JonboyE

That we gave peace, order, and good governance to the world.

ExKiwilass

Wow, how 19th century. You're kidding, right?

Alan2005

That might have been true in the 70's. But that isn't what I was taught.

ExKiwilass

Yes, I remember my parents talking about the BBC in reverent tones. I'm not sure it lives up to that reputation anymore.

I don't know. I'm listening to the Beeb radio 4 right now (thought I'd give it a whirl for a change) and honestly, I don't see how it's any better than the ABC or the CBC. Perhaps I just don't get it. *shrug*

Aviator

Not with you there, when one looks at the way the British enforced order and governance. Britain may have contributed more in 20th and 21st century then the 19th. In part the colonization of other lands and interference are to blame for the tribulations the world now finds itself in.

bombards

Don't panic - not ALL dance schools and recitals are like this - although flowers ARE a must!!!

However I must say that my girls ARE much better off in Canada. At 12 and 14, both are heavily involved in their chosen activities to competitive level. Yes, it costs money but I would rather work to fund their activities than have the alternative, which is what their English friends are doing....NOTHING!

Plus, both my girls are now involved in teaching within their activities and this in itself, gives them responsibility. I for one, am proud that they have been encouraged by their coaches to succeed and are now able to share their knowledge as student teachers.

Would this have happened back in Manchester? I doubt it!

Life is a challenge wherever you live - I just feel that in Canada, children are encouraged to be part of teams/groups/clubs and it's ok to do this - even when they are teenagers! The choice to be part of a team (whatever it is) is here in Canada and sadly, it isn't as much back in England.

Our girls are 100% better off in Canada.

ExKiwilass

Why is that do you think? Again, curious.

Chookie

We are actually better off now than we were in the UK.

I have been able to stay at home with the kids...

ExKiwilass

Though, there is something about certain British accents that makes the speaker sound smarter.

brizzle

Some really interesting comments on here. For me, a lot of people justify that the kids will be better off due to less crime, more time to be kids, better leisure opportunities etc. A lot of these perceived benefits are wholly dependent on what situation you are coming from. Location plays a bigger part in the UK than here. If your kids live on a crime ridden council estate in say Middlesbrough, than a move to virtually anywhere in Canada would be seen as a positive move for them. Can you say the same if they move from Surrey, UK to Surrey, BC. Would the kids be better off with a move from Maidenhead or Esher to Prince George? Norwich to Winnipeg?

Agreed. The class system is still there in the UK, but ability definitely counts for more there. Being a benficiary of the class system will give you a step up, but you can still do anything you want if you have the ability. Canada is definitely more nepotistic than the UK and there is more protectionism as well. People are just swopping the UK class system, for a different kind of favouritism.

ExKiwilass

I don't see that at all nor have I found that getting back into the workforce...I have had some good opportunities here, even though I'm an immigrant and don't "know" anyone in my industry.

I know, I know, it's all perception...my perception is that Canada is more of a meritocracy.

This is excepting all jobs/professions that involve the union i.e. film & tv. But again, that's not nepotism...that's union BS.

el_richo

Surely these options are open to your children in the UK. My niece and nephews are all part of teams and one nephew now coaches as a way of paying back all has been afforded to him.

This is in Yorkshire, Hertfordshire, and London.

Maybe the parents of your childrens English friends friends are to blame?

I do believe there is one main advantage for families moving to Canada. This, to me, has to be the fact that the change seems to give people drive to succeed and integrate in their new adventure and with this comes the will to try new things, expand experiences, and go out of their way to do this.

Most things are on offer and available in both countries but those who have stagnated in the UK don't necessarily open themselves or their family to it.

All my opinion of course.

bombards

What does England have to offer 12 and 14 year old girls - how many of my daughter's peers are busy 3/4 nights a week with activities. When we lived in England my girls were small and yes - I had them busy busy busy.... however, now they are busy from their own choice. Sadly their friends in England are just busy hanging out with friends!

They are more confident, independent and generally involved with their teams/dance groups as well as in mentoring both at school and in social activities. My feeling about Canada and this may just be the area we live in - is that the children are given more responsibility to help out and be part of the community. I don't live in a bubble - I see this everywhere I go in Ontario. My eldest came home from training last night and said she wanted to volunteer tonight, laying a new floor at the gym! The whole team would be there- so could she go......

I am proud to be part of a community that encourages its next generation to give a little back. ( I love the high school community hours scheme in Canada) I am more proud of what my girls have achieved in the 4 years we have lived here - As no matter how much I encouraged them, sadly in England, the peer pressure would have won over being involved with anything other than "hanging with the gang"

el_richo

Maybe it wouldn't. You will never know so actually cannot say that Canada offered more for them.

Also, had you moved within England, the opportunities afforded to your kids in Canada could easily have been replicated, of which my experience shows is possible.

That said, it's great that you and your family are having a blast and that's all that matters i guess.

bombards

[QUOTE=el_richo;8545293]Maybe it wouldn't. You will never know so actually cannot say that Canada offered more for them.
Also, had you moved within England, the opportunities afforded to your kids in Canada could easily have been replicated, of which my experience shows is possible.

That said, it's great that you and your family are having a blast and that's all that matters i guess.[/QUOTE

Yes we are having a blast and actually I can say that yes Canada has offered them more (there is no way my daughter would be at the sports level she is back in England - the /training/commitment/funding is just not there) - all my daughter's friends in England are in constant contact and wish they had the opportunities my daughters have (from both Southern and Northern England)- btw we came from a very middle class area so money and parenting has nothing to do with this but fitting in with the crowd seems to be more important in England, IMO.