Cat Young
What is your name, age and how long have you lived in Vilanova?
Cat Young, 30 years old and lived in Vilanova for nearly 7 years.
What nationality are you and your partner?
We are both British.
How many children do you have and what are their names and ages?
Just the one daughter (for now!). Our little Rose is 16 months old.
Do you work and if so what to you do?
I work from home as I have just set up an online business (www.rosieloves.com) selling eco friendly products for children.
What was your experience of having a baby in Vilanova? (if relevant)
Fantastic! I chose to have a home birth and it was the best decision I have ever made...apart from having Rose of course!
How well integrated would you say you and your children are?
We're very integrated. I made it a priority to get to know people here. I think if you want to live abroad long term you have to make the effort and befriend the locals. Some of my best friends are Catalan and Spanish and I can't imagine moving back to the UK now.
What language do you speak to your children?
We speak English at home and Rose hears Spanish/Catalan when I'm with friends and Catalan at nursery.
What is your impression of childcare and education in Vilanova so far?
So far, so good...but Rose is still very young. I'm aware that the nursery system is quite rigid so I'm hoping she will get a place at a local play-school whose emphasis is on "free play".
What school/nursery do your children go to?
Rose attends a local nursery called El Cangur in central Vilanova.
Why did you choose this school/nursery and are you happy with your choice?
The main reason was it's flexibility. You can pay monthly, mornings only or by the hour. As I work from home I only really need a few hours a day to myself. I also think Rose is too young to be away from me all day...plus, I still breastfeed her! The staff are lovely but, we hope she will get a place at La Bruixa early next year as it is a lot more laid back.
Where you live, how good are the facilities for children (shops,restaurants, activities etc)?
Great. We live in the centre of town so all the main facilities are just steps away.
Are there any particular activities, groups, classes etc for children that you would like to recommend?
I love taking Rose to a local natural parenting group called "Ara, com abans". She gets to play with other children and the mums and dads have a good old chat! It is run by *Ensenyam a Ens**enyar-te* (www.ensenyam.org) and we meet up every two weeks to share our experiences and take part in organised workshops. The children's centre *La Baldufa* is a great place to meet. It is primarily a nursery but has a lot of extra curricular activities going on for families.
Are there any particular service providers (doctors, dentists, babysitters etc) for children that you would like to recommend?
If parents are looking for a non-judgmental, kind and informative pediatrician I can highly recommend Dra Alejandra Garcia. She works at the Grup Mèdic Garraf and we are very happy. Also, Vilanova has a great network of breastfeeding groups...one for nearly every day of the week! If you get in touch with ALBA (www.albalactanciamaterna.org) you can find out more.
What do you think are the main advantages and disadvantages of being a parent from the International Community living in Vilanova?
So far there haven't been many disadvantages. I have a great local support network here and I know I have had more help with breast feeding than most of my friends back in the UK. There could definitely be a wider variety of baby/toddler groups...especially musical ones.
Is there anything you think would improve children´s lives in Vilanova?
I think the local pool should start a baby swimming course. At the moment the only one on offer is at a private gym...considering we live by the ocean I was very surprised to discover Rose can't start lessons at the municipal till she's 3!
What advice would you give for anyone having a baby or thinking of relocating to Vilanova with children?
If you're pregnant and aren't too shy to practice your Spanish then definitely check out your local breast feeding group. Without a doubt they offer the most invaluable support to new mums...the sooner you discover your nearest group the better! Plus, all new
families should head to the town hall and ask for info on local activities.
What couldn´t you live without in Vilanova?
The sense of community. I lovehow everyone joins together for Carnaval and Festa Major. It creates such a fantastic atmosphere for fiesta! Oh, and the cuisine...I love buttifara!
What could you live without in Vilanova?!
Although I love a good celebration the "petardos" (firework bangers) could be taken down a notch. They don't help getting a tired baby to sleep!
(August 2010)
