Barcelona Mum

Tanya Thompson

What is your name, age, where do you live and how long have you lived in Madrid?
Tanya Thompson, 41 years old.  We live in Fuente del Fresno and have lived in Madrid for 6 years.  My husband works for Rockspring in Madrid but spends some of the week in Portugal on business.

Do you work, and if so what do you do?
I am a qualified Chartered Surveyor with an MBA.  Right now I’m busy at home looking after my two children.  My daughter has a global developmental delay, so 50% of my time is dedicated to planning therapy sessions and navegating our way though medical appointments.  This has been quite a steep learning curve.  In my spare time I have been fortunate to help organise the St George´s Wednesday playgroup which has been fun and I have met some wonderful friends this way.

What nationality are you and your partner?
We are both British.

How many children do you have and what are their names and ages?
Two. Arabella aged 4 and Cameron aged 2

What was your experience of having a baby in Madrid? (if relevant) 
Overall it was a good experience, especially the second time around as I knew what to expect.  However I think generally the approach to delivering babies in Spain is quite regimented.  We used “Sanitas Multi” health insurance and I gave birth  in private clinics both times (Clinica Virgen del Mar and Hospital Rosario).  Both babies were induced and it felt a little bit like being on a conveyor belt if I am honest !

How long has it taken you and your family to  feel settled in Madrid? Did anything in particular help or hinder?
It has taken me about 5 years to feel really settled in here.  Sounds like a long time but after an intensive Spanish course and two kids the time has flown by.  I think buying a house a few years ago has helped us put roots down.
a How well integrated would say you  and your children are? The whole family is happy here in Madrid but we do miss our own family and friends in the UK.  Most of our friends here are English speaking and I think that is a cultural issue.  The Spanish have always been incredibly warm to the kids and we love the family focus here.  No doubt my kids will speak better Spanish than me very soon !  We plan to be here for the long term.

What language do you speak to your children? 
English at home and our Brazilian nanny, Adriana, speaks Spanish to them.

What has your impression been of childcare and education in Madrid so far?
I was surprised by the lack of day care centres/creches in Madrid that gave mothers some flexibility, so we arranged home help.  As far as education goes, starting your child in pre-school at 18 months is not unusual here as most mothers work. 

What school do your children go to? 
I was recommended a superb Spanish pre-school called “MICOS Mi Primer Cole” in El Viso and Arabella spent two very happy years there.  Now we live in Fuente del Fresno and both children are attending “El Ardal” here. 

Why did you choose that school? 
“El Ardal” is unique.  Their curriculum is based on creativity and fun.  Music, art and drama are part of the weekly agenda.  English is taught by native English teachers through play every day.  The installations include a heated swimming pool and large shaded garden.  When I met the Director, Paloma, I knew immediately this was the place and that Arabella and Cameron would be very happy and fulfilled here.  For Arabella they have an integrated approach to special needs education and accommodate individual learning styles.

How do you rate the amenities available for parents and children in Madrid?
Things are improving slowly with many new stores and centres opening.

Where you live, how good are facilities for children (shops, restaurants, activities etc)? 
In the Alcobendas and San Sebastian de los Reyes areas the choice  of facilities is excellent.  As this is where many international schools and families are based I guess that is not surprising.  We like living out of town and the children love the countryside. 

What do you think are the main advantages and disadvantages of being a parent from the International Community living in Madrid?
I do not think of it that way.  As citizens of the wider European Community, we are all part of the same community here.  For me it´s about getting involved with activities and events at local level.  That way we all feel more integrated and part of the community.  Of course there are cultural differences but we have to respect those.

Is there anything you think would improve children’s lives in Madrid? 
I am fully committed to help promote an integrated education system in Madrid for English-speaking children with Special Needs.  I am part of a network of English-speaking therapists working with Special Needs children in Madrid.  We are working together to formulate a forum for International families requiring information, orientation and assistance.  Contact: tanyallthompson@yahoo.co.uk for more info.

What do you wish you had been told before you came to Madrid?
Respect cultural values in Spain but do not be naïve enough to attend a bull-fight.  I was in Valencia for “Fallas” and was given a ticket.  In all the craziness and excitement of “Fallas” I went along with some Spanish friends.  I could not believe my eyes.  It really shocked me that this is considered a great social event and is still permitted by the EU to protect Spain´s cultural diversity. 

What advice would you give for anyone having a baby or thinking of relocating to Madrid with children?
The quickest way to get recommendations and seek advice is  to go along to “St George´s Mums and Tots” groups on Wednesdays and Fridays and “Sticky Fingers” playgroups on Tuesday and Thursdays and on occasional Saturdays.

What couldn’t you live without in Madrid?
The ability to escape the city in the Summer when it gets as hot as a furnace.

What could you live without?!
Double parking.  It´s insane and Madrid is famous for it