By your 40s, you don't want to be with the cool people; you want to be with your people.

When you're wondering whether she's his daughter or his girlfriend, she's his girlfriend.

There are no grown-ups. We suspect this when we are younger, but can confirm it only once we are the ones writing books and attending parent-teacher conferences. Everyone is winging it, some just do it more confidently.

The French aren't perfect, but they have some parenting secrets that really do work.

By your 40s, you don't want to be with the cool people; you want to be with your people.

To grow up without risk is to risk not growing up.

French parents are very concerned about their kids. They know about pedophiles, allergies, and choking hazards. They take reasonable precautions. But they aren't panicked about their children's well-being. This calmer outlook makes them better at both establishing boundaries and giving their kids some autonomy.