PARENTALITÉ
LIFESTYLE
Parentalité is a new show about raising kids in France, the French parenting style, and how to balance it while still holding on to our anglophone traditions.
The show is produced by Message Paris , an association for English speaking parents and caregivers based in Paris and Île-de-France, and ARBL Murray at World Radio Paris.
Hosted by Joelle Benoliel, Meg Gerner, and Rachelle Chapman with guest Christine Siler
In this episode of Parentalité Joelle, Meg, and Rachelle, talk with Christine Siler about Menopause. Christine (Tina) is a menopause policy advocate and is changing the way women, men, doctors, and families see menopause.
In some cultures it was regarded as a sacred time when a women transitioned into a wiser peaceful keeper of the community, now many fear and dread it. Tina is working to change the policy and medical care around menopause so that the women in our lives can move into this phase with dignity.
Tina is producing a screening of ‘The M Factor’ an important and controversial documentary about menopause medical policy and a panel discussion afterward on June 4th 2025, 19:00-21:30 at the historic Luminor Theater in the Marais.
Our crew talks candidly about how, with the appropriate support both emotional and medical, this can be something to look forward to. A huge part of the discussion is around access to medication and research and bringing those things to the medical system in France. How and when to start advocating for yourself.
To buy tickets and more info about the M Factor screening in Paris visit:
https://www.messageparis.org/event-details/the-m-factor-in-paris
For more information on Christine Siler visit:
https://www.christinesiler.com/
Parentalité is produced by ARBL Murray for World Radio Paris and recorded at their studio.
Hosted by ARBL Murray, Meg Gerner with guests Oliver Gee and Lina Nordin Gee
On this episode of Parentalité we talk about the French way of reading and storytelling with children.
First, Meg Gerner chats with Oliver Gee and Lina Nordin Gee, the parent duo responsible for the popular podcast The Earful Tower, about their series of children’s books which all feature precocious animal characters who galavant around Paris. Lena talks about being a creative mom with a toddler and a newborn and Oliver gives us insight into their reading habits with three languages in the household.
Later in the Episode Joelle Benoliel and Rachelle Chapman talk about reading culture with kids in France from the huge influence of Bond Dessiners (graphic novels or comic style books) to the prevalence of libraries in the lives of French children.
We talk about our favorite books growing up, and the favorite books of our children growing up in France.
Recommendations From This Episode
Check out The children’s books by Oliver and Lina Nordin Gee set in Paris for kids of all ages.
https://theearfultower.com/shop/
Our Favorite Books When We Were Young
Joelle: Stormy with a chance of Meatballs, U.S.A
Lena: Pippi Longstocking , Sweden
Lena: A Sunday Doll (en söndagsdocka), Sweden
Rachelle: The Giving Tree, Saul Silverstien, U.S.A
New Kids Books in English
Joelle recommends, Halibut Jackson
Oliver Gee recommends, The Gruffalo and all the Julia Donaldson books.
Current French Books for Our Francophone Kids
Roule Galette (young) A classic tale about a Galette Roi (King Cake) who escapes those who wish to eat her.
Ana, Ana (young)
Les trots petits cochons Three little pigs as architects by Steven GUARNACCIA. (Young)
Les Cahiers d’Esther (Notebooks of Esther) 9 – 12 years
Hosted by ARBL Murray, Rachelle Chapman with guest Joelle Benoliel
On this episode of PARENTALITÉ, we meet Joelle Benoliel, an American mom living in the heart of Paris. She is a communications coach and talks with Rachelle Chapman and ARBL Murray about navigating the cultural differences between French and American lifestyles. We talk about old French Christmas traditions, Hanukah, and French holiday cinema.
Episode Notes and Recommendations:
Films:
Santa Claus is a Stinker (Le père Noël est une ordure) 1982 AND it’s American remake Mixed Nuts! FOR ADULTS
French Fried Vacation 2: The Bronzes go Skiing (Les Bronzés font du ski) 1979! FOR ADULTS
Santa & Cie (2017) FOR KIDS
Paris Playgrounds for meeting up with parents and other kids –
Jardin Villemin & Jardin Nelson Mandela
In The News:
Anne Hidalgo announced an “urban forest” planting scheme for the Place de l’Hotel de Ville
Paris & IDF Holiday Lists:
Ice Skating at les Grand Palais
Holiday Markets:
Tuileries,. Vincennes, Chantilly
Hosted by Meg Gerner, Rachelle Chapman, and ARBL Murray
This episode is all about HALLOWEEN! We talk about French traditions, the Invasion of American Halloween. We talk about the best spooky French movies. Adam Levy tells a scary ghost story set in the Tuileries Gardens of Paris, and we interview Trick or Treaters at Message Paris’ annual Spooktackular event.
In the past 30 years or so, as more English speaking people settle in France, Late-20th-century Halloween traditions have invaded France and are changing the way the autumn season is typically enjoyed. The French traditionally celebrate All Saint’s Day on November 1st after generally a two week school break- this holiday is known as “Toussaint,” and is a somber observance during which many French families remember their loved ones who have passed on. Some families visit graves. It is a day to remember all saints, both known and unknown.