I know someone who has been living in Milan for the last six years, and twice a year, the city goes absolutely crazy. Fashion Week turns every street corner into a runway, and come April, the Design Fair makes even my local coffee bar swap out its chairs for some avant-garde sculpture. If you're planning to visit during these events, you'll need to be smart about it – otherwise you'll end up paying €8 for a cappuccino and wondering why your hotel is suddenly three times the normal price.

Location is everything during Milan's major events. For Fashion Week, Brera and Porta Garibaldi put you within walking distance of most venues. The area around Centrale station offers excellent transport links and more reasonable prices.

During the Design Fair, staying near a metro stop is crucial. The Porta Romana and Navigli neighbourhoods offer easy access to Rho Fiera while preserving the authentic Milan atmosphere.

Prices can vary greatly depending on the area. For a detailed breakdown of Milan's neighbourhoods, check out this guide. Avoid Porta Nuova unless budget isn't a concern: it's convenient but comes with a premium price tag that locals would never pay.

The Neighbourhood Advantage

Each district has its own personality during events. Brera becomes an outdoor gallery during Fuorisalone, while Lambrate turns industrial spaces into design wonderlands. Tortona hosts some of the most innovative installations, though it requires more planning to reach.

Look, Milan during these events can be overwhelming, but that's exactly what makes it incredible. Last year, during Fuorisalone, I stumbled into a converted garage in Lambrate where they were serving prosecco in test tubes while designers explained their latest lighting concepts. You can't plan moments like that, but you can plan your budget and your neighbourhood strategy so you're free to discover them.

Family homes endure constant wear and tear. From muddy football boots trampling through hallways to juice spills in the kitchen, our floors bear the brunt of daily family life. Many homeowners in Manchester find themselves caught in a cycle of replacing damaged flooring, often wondering if there's a more sustainable solution.

Family changes can be some of the most challenging transitions for children to understand and process. Children often feel sad, confused, angry or worried about what will happen to them. Many children struggle with difficult emotions they may not have the vocabulary to express, especially younger ones who often show distress through behaviour rather than words.

Addressing Common Mistakes and Corrective Strategies

Avoiding open conversation can cause children to withdraw or develop self-blame. Regular, truthful talks form a protective foundation for wellbeing. Ignoring questions, using vague statements, or blaming the other parent might create loyalty conflicts.

Helpful strategies include offering regular opportunities for questions and clarifying misunderstandings promptly. Always reinforce that children are loved and not responsible for changes. This honest approach helps reduce confusion and lowers the risk of emotional issues.

Creating a Safe Environment for Difficult Conversations

The setting for important talks has a major impact. The best outcomes occur when discussions take place at calm moments without distractions. Initial messages should be brief, and children need to know they can ask questions openly.

A neutral, familiar setting allows children to feel secure and relaxed. This encourages open communication and makes sharing emotions easier.

When parents plan key messages together, they provide a consistent story children can rely on. This minimises confusion and prevents mixed signals. Even when parents struggle to communicate, showing unity when talking with children signals commitment to the child's wellbeing.

Children notice when messages don't match. It's best for both parents to tell children together, being honest while considering children's ages. Joint messages focus attention on the child, not on disagreements.

Simple, non-blaming language prevents children from feeling responsible. Age-appropriate phrases like "Mum and Dad have grown apart" avoid naming specific faults or exposing children to adult conflicts.

Managing emotions during these conversations is challenging but important. It's okay for children to see parents feel sad, but staying calm and reassuring helps. Parents feeling overwhelmed should take breaks and continue when more composed.

Answering Common Questions Children Ask About Separation

Children frequently ask if they caused the separation. This needs immediate reassurance: "This is about grown-up problems between Mum and Dad. Nothing you did caused this." Parents should repeat this message whenever needed.

Many children hope their parents will reconcile. When they ask about getting back together, honesty works best. A response like: "We don't plan to live together again, but we'll always be your parents" acknowledges wishes while remaining truthful.

Practical concerns about living arrangements often worry children. They ask: "Where will I live? Will I change schools?" Parents should provide clear information as soon as decisions are made. For unsettled details, explain what is known and when other decisions will happen.

Children need reassurance about continued care. When asking who will take care of them, stress that both parents remain committed to their wellbeing. Explain specific arrangements simply, using calendars if helpful.

Many children worry about loyalty conflicts. Reassure them that loving both parents is expected: "Of course, you can love both of us. We both love you and want you to have good relationships with each of us."

Supporting Children Through Ongoing Changes

Consistency provides security during family transitions. Parents should maintain routines, keep regular rules, and offer extra affection. Regular mealtimes and bedtimes help children feel that some things remain stable even when others change.

For younger children, visual calendars showing when they'll be with each parent can lower anxiety. Simple symbols or colours can represent each home. Regular calendar reviews help children understand what happens next.

Children handle emotions in different ways. Some share feelings through art or play. Others talk directly about experiences. Options for drawing, journaling, or regular check-in talks help children work through emotions. They can choose methods that feel comfortable and proceed at their own pace.

Parents should watch for signs that children need additional support. Changes in sleeping patterns, appetite, school performance, or behaviour may indicate difficulty adjusting. Withdrawal from friends or regression to younger behaviours are also warning signs that professional help might be beneficial.

Spotting Signs a Child Needs Extra Help

Watch for signs that children might need extra support. Changes in sleeping, appetite, school performance, or behaviour may indicate difficulty adjusting. Withdrawal from friends or regression to younger behaviours are also warning signs.

Local resources offer support. School counsellors, family therapists, and support groups for children experiencing family transitions can help. Organisations like Childline provide information for children and families experiencing separation.

Children do better when excluded from parental disagreements. Direct involvement in adult disputes causes emotional conflict and stress. Clear boundaries between adult issues and children's lives reduce loyalty conflicts and support healthier adaptation.

Professional help can make a positive difference when family difficulties persist. Children who receive counselling during family splits may experience improvements in school attendance and fewer stress-related complaints. Parents can contact divorce lawyers or seek family therapists through their GP.

Even brief professional guidance can help parents develop good communication strategies and notice early warning signs. Acting early addresses problems before they become harder for children to handle.