Barcelona Mum

Interview with Lisa Stone

What is your name, age, where do you live and how long have you lived there?
Lisa Stone, 41, Vilassar de Dalt - 1 year but 5 years in Catalunya

Do you work, and if so what do you do?
No

What nationality are you and your partner?
British

How many children do you have and what are their names and ages?
One boy of seven called Joseph and a three old daughter, Darcey.

What was your experience of having a baby in Spain? (if relevant)
I gave birth to my son in Holland, where natural birth in a very relaxed environment is the norm. I found my experience here totally different and can only really compare it to a box on a conveyor belt - being moved from one place to another. The experience wasnt so personal and was far more medical - I had no drugs in Holland yet here I was on a drip with an epidural. I found the delivery room very daunting as it was like being in surgery with bright lights and medical equipment. In Holland they encourage home births and very natural, relaxing environments. However my daughter was born here with no problems and is happy and healthy and that is by far the most important thing.

How did you find the process of relocating to Catalunya with your children (if relevant)?
Joseph was 2 when I relocated here. I found the whole experience very easy as I used Beatriz (Barcelona Relocation Services) and she advised us on everything from accomodation to schooling to telefonica, shops etc etc. I would recommend her 350 times over.

What language do you speak to your children?
English

How well integrated would you say your children are in the local community?
Very well. They go to a local school and all their friends are from here. We dont have an expat life and most of their activities are local. I actually see them as being Spanish.

What has your impression been of childcare and education in Vilasar de Dalt so far (if relevant)?
I think the education where I live is fantastic - we are really happy. The kids are coming along well and both speak Catalan and Spanish. The school, Betlem, is semi-private and they are taught in both languages from primary level. One year they are taught in Catalan and the next year they are taught for the year in Spanish. It works really well for the kids. Pre-primary is mainly Catalan. The sport at the school is good and my son really enjoys it - we are concerned that less emphasis is placed on sport as the kids get older and I feel my son will really suffer. We may even consider changing school at this point to SEC in Granollers, which has great sporting facilities. I also liked the school as it was not highly religious. It is open and friendly as opposed to other schools I saw, which I felt were rather dictorial in their attitude to religion. There are mainly Catalan kids at the school but there are a growing amount of international kids at the school - British, Dutch, American...

How do you rate the amenities and facilities available for parents and children in Vilassar de Dalt?
In the whole of Maresme - fantastic. My kids are very active and we are always on the go...sailing, tennis, judo, football, go karting....the activities are endless and my son does quite a few out of school activities. There are some good clothes shops for kids but not very many toyshops - I used to live in St. Cugat and I really miss the shops for kids there, which are fantastic. Lots of nice wooden toy shops, which are missing here. However we are only 20 minutes drive from Barcelona so if we need anything we head there.

What do you think are the main advantages and disadvantages of being a parent from the International Community living in Vilassar de Dalt?
A disadvantage is that there is a lot going on that some expat parents feel they miss out on and they arent really advertised. However this can also be a positive as I have found some parents at the school are happy to take you under their wing and show you whats on/invite you to things and its a good way to meet people.

Is there anything you think would improve children´s lives in Vilassar de Dalt?
Actually no. We all have the ability to make things as good as we want and I feel that is up to us as opposed to our environment. There is so much to do here, the schools are good and its up to us to enjoy it!

What do you wish you had been told before you came to Spain?
I am glad I didnt know too much so as not to have too many preconceived ideas on how life would be. With an open mind you can receive things in a more positive way and you are not influenced in your attitude towards things/people.

What advice would you give for anyone having a baby or thinking of relocating to Catalunya with children?
Send your children to a school nearby - school days are long and the last thing you/your kids want is a commute. Its just not worth it. My kids have local friends, who they see at the weekend and I think thats great - we dont have to drive them all over the place just for a playdate. Relax about the Catalan! I know so many people whose kids go to Catalan schools and they were terrified about the lack of Spanish. Kids learn so fast and those few hours they do have every week is enough. They all pick it up and quickly. You would also be surprised by how much Spanish is talked in the playgrounds. Also many people are worried about the kids not fitting in/not knowing the language etc but kids learn so fast and both mine are really happy at school and have made friends quickly. I would also recommend you look out for magazines/booklets distributed in your area - they exist everywhere (you cant miss them!) and include a comprehensive week by week guide of whats on for kids - great way to get involved with local activities.

What couldn´t you live without?
My kids and dogs.