I was living in torino last year, and really really enjoyed it!! in October i returned to the uk, the main reason was that my fiance who is italian got offered a really good job in my home town in scotland. Since being back i have fallen pregnant, and currently expecting our first child. Im really missing italy and we are trying to decide whether to move back to torino once the baby is born, or stay here in scotland. To be honest, i think bringing up a baby in italy would be better than the uk, (maybe im wrong, but its just my opinion) My fiances family is absolutly lovely!!! and the weather is a big big plus .. the down side is il be away from my family, but i know my mum would stay 6 months of the year, and my sister who is expecting twins this year is thinking about moving to italy with her fiance

is there baby groups help in torino? and also what are your thoughts on bringing up a baby in italy? i would love to hear about meet ups in torino with other british or americians.. and also other mums or mums to be in torino.

Thanks very much !! kisses xxxx

I started my married life (years ago) in Turin, well just outside and I loved Turin. Indeed, I still do but I couldn't live there because I've got the classic meddling mil -nothing to do with her being Italian-. Where did you live? As for you returning to Italy, that would have to depend on your oh's job prospects. It can get very lonely at times anywhere when you have a young baby and being on your own only makes it worse. No matter how fantastic you oh's family are (as where are the rest of my oh's family) they are his and not your's. But it could be a great life for you all. None of us can help you decide what's right for you, we can only tell you the pro's and con's and yes, there are English speaking get togethers. Don't know about mother and baby groups I'm a bit past them. Goodluck to you and your new baby.

Rosalindann is right - no one can help you make the decision. However with a new baby on the way you really have to think long and hard. The job situation here is pretty dire. The education system is going downhill fast. (thanks to Mrs Gelmini). Also when you have young children you will really miss your family, especially your sister and mum.
I too moved here thinking my mum would stay with us for long periods - but health and age have now put a stop to this and she can't make it any more and I really really miss her. I only see her once a year and it weighs on my conscience. Think really really hard about this.
I live just outside Turin towards the Val Chisone and its very nice and pretty - but I have to say that if I had a choice I really dont know if I'd stay. I have no burning desire to return to the UK - but I don't know if this country has a future for my children.
Whatever you do I wish you every happiness - but only you can decide.

For what it's worth and from a general social point of view only I like bringing my two kids up here in the here and now aspect of life - not what will happen or change in 15 years time.

We live in a fairly quiet town and I like that the kids seem to be kids for longer rather than stroppy arrogant little **** at age 10 or whatever.

I like that there isn't a competitive attitude to material things like who has the best or newest mobile phone - video game console - Ipod etc. in younger kids. Some of them might show off a new Winx top at school or Barbie trainers or whatever but so far nothing has been an absolute "Mummy if I don't get it I'll just die" !

I like that the kids play out in the square with balls, skateboards, roller boots, skipping ropes and other innocent passtimes. I've seen them with chalk drawing out hopscotch as well which took me back 30 years.

I like that if one of the adults asks for a hand with a shopping bag, or asks a kid to move a bicycle or run around the corner to get a pint of milk from the shop even the teenagers will help and not give a smart or rude answer.

I like that I don't see ugly street gangs, litter louts - beer louts and druggies roaming the streets. I've never seen anybody being sick in the streets, starting fights or roaming around totally blind drunk.

Yes I've seen a few tarty girls around and I've seen some lads being silly but on the whole I find that the teenagers are more respectful.

I've worked in an Italian high school and the kids were fashion concious which was noticeable as they don't have a school uniform but they were generally good kids and respectful of teachers. Bullies and bullying didn't happen in that school. There were one or two kids that tried to be a bit cheeky or smart but they knew their limits and just how much each teacher would put up with. They were teenagers with all the hangups of any teenager but on the whole I liked them.

Mine are soon to be 9 and 6.

thanks very much for your replies, work is all sorted, .. as my fiance will either work offshore 3 weeks on 3 weeks off for the company he now works for, or he will take over his dads small welding fabricating company which is just outside torino. I plan on doing nail extensions part time from my home. with these jobs it is quite easy to make the move, and still get the same money as we are getting now.

yes the big reason im thinking about the move again, is i also feel the children grow up being a lot more respectful (not saying that all in britain arent) but i never once saw kids drinking on the street and being really cheeky/rude to grown ups when i was in italy. and i feel i would make regular visits to the uk, and my family out to me. But i would really miss my sisters even though, .... i have lots of deciding to do!!!

thanks very much for your help!!! much appreciated!! xx

It is a very hard decison. I was going to say about the job situation too, which is dire here, but if you've got that sorted...

Lorna's situation sounds spot on for the kids. But the problem I think for many is that those quiet little towns do not provide the jobs that people need.

Are all UK schools such a nightmare? Say it isn't so.

I've been lucky I suppose in some respects. Although I live in a pretty quiet place there is a big industrial estate just 10 k away.

In fact I think Schio used to be called "Little Manchester". A lot of people made a lot of money here. Folks came down from the mountains and set up factories and businesses. The old boys are the best as they remember their struggles and their origins and have many a tale to tell.

The newer generations are the worst as they have the money but no manners and little respect. The women and girls were the worst for being materialistic. I still don't understand the concept of having a 15.000 euro brand new kitchen that you can show off but still use and old cooker in the "taverna" to make coffee or cook fish !

The recession is hitting a lot of companies now so things will change.