A Picnic to Remember: Celebrating the Sweetness of Our Children's First Year in School

As my little girl wrapped up her first year of Précoce - the early education programme for three- to four-year-olds in the Luxembourgish public school system, I found myself reflecting on just how she had flourished in the space of a year. She started out as a shy, timid little thing, clinging to us at the classroom door. But slowly, day by day, something shifted; her confidence grew, her Luxembourgish flowed more freely, and she developed a genuine love for school. This transformation was nurtured by a wonderful team of teachers and educators, as well as the friendships she has formed along the way.

Victoria thriving at school, gently nurtured by kind hearts and dear friendships

For me too, this first year brought unexpected serendipities: the forming of dear friendships with other splendid mothers. In true Luxembourgish fashion - where cultures meet and languages beautifully entwine, our group is a vibrant tapestry of nationalities and backgrounds, each of us having come to call Luxembourg home in our own way.

To mark the end of the school year, we mums gathered in the shade of a leafy park for a charming potluck picnic. There, amidst our children's playful exuberance and the welcoming summer breeze, we celebrated their milestones.

Meeting splendid supermums and their lovely children

And oh, the food! Each dish was as heartfelt as it was delicious, a reflection of the hands and hearts that made them.

Cecilia’s Quiche Lorraine

Cecilia, an ethnography researcher and devoted mother to Elric, lovingly made her mother’s beloved Quiche Lorraine, continuing a cherished family tradition.

Selcan’s Poğaça

Selcan, a manager and adoring mum to Ada, brought along freshly baked poğaça - Turkish cheesey pastries delicately garnished with parsley.

Pogaca photo by Misssgibi Yemek Tarifleri

Lisa’s Carrot Cake

Lisa, an emergency physician and affectionate mum to Sia, prepared a most scrumptious carrot cake with the sweetest assistance from her daughter.

My Italian Pizzas

As for me, Italian cooking has always felt like more than mere cuisine - it is a philosophy; an artful way of life. I brought along freshly made pizzas: thin-crusted and topped with love.

But truly, how do we mums do it all? Between our careers, the daily care of our little ones, and the effort it takes to whip up such tenderly made home-cooked dishes, it can sometimes feel like we’re spinning plates. And yet, somehow, these women do it with poise, humour, and a great deal of love. They are nothing short of remarkable.

Darling Sia, lending a hand to her mummy Lisa while baking a scrumptious carrot cake

I hope other parents will feel inspired to try our lovingly prepared recipes with and for their little ones; each one tells a little story, each one a delicious chapter in this shared journey of motherhood, friendship, and the magic of food.

Here’s to our little ones and their steps into the world and to many more picnics filled with good food and kind company. ❋

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