Economic crisis not such a bad deal for doting Greek mothers

ATHENS (AFP) - In a society where family ties traditionally play a prominent role, Greece's deep economic crisis apparently offers a few Greek mothers a reason to be happy.

While financial hardship may have forced many to seek their fortune abroad, it has also obliged an increasing number of young people to return to the family nest, where they are fed and provided for by parents often more than happy to have their children back.

The old jibes that used to taunt grown adults - and men in particular - who still relied on their mum's cooking are starting to lose their edge, as it becomes more acceptable to return home.

"I think most young people today don't choose to live on their own... and it is very nice for us parents to have our children close by. Even if some of them move out, they return to the family for financial reasons," Ms Matoula Dovinou, a 38-year-old mother from Athens, told AFP.