Should I move home?

[meshan]

Both mine and my husband's family live in Canberra. Every year at this time I start to wonder if we should move back.

We moved to Melbourne 10 years ago - before we got married and had kids. We had a great time living in South Yarra, going out all the time etc.

Now life is different, we live in the 'burbs and I really miss having my Mum around. Also the boys love their grandparents and I know they would benifit from seeing them more.

On the downside my MIL is a bit of a pain and I don't really want to see much more of her?

What do you think? Is it worth leaving a great city like Melbourne and the friends we have made here (quality if not quanitiy) to be near family, to have on call babysitters?

[TwoBlue]

No because we would miss you too much at the Melbourne mums meets... :o

But seriously this is a hard one for anyone to give you advice on... only you and your DH really know what you want to do...

Perhaps you should look into schools, childcare, homes etc.. in the area you would move to and work out what you think is best for the boys...?
This might help give you a clear answer in regards with what to do...

not much help i realise.. good luck, its a massive decision to make..

[draught]

I think Tracey is right - it is such a hard decision to give advice on. What I can say is that I lived in Canberra for three years and think it is a great place to raise kids - much easier to get around than big cities, good schools, parks, restaurants, etc.

Being close to family is nice in theory (mine are interstate or overseas) but you need to think about what you expect from your family and what they expect from you being closer. What I mean is that they have "everyday" lives that don't include you, then they have "holiday" lives when you are visiting where they put everything on hold to spend time with you and yours. I have friends who live in the same town as their families and see them about as often as I see my family who don't live in the same town. I don't know if I am explaining myself well but I suppose I am saying - think it through long and hard. At the end of the day if you move and don't like it, you can always go back to Melbourne!

[meshan]

Thanks Tracey - it's nice to feel wanted!

We have done all that and in lots of ways Canberra is better as far as schools etc.

But we love Melbourne so much and we love our house everything, all I really miss about Canberra is my family.

[wattle]

Noooooooooo, don't go :(

But then what is more important than family? I'm sure you'll make the right decision.

[TwoBlue]

what is more important than family?

well said Cathy...

Megan - I could not imagine living away from my parents... but then somedays :rolleyes: certainly Samuel would be a very sad little boy if he didnt have his Nanny and Poppy around... in regards to my inlaws.. i WISH i lived away from them !! LOL
I know you will make the right decision for you and the boys, good luck

and if you were to go, you really would be missed at our meets :(

[whatwasithinking]

My family are all in Newcastle and the Central Coast - I miss them terribly. I always said to hubby that if I found I needed support when I had Rebecca then I want to move closer to the family. We couldn't get a job transfer for hubby to Newcastle so we compromised and are moving to Canberra.

I know you are asking us for opinions/advice and that's great and fine however trust your instints and you will make the right decision.

BTW we found a house in Nicholls (I'm putting on another thread later as I have heaps to tell everyone)

[meshan]

Draught you put that very well - I know what you mean. When we go back to Canberra its all parties and visting and exciting and wouldn't be like that if we lived there year round. Definately somthing to think about.

Glad to hear you've found a house Donna!

[whatwasithinking]

Megan

How did your trip to Canberra go - did it help with your decision to stay or go?