Shannon, Author at Italia Kids

Shannon spent summers in Forte de Marmi and the Lucca area for many years and lived in Florence and Rome. She now divides her time each year between the 6 Arte al Sole locations throughout Italy, with additional weeks in Italy and Europe scouting travel finds, and Santa Barbara, California, where she lives with her daughters Josephine (age 10) and Isabella (age 13).

A Year in Florence Italy

So you’re moving to Florence Italy, perhaps temporarily, perhaps permanently. And if you’re like any good parent, you’re Read more

The Benefits of Bilingual Playgroups in Italy

Parents who want their children to learn a language early on normally speak the language with them, but soon enough Read more

A Room with a View (and a Fire Escape): Emergency Preparedness on Your Italy Family Holiday

Although it may not be the most glamorous part of your travel arrangements for your Italy family holiday, careful Read more

The History of the Viareggio Carnival

In February 1873, around the coffee tables of the Casino, the idea of a parade of floats to celebrate the carnival - in Read more

Sundays in Chiusi – Adjusting to Family Life in Italy

Family life in Italy in some ways is no different than living in Los Angeles. For example, yesterday was Sunday and we Read more

Education in Italy – The Reggio Emilia Method

“A school needs to be a place for all children, not based on the idea that they are all the same, but that they are all Read more

Water Safety Tips for Your Family Vacation

Drowning is the second leading cause of injury death among children 1-14 years old, and is 100% avoidable. Children Read more

Interview with Ciao Bambino Editor Amie O’Shaughnessy

Over the past five years, Ciao Bambino founder Amie O’Shaughnessy has helped hundreds of families to experience the joys Read more

American Kids in Italy Discover Whole Other Selves

When do two halves make two wholes? As American kids in Italy, Bruno, Joseph, and Tobias Mine are three Italian-American Read more

Childbirth in Italy: A Milan Birth Story

Stella Luz Borgioli was born on 3 March 2006 at 9:03 am at Ospedale Buzzi in Milan, Italy. My experience of childbirth Read more

Kids’ Summer Camp in Tuscany Provides Families with a Fun Alternative to Traditional Sightseeing

Arte al Sole, an innovative summer camp in Tuscany with a day program, offers children a unique opportunity to Read more

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