No monsters allowed

The two little boys, 5 and 3, were adorable. As brothers they looked nothing alike. One had red hair, the other brown, almost black.

Both have faces of angels.

The were real little boys, full of energy but well mannered. Fights over property were limited by the rule if the toy was in the living room, it was available to both, but if it was in either bedroom, it was off limits to the other brother.

As all French children, although they had food preferences there was no whining about not liking this or that. Their table manners were excellent.

They do not have a television.

The little one created a double decker plane with a Lego-like block set. It looked as if it could take off at any small airport. The older one draws far ahead of his years.

However, like children all over the world, they did have monster fears.

Their mama found a solution. By posting a no monster allowed sign on the front door, the monsters were kept at bay. And just in case one slipped through without reading the sign, another note was under the bed.

The children went to bed with hugs from their parents and no complaints, no begging to stay up. And no fear of monsters. They aren't allowed in the apartment.