I love reading about living overseas. I lived in Germay for a few years and one of my close friends, also an American, was posted in Lille, France. Her kids had similar difficulties with the all day schooling.

My son, on the other hand, attended kindergarten in our village (equivalent to American preschool) and loved it. It was only four hours in the morning and I think length of time in school makes a big difference to our little ones!

I also found the French to be welcoming and helpful. And their pastries...amazing!!