8866 Socialising! Mums and tots?

Hi all!
I have recently returned to Calabria after having my baby at home (N Ireland). He is now 4 months old and we are both desperate to get out and about a bit! I would love to meet up with any expats with children.. or any expats generally to try to get some social networks going......
Thanks
Lisa

Category
Calabria

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/23/2008 - 15:47

Well, it is nearly spring, so getting out and about should be a pleasure for you both! I honestly doubt that you will find (at least on this forum) any ex-pats mums in Calabria, but don't despair.

You have already got your 4 month old entry card into all age groups of Italian society, of whatever nationality, so just be generous and let everybody coo over the bambino: you don't even need a lot of language. For heaven's sake, don't be shy - just push the pram/pushchair anywhere you feel like, and you will receive a (sometimes overwhelming)welcome.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/24/2008 - 13:18

[quote=Charles Phillips;83405]I honestly doubt that you will find (at least on this forum) any ex-pats mums in Calabria, but don't despair.
[/quote]

Well I know of two UK mums who live in Calabria, one with a young baby (but they are up my end so not close to you LisaJ, I'm afraid)

Do they have such a thing as Mother and Toddler Groups in Italy?
I know at our local Agenzia Sanitaria they offer acqua-splash sessions in an indoor pool for mums and babies.
One of the most difficult things about being here can sometimes be finding out just what is happening/ and when.........maybe you need to put out some feelers or ask at the paediatrician?
(We only found out about free local Italian lessons for foreigners by a chance conversation with our dentist's sister....)

Regards, Lesley

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/24/2008 - 15:44

Thanks Charles and Lesley...I am not shy with the bambino but it is quite difficult turning a quick hello in the street into a friendship without seeming like a stalker!!!! But yes I have found the local neo nati (rather cutely named 'super baby'.. after 3 years old they are only 'baby'!) swimming group and hope to get enrolled there after Easter. Looks like I'll just have to keep plugging away or maybe set up my own!!!!!! (although I am pretty sure that there must be a million by laws that would be breached by trying to have a regular meeting with children!).