Barcelona Mum

What is your name, age, where do you live and how long have you lived in Barcelona?
My name is Julie Stephenson, I am 42 years old, I live in Eixample Derecha and have lived in Barcelona for just over 6 years.

Do you work, and if so what do you do?
I am part owner of Barcelona's first Fish and Chip shop

What nationality are you and your partner?
I am British and I am a single parent.

How many children do you have and what are their names and ages?
I have one 9 year old daughter, Ella. We have a daft dog called Lula who is 1.

How did you find the process of relocating to Barcelona with your children (if relevant)?
My daughter was 3 years old when we came to Barcelona. I had taken her out of nursery so we could spend a year together before she started school. Initially I was surprised by how few children we met during the day...then I became aware that most children are in full time school by the tender age of 2 years! Fortunately I saw an advert in Metropolitan magazine for a mother and child group. We met some wonderful people there and 6 years later they remain our closest friends.

How well integrated would you say you and your children are?
My daughter is integrated as she is in school here. Her friends in school are mainly Spanish and Catalan but outside of school she also has English speaking friends. She takes drama classes in both English and Catalan (on different days) and her music and guitar classes are in Catalan. I have a mixture of English and Spanish/Catalan friends but my command of the Spanish language is still quite limited.

What language do you speak to your children?
English

What has your impression been of childcare and education in Barcelona so far?
I was at home with my daughter for the first year but have always used babysitters when necessary. My business partner and I opened a nanny and babysitting agency 4 years ago as we felt there was a need for quality childcare in the home. It proved very popular. My daughter attended 'The English School' from the age of 4 until the middle of year 1. A very small, trilingual school that I felt fulfilled our needs. She now attends 'St Paul's', also a trilingual school and she will be able to stay there until she is 18 years. It is very academic but other than the constant battle with homework she is very happy there.

How do you rate the amenities available for parents and children in Barcelona?
Barcelona is, in general, a wonderful place to bring up children. I feel I am giving my daughter an upbringing similar to mine...a little more innocent than life in the UK. The amenities are good...maybe lacking a little in open spaces. School hours are very long and no half term break makes the children very tired....ready for the unbelievably long summer break. Help with children has not really been an issue for me as up until recently I worked from home and only needed babysitters for socialising.

Where you live, how good are facilities for children (shops, restaurants, activities etc)?
I live in what I feel is a very safe neighbourhood. Wonderful neighbours, great bar downstairs where the kids are always welcome, shops readily available and close to park Cuitadella. Public transport very accessible. Very close to centre of town but not in middle of tourists.

What do you think are the main advantages and disadvantages of being a parent from the International Community living in Barcelona?
Advantages...your children meet a great variety of people from different cultures.
Disadvantages...

Is there anything you think would improve children´s lives in Barcelona?
Shorter school hours, cleaner air.

What do you wish you had been told before you came to Barcelona?
That children started school at such a young age.At public school the lessons would be taught in Catalan.

What advice would you give for anyone having a baby or thinking of relocating to Barcelona with children?
Don't know about having a baby but parents should join any groups that include kids. Great way to meet some like minded people.

What couldn´t you live without in Barcelona?
My friends

What could you live without?!
Tourists on the Ramblas. thieves that steal bags/cameras/purses, etc