Valencia Trader

Mum Abroad Spain

According to the latest figures from the Spanish Government there are now more than two million foreigners living in Spain, with around 750,000 of them coming from the European Union.

Visit us online at mumabroad

For more information please contact Carrie Frais by email: carrie@mumabroad.com or by telephone: (+34) 620586655

It's the run-up to Christmas and Reyes, so it is a busy time for many Mums. If you want to get your shopping in early for the kids, don't forget to check out our children's shops sections in the regions of Madrid, Catalunya, which includes a wealth of shops in Barcelona, Sitges & Girona and also the Costa Blanca, which includes the regions of Javea, Torrevieja, Alicante and Benidorm.

You have been very busy sending in your recommendations, which are always much appreciated. Thank you to Alessia for her suggestion of innovative architecture workshops for children, Arquikids, based in Barcelona. Also in Barcelona you can find 'Kindermusik' classes, as recommended by Sandra which uses songs, music & activities to help children with literacy, problem solving & social skills and Lulu wants everyone to know about Ima, a children's portrait photographer. If you are thinking about getting kitted up in some new outfits in time for Christmas you might want to try out Antiques & Boutiques original personal shopping tours in Barcelona, as recommended by Caroline. In Madrid, Steph has told us about 'Tea shop' where you can buy crumpets & traditional English teas and Sylvia shares her experience of having Yolanda as her Doula.

SPOTLIGHT ON BENIDORM
Before the dawn of Spanish tourism, Benidorm was a small Valencian village near Alicante. Today it is famous world over for its hotels, beaches, night life and unique skyline. With a permanent population of approx 70,000 inhabitants, this increases to over 500,000 in peak season. Benidorm is particularly popular with the British with a number of British-styled pubs, shops and restaurants.

It is a great family-friendly town and many International families have chosen to make Benidorm their permanent home. We've information on everything you want to know about this Costa Blanca Mecca from pregnancy and services to kids activities and family-friendly restaurants.

WHAT'S HOT ON THE FORUM
You've been busy busy busy! Thanks for all your advice and support and do keep posting on the forum which is proving to be a great source of support & encouragement for many mothers living in or thinking of moving to Spain. Does anyone have a child who attends Oak House in Barcelona? If so, please reply to Jody's post who is interested In sending her daughter there. Karen wants to know more about the Agoria Masia International School near Sant Cugat. Patricia would like to know the situation with child carseats in taxis In Barcelona and Kayte is still looking for a short-term rental apartment in the week in Barcelona. In Madrid, Monkey wants more information on monthly car boot sales, Sachalso is after recommendations for restaurants over Christmas and Helen is looking for a beginners Spanish course. In the Costa Blanca, Johanna is selling her toy shop in Calpe and Tallmum is after information on moving to Alicante with her two children, Meanwhile, Anna would like to know more information on childminding in Spain.

NEWS
If you take a 'tough love' approach to bringing up your children, you could be on to a good thing, according to a recent UK study. The think tank 'Demos' found that parents who used a combination of warmth and discipline (it did not matter whether the parents were rich or poor) brought up children who were more likely to be empathetic, more able to control their emotions and bounce back from disappointment.

Maclaren has announced a recall of 1million pushchairs in the States after twelve children had their fingertips amputated in the hinge. The amputations happened when children placed their finger in the hinge while the pushchair, or stroller, was being unfolded.

And if you are considering homeschooling your child, specifically your son or sons, you might want to read this article about the challenges many parents face when educating boys at home. There are tips on how to organize your day, how to discipline and how to vary your approach to teaching different subjects.
That's it for now.

Best wishes
Carrie & Rebecca     

Visit us online at http://www.mumabroad.com | Email us on info@mumabroad.com