talk to a Mum who’s been there before. A group of MESSAGE members offers just that.
Support
Directory
Allows members to have access - in the strictest confidence - to other members who are willing to share their experiences on subjects such as: pregnancy and birth, adoption, miscarriage, childhood illness, learning difficulties, eating disorders, raising twins, depression, breast cancer, marital issues, single parenthood, family tragedy.
Professional Directory
Information and feedback on non-medical professionals in and around Paris such as lawyers, plumbers, computer help, nutrition and health consultants, etc.
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MESSAGE aims to facilitate parent-to-parent support in all the areas mentioned above. Members are urged to consult an expert or professional regarding the applicability of any opinions, help, or advice to their own personal circumstances.
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