Ciao a tutti,

After much indecision and trepidation, we have decided to move back to my husbands homeland, Italy. We will be going over with a 15 month old and a 3 month old. The main reasons we are returning for is to finish building his house and for his family to finally meet the kids. We will be living in Vigolo, which is perched above Lago d’Iseo, Bergamo.

I have resigned myself to the fact that hubby will be working pretty much 7 days a week, thus leaving me with the kids. Having lived in Italy for only 3 months prior to this trip, I know I will find it hard being away from the support of my family and friends here in Australia.

For this move to be a success, it is imperative that I find a support network of my own and not rely solely on my husband’s friends and family.

So my question is: Are there a network of Mothers Groups or other support groups you can recommend in Italy?

I would be grateful to hear of your experiences of moving your families to Italy. Your advice on what to expect and how best to assimilate is very welcome

~Elliana~

Villa,

Thanks for your response, although I’m not at all sure how I should take it. I joined this forum and site in order to seek advice on moving to Italy with my family. My post is a genuine worry of mine and instead I receive an incredibly condescending email from you berating me because I am not as in love with Italy as yourself. Also, sorry but my post wasn’t asking for an Italian language lesson. I was actually asking for advice on Mothers’ groups / support networks etc.

As a matter of fact I can speak Italian fluently. I just prefer to write in English. My husband couldn’t speak English thus I learnt Italian in 3 months. Nevertheless, if I couldn’t speak Italian the superfluous information you attached looks helpful.

I’m sorry Villa, but as a ‘Noted Member’, I see you have posted many, many truly helpful posts. I have taken the time to read through some of them. You seem like a lovely person, so I am really surprised at your response to my plea for some advice. Have I misinterpreted your reply? Maybe I caught you on an ‘off’ day?

I am not adverse to our move to Italy. I have travelled to many different countries prior to getting married and loved every minute of it. I will embrace the opportunity to live in Italy, yet am I not entitled to feel worried? Also am I villain if I prefer not to live in Italy???? There is a huge difference between living in a foreign country as a single person, compared to living in a foreign country with two young children. However, I am positive we will make a real go of it.

Unfortunately, after such a sympathetic reply like yours to my second ever post, it has discouraged me in seeking further advice from the forum. I actually found another members’ post in 2007 which was really helpful. In hindsight, I really should’ve searched for similar threads before posting mine.

In closing, I admire your passion for all things Italian. This forum is fortunate to have you, but please keep in mind that it’s ok if everyone doesn’t share your opinion.....

~Elliana~

Elliana, I can imagine the trepidation you have. Villa, with two very young children and a husband who will be absent much of the time, Elliana is facing a far different situation than you have had. However,Elliana, I do think that Villa's suggestions are very helpful. Do think positively. Look on this as a wonderful adventure and opportunity for learning. The people of Italy are wonderfully warm and caring and they love children. I think you will be fine. This forum is a source of support, knowledge and caring; so visit us often and let us know how you are doing. I will be very interested. We will all be cheering you on! Stai bene!

Dear Elliana

i too have the same trepidation when i was told that i have to study in europe for 2 years. Although i am single and have no kids, i knew how you felt especially if you knew no one and whether we can make friends or not...trust me, you will and you can..

You mentioned that you will be living near lago iseo, i have been to that place twice, its a very peaceful place and you can have lots of sparkling wine supply because its where Franciacorta is...
i heard Sophia Loren has bought a villa in that area..

since its a touristy area, i am sure you can find somebody to speak english with you and since you are also fluent in italian, i think you have no problem in mingling around...

are you looking for support groups for english speaking mother? or italian speaking? i suggest you go to the city hall and asks for any information regarding this..

i knew in Milan there's some groups for wives and children of expats that gathers some weekends a month, you can message me privately if you want to know where to search for this kind of info..
but i am sure you don't want to drive all the way up to Milan just for this right?
i am sure there's something for you there, maybe you just have to ask around...or go to the local playground and mingle around with the mothers that bring their child to play there...

i hope that helps you a bit...

Italy American Women's Club & Newcomers Clubs DirectoryA directory of Newcomers Clubs, Women's Groups, Moms Club, Dads Groups,
Mothers & More groups in Italy, which are designed to give people new to the area ...
www.newcomersclub.com/it.html - 30k - Cached - Similar pages

Elliana, Hope this helps.

Hi all,

I couldn’t sleep last night thinking about this post and my subsequent reply

Villa, although I was hurt by your post it didn’t warrant the ensuing response. I therefore apologise for my tirade. Maybe me being 6 months pregnant had something to do with it I sincerely thank you for the link you have kindly attached. There is a lot of very helpful info of which I will certainly utilise.

Jeaniegina and Roland82, thanks for your advice. It is greatly appreciated.

I guess it’s easy to focus on the negatives of moving to a foreign country as opposed to it’s many positives. I am looking forward to living in Italy and am sure once there, as long as I remain positive, it will be easy to find my own support network. We will not be moving until Feb ‘09, so I have a little more time for positive affirmations!

Many thanks! I may require your invaluable advice again as we get closer to the move…. if that’s ok??

Un grande abbraccio,

~Elliana~

I guess I missed something because I didn't see Villa's reply to your first post. Did someone delete it?

i think Villa deleted his post Danno...

Elliana Welcome to the Forum: There is an Italian expression for special women like Elliana with children, pregnant a serious move to Italy. Se dice …“ Cara se ora più bella che mai “ You are more beautiful now then ever Elliana”

Great Success with your transition!
Salve

Thanks for your kind and beautiful words Frank! I look forward to picking your brains too o' wise one