Moving to Greece with Children
Moving to Greece with children is a journey filled with new experiences and opportunities. While I'm not an expert on every aspect, and my main focus is on creating a comfortable and welcoming home for your family. In this blog I share some local links to schools, and child care information that will help you through the transition, ensuring your family feels right at home in this beautiful country.
I will then share my 8 top tips for creating great kids' bedrooms in your new home whatever their age.
Creating a children's room is an exciting yet challenging task. In a new country a familiar, safe space is very important to most children, it's the space where your child will sleep, play, study, and grow, making it crucial to design a room that is functional, safe, and inspiring. So whether you're decorating a nursery for a newborn, a space for a growing child or a bolt hole for an independent teenager, here are my 8 top tips to help you design the perfect children's room.
Moving to Greece with Children: Essential Local Insights
JC Interior Design's Guide to making your move to Greece as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
1. Understanding the Greek Lifestyle and Culture
Greece is renowned for its warm, family-oriented culture. Greek people are known for their hospitality, often going out of their way to make others feel welcome. This cultural attitude extends to children, who are adored and often indulged in Greek society. The lifestyle in Greece is typically laid-back, with a focus on enjoying life, family, and good food. Understanding and embracing this culture can help your family adjust more easily to the new environment.
2. Navigating the Education System
Education is a significant consideration when moving with children. Greece offers both public and private education options:
Public Schools: Public education in Greece is free and includes preschool, primary, and secondary education. Greek public schools generally teach in Greek, although some schools in larger cities may offer bilingual programs or language support for non-Greek speakers. The school year runs from September to June, with breaks during Christmas, Easter, and summer.
Private Schools: For families looking for education in a different language or a specific curriculum, private international schools are a viable option. These schools often offer curricula in English, French, German, or other languages and may follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) or British GCSE systems. They can be quite costly, so it's important to consider this in your budget.
https://www.international-schools-database.com/in/athens-greece/top-schools-in-athens-greece
Have a look at these links for more general information
https://www.expat.com/en/guide/europe/greece/15512-childcare-and-family-activities-in-greece.html
https://www.expatarrivals.com/europe/greece/education-and-schools-greece
3. Childcare and Preschool Options
Childcare is another crucial aspect for families moving to Greece. The country offers several options:
Public Preschools (Nipiagogeia): These are available for children aged 4 to 6 and are free of charge, but spots can be limited and competition high, especially in urban areas.
Private Preschools and Daycares: Private options offer more flexibility in terms of hours and curriculum but can be expensive. There is a lot of choice so use local FB Expat FB groups to narrow them down before visiting.
Nannies and Childminders: Many families opt for hiring nannies. However, it's important to note that there are no official certifications for nannies in Greece, so finding a reliable nanny often relies on personal recommendations and platforms like Nannuka.
There is a good section about preschool, nannies and childcare in this blog
https://www.expat.com/en/guide/europe/greece/15512-childcare-and-family-activities-in-greece.html
4. Housing Considerations
When moving to Greece, choosing the right location and housing is critical:
Urban vs. Rural: Urban areas like Athens, Thessaloniki, offer more amenities, international schools, and healthcare facilities. However, they can be more expensive and crowded. Rural areas, on the other hand, provide a quieter lifestyle and more space, which can be ideal for raising children.
Types of Housing: Greece offers a variety of housing options, from apartments in the city to villas and traditional homes in the countryside. Rental prices vary widely depending on the location and type of housing. It's also worth considering proximity to schools, public transportation, and recreational areas.
Two sites to research housing costs in English are
5. Healthcare for Children
Greece has a mixed healthcare system, combining public and private providers. Public healthcare is accessible but often overstretched, particularly in urban areas. Many expats and locals opt for private healthcare, which offers faster access to specialists and better facilities but at a higher cost. It's advisable to secure comprehensive health insurance to cover private healthcare expenses, especially for children.
I would recommend posting questions for the best insurance providers for expats on the local FB expat sites, not the International ones which are often sponsored by insurance companies. There are many locally run groups, I have listed a few below
6. Activities and Recreation
Greece is rich in cultural and recreational activities, perfect for families:
Outdoor Activities: With its beautiful beaches, mountains, and parks, Greece offers numerous outdoor activities. The National Garden in Athens and the parks in Thessaloniki are excellent for family outings. Nearly all areas in Greece also provide opportunities for boating, hiking, and exploring historical sites.
Cultural Experiences: Greece's rich history offers countless museums and archaeological sites that are educational and entertaining for children. Athens, in particular, has several child-friendly museums, including the Hellenic Children's Museum and the Museum of Greek Children's Art.
Amusement Parks and Playgrounds: There are various amusement and water parks, such as Allou Fun Park in Athens, ideal for family fun. Additionally, cities are well-equipped with playgrounds, which are popular spots for socialising and play.
For good local information check the local expat FB groups, there are many smaller groups which publicise local family events all over Greece not just Athens and Thessaloniki.
7. Navigating the Language Barrier
Greek is the official language, and while English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas and among younger generations, it can be beneficial to learn some Greek. This is particularly important for children who will be attending local schools. There are many language schools, private tutors and online resources available for both adults and children to learn Greek.
JC's 8 Top Tips for Creating Great Bedrooms for your Kids
Whether your kids a few months old or finishing school, they need a space to call their own. I'm often asked. "What's the ideal children's room?" The answer is simple. A room that suits your child's needs and personality.
Manifesting this very simple statement can take a lot of time and effort. So if you want to create the perfect space for your children, I really would suggest that you book a consultation.
However, there are some basic rules and tips that will work in most situations and I am happy to share them with you.
1. Understanding Your Child's Needs and Interests
It sound's obvious, but the first step in designing a children's room is to consider your child's age, interests, and needs. It's amazing how easy it is to get carried away by what you see on Pinterest or Instagram, and then insist on fitting your child into your vision .
You are the adult, it's costing you money and of course you want it to be perfect, but it is their precious "me" space. So let your children have some input, and please believe me any theme or colour scheme no matter how horrific it sounds can look amazing, and Instagrammable with a little time and thought.
GOLDEN RULE: make sure the expensive items are neutral.
The room below is an illustration that any theme or colour scheme, no matter how horrific it sounds can look amazing and Instagrammable with a little time and thought.
Despite the fact it is so colourful this kid's room has been designed to be future-proof. The expensive built in furniture is neutral, the coloured panels at the back of the units and the draw-fronts have been designed to be removed. There is plenty of space to play now and to add a sofa or a gaming unit later. The pull out bed for sleep overs will always be useful, and with a couple of coats of paint, and a change of bedding it will easily evolve into a cool room for kids of any age.
Engaging your child in the design process will help ensure the room reflects their personality and preferences. It also means they will love to use their room which can be a blessing especially if space is tight.
GOLDEN RULE; If your child is a budding fashionista and always wants the latest trend only buy items that you are happy to ditch when the next trend hits.
In the room below, the frames, the rug and the chair are expensive, so they are neutral. The artwork and the pink feature wall can easily be changed at a reasonable cost. Even an expensive handmade rug can be designed so the patterned border can be removed or changed as the child grows.
2. Make the room age appropriate
For younger children, the focus may be on creating a safe and playful environment, while older kids might need more space for study, hobbies and privacy.
For Babies and Toddlers: Whether you want a modern or traditional nursery prioritise safety and comfort. Choose soft, washable materials and avoid small items that can be choking hazards. A calming colour scheme with soft shades can create a soothing atmosphere and creates a good base for adding accent colours at a later stage.
Consider even at this stage using some versatile furniture that can adapt to their changing tastes and interests. The change between a fairly static baby and a very active toddler will happen sooner than you think. So allow space for play if you can, even if you have a playroom.
For School-Age Children: Incorporate elements that support learning and creativity. A desk for homework, ample storage for books and toys, and a bulletin board for artwork can be great additions. If space allows a pull out bed for sleep overs is also a good idea. Bunks and platform beds are also a great favourite with this age group but choose ones that can be adapted when they grow out of them. Or are so cool that they won't feel they are babyish when they reach tweens/teens.
The two rooms below, were created for two young school age brothers with very different personalities, but using exactly the same elements to avoid squabbling.
Walls and ceiling are painted in Farrow and Ball unifying the vaulted room and creating just enough contrast with the off the peg, crisp white wooden furniture. Custom beanbags, a trundle bed for sleep overs, a neutral " ultra stain resistant" carpet and a bank of wardrobes complete the rooms, that can be easily adapted as the boys grow.
For Tweens and Teens: This age group often desires more independence and will definitely want a say in their room's decor. Consider their growing need for privacy , and if space allows add seating for friends.
3. Choosing the Right Colour Scheme
The colour scheme of a room can significantly impact its atmosphere. My general advice is to choose a warm neutral for walls and ceilings to create a calm base. As they get older you can incorporate your child's favourite colours into the decor by adding accent colours on walls / soft furnishings / art /decals.
Neutral Colours: Whites, grays, and beige provide a calm backdrop and can easily be accented with bolder colours through accessories like bedding, curtains, and artwork.
Bold and Bright: Vibrant colours like red, yellow, orange, blue and green can stimulate creativity and energy. However, it's best to balance bright colours with neutrals to prevent the room from feeling overwhelming.
Themed Palettes: Themes like nautical, jungle, or space can guide your colour choices and decor elements, creating a cohesive and fun environment. Before you go all out on a theme consider how long your child will love it. Some themes have a longer shelf life than others. Planets, maps and nature can be adapted to suit a variety of age groups. Peppa Pig, as lovely as she is will have a cut off date.
All the jungle images below are decals that can be purchased on line, if you have a good eye and a lot of patience you can achieve some fun results. If you used 20% of the quantity shown in this image you would still get a great result . TIP: Make sure you check the size before you order to save disappointment and order the minimum, you can easily add more later .
4. Functional Furniture Selection
Furniture is a key component of any child's room, and it should be chosen with an eye toward both function and style.
Beds: Consider the future when choosing a bed. A crib that converts to a toddler bed, or a twin bed that can later be upgraded to a full, can save money in the long run. Bunk beds are a great option for siblings sharing a room or for sleepovers, as are roll out beds. Good mattresses, and excellent waterproof mattress covers are a great investment.
Storage Solutions: Children's rooms need ample storage for clothes, toys, books, and other items. Built-in shelves, under-bed storage, and multi-functional furniture like ottomans or benches with storage compartments can help keep the room organised. Simple boxes and baskets make great storage for toys.
Desks and Chairs: A comfortable desk and chair are essential for school-age children. Adjustable desks and ergonomic chairs can grow with your child, providing a comfortable space for homework and creative activities.
5. Incorporating Play and Learning Areas
A well-designed children's room should balance space for rest with areas for play and learning.
Play Area: A dedicated play area can include a soft rug, a small table and chairs, or a play tent. Open floor space is also important for free play and activities.
Reading Nook: Create a cozy reading nook with a small bookshelf, a comfortable chair or bean bag, and good lighting. This encourages a love of reading and provides a quiet space for relaxation.
Study Space: For older children, a designated study area with a desk, chair, and good lighting is crucial. Keep this area organised with, shelves, stationery holders and a pinboard for important reminders.
6. Personalising the Space
Older children will want their room to reflect their current interests and personalities. Personal touches make a child's room feel like their own special place, this takes on extra importance when they have moved from another country. Incorporating reminders of their culture or what ever has them enthralled at the moment is crucial.
Wall Art and Decals: Use wall decals or posters of your child's favourite characters, animals, or themes. These can be easily updated as interests change.
Display Shelves: Shelves for displaying favourite books, toys, or collections can add personality to the room. Rotating displays also keep the decor fresh and engaging.
Customised Items: Personalised bedding, pillows, or wall art with your child's name or initials can make the space feel uniquely theirs.
7. Safety Considerations
Safety is paramount when designing a children's room.
Secure Furniture: Ensure that heavy furniture like dressers and bookshelves are anchored to the wall to prevent tipping. Kids love to climb.
Safe Materials: Choose non-toxic paints and materials, especially for younger children who may chew on furniture or toys.
Electrical Safety: Cover outlets with safety plugs and keep cords out of reach to prevent accidents.
Toy Chests, Blanket Boxes, Window seats: Always use gas hinges to prevent slamming on tiny fingers, or yours for that matter. Never fit locks however simple. Always make sure that there is ventilation.
8. Lighting and Ambiance
Lighting can greatly influence the mood and functionality of a room.
Natural Light: Greece has amazing light. Maximise natural light during the day with a sheer curtain but add black-out lined curtains or blinds for the evening. The sheer curtain not only brightens the room but also makes it feel private and cozy. Even if you have shutters an opaque black-out lined curtain helps regulate sleep patterns and will add a layer of colour and softness to the room even if its very subtle.
Layered Lighting: Include a mix of overhead lighting, task lighting (like a desk lamp), and ambient lighting (such as string lights or a nightlight). This allows for different activities and moods.
Nightlights: For younger children, a nightlight can provide comfort during the night without being too bright.
Conclusion
Designing a children's room is a rewarding experience that involves balancing practicality with creativity. By considering your child's needs and preferences, selecting functional furniture, and incorporating personal touches, you can create a space that is both beautiful and functional. Remember, the best children's rooms are those that evolve with the child, adapting to their changing interests and needs over time. With thoughtful planning and a bit of creativity, you can design a room that your child will love for years to come.
Comentários