Alison Gallagher
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Alison Gallagher
What is your name, age and how long have you lived in Madrid?
Alison, 44. I’ve been living in Madrid for 22 years.
Do you work, and if so what do you do?
I work in Marketing for an NGO.
What nationality are you and your partner?
I’m British and single.
How many children do you have and what are their names and ages?
Non-identical twin girls, Lucía and Katie, aged 3.5.
What was your experience of having a baby in Madrid?
Born in Marañón. Can’t really complain re. treatment and staff
How well integrated would you say you and your children are?
Their home is Spain and after 22 yrs. I’m at least half-Spanish!
What language do you speak to your children?
I speak to them 100% in English but they mostly reply in Spanish
What has your impression been of childcare and education in Madrid so far?
I had a day child-minder so no idea re. childcare and girls about to begin school in September.
What school does your child go to?
Public bilingual school.
Why did you choose that school?
Across the road from our house and bilingual plus neighbours’ children go there too.
How do you rate the amenities available for parents and children in Madrid?
Definitely getting better although really missed Mums + Tots groups, etc. when babies. As grandparents are 90% childcare here, society’s not prepared for those of us who need to socialize and don’t have parents on hand.
Where you live, how good are facilities for children (shops, restaurants, activities etc)?
Getting better. More places have changing facilities, etc. and play areas. Quite a few webpages now have weekend activities.
What do you think are the main advantages and disadvantages of being a parent from the International Community living in Madrid?
Not sure if there are any advantages as such. Disadvantages are not having family around or long-time friends. Very little second-hand goods sales if you’re looking for bargains, especially with 2 at once! Miss more parent groups, babysitting services, etc.
What couldn’t you live without in Madrid?
At this moment in time, my child-minder and my job!
What could you live without?!
Endless paperwork, including when I gave birth!
