Where to raise your children

Where do you think it's best to raise your children? 

England or America? 

My husband and I are thinking of pros and cons of here in America or there in England and I'd like to hear the thoughts of the people who would know best 

I've been thinking about this a lot and the only conclusion I've come to is that it'd be cheaper to raise a child in the UK, given the free medical care and cheaper higher education.  Other than that, I think both places have advantages and disadvantages. 

Hmmm...didn't think about the education bit!  How is it better than the US?  Free health care is a super duper plus   

Higher education is cheaper.  They've introduced "top-up" fees for university students, which don't amount to more than £4000 a year or so (somebody help me out on this!).  Kids can also get vocational qualifications for free at "college" (ages 16-19), which can be used to get a pretty decent job right out of school.  The government pays for all education up to the age of 19.

Raise them in both.  If/when we buy (err...I mean adopt) a kid or two, we will continue to live between the two nations.  Why not?  Think of how great it is for the kids.  My cousin did it because she was often sent to Engalnd from Seattle for large Boeing projects, and the kids are all the better for it...very cultured, very worldly and open minded.

I'm not saying that doing it that way is "better" than any other choice, or that it is easier (I'm not silly, I know it will make things a bit harder in some ways), but as long as you have the skills, the patients and the ability...why not!!

We would not dream of moving a kid every 6 months, and would try to never move them mid-year, but it is certainly a posibility.  The school in the states that our kid(s) would attend is quite small (30 graduating senoirs last year) so each time we returned, they would have the same class mates.  Plus, a few of the kids there would be cousins (I have a large family that breeds like rabbits) and others would be friends that they knew forever, since we will be in the States (in my home town) often for visits.

But yes, regardless of which you choose, they both have their good and bad points...of course, you can say the same about living on the East coast or West coast in the states (west coast rocks!!) or the city or a small town.  Some of it just boils down to how you choose to handle the situations that will arrise based on the location you decide on.

I think the top-up fees are £3000, but I could be wrong.  Plus if you choose to go the modern apprenticeship route, you not only get your education free (16-19), but the government will pay you £40/week if your employer-cum-mentor does not pay your wages, in addition to your travel fees.

My sons are getting an excellent education here. There are no metal detectors on the doors and the teachers really seem to care. I do regret however they will never experience a Senior Prom or a high school graduation ceremony.

I'm excited about raising our little ones in the UK, but it makes me sad, too, Pebbles.  My girls will never be cheerleaders! 

Saf, you say that like it's a bad thing!

If you're thinking about the UK don't make it London unless you can afford to send them to private school. We really want to  move away from London now because it is just no good for kids. We live in a supposedly "nice" area and even here the kids seem to be as rough as guts. Our friend's little girl came home from daycare (in the West End) one day saying "f*****g h***" and she isn't even 2 years old. I know that could happen anywhere but it is an indication of what you can expect in the inner city areas.  Also if you want your kids to be able to play outdoors safely, I would advise against London.

I can second Britwife's views on London. I lived there four months and taught in a supposedly good comprehensive state school before quitting and moving out here to Shakespeare Country. Unless you live in Chelsea or where ever and can afford private schol, i'd say no way.

I'm excited about raising our little ones in the UK, but it makes me sad, too, Pebbles.  My girls will never be cheerleaders! 

no but they can be Brownies!!

What are the maternity benefits and economical benefits?  I don't have a clue as to how much a baby costs since I don't have any of my own, but I can imagine they're a pretty penny!

Oh well don't get too excited about those ... child benefit payment is about £16 a week !!! There are some tax credits you might be eligible for but depends on income. Maternity benefits ... there is statutory maternity leave/pay if you qualify for it - 90% of salary for the first 6 weeks, a further 20 weeks at £100 p/w and then a further 26 weeks unpaid.

Like I said don't get too excited about the prospect of spending that lot!!

Saf, you say that like it's a bad thing!

Yes, I do!  Since I was a hockey cheerleader in HS, and had a blast, I think it's sad that my daughters will never have the chance.  Was I not clear that I thought it was a bad thing?