News

In a thought-provoking piece for The New York Times, columnist KJ Dell’Antonia wonders what effect her and her partner’s choice to move to the countryside may have had on their children’s independence. She quotes Dr. Richard Jackson, a professor of environmental health sciences at the University of California: “Children who grow up in suburbia can’t meet their life needs without getting a ride somewhere.” For many expat families living in Beijing, this sentiment is likely to hit home. 

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New parents know that feelings of intense isolation can emerge when they bring home that “tiny, needy, crying, confusing” baby. Add a set of powerful language and cultural barriers, and that isolation can seem even more daunting. The good news is, the Internet can help. According to a research study led by a new father, blogging can help overcome those parenting blues.

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In a Slate article called “Cesarean Nation: Why do nearly half of Chinese women deliver babies via C-section?”, author and journalist Mara Hvistendahl looks at the reasons behind China’s skyrocketing cesarean rates. Between 2007 and 2008, a whopping 46 percent of Chinese babies were born via C-section – the highest documented rate in the world. This number is three times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended 15 percent threshold.

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Education in China are expensive, especially the kindergartens. Apart from the school tuition, parents always have to face all different kinds of fees while the kids are already in the school.

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The January/February issue of beijingkids is chock-full of restaurant and dining ideas to stretch that food coma well past the holidays.

Hit up one or more of Beijing’s 50 most family-friendly restaurants, or stay in and cozy up with our guide to delivery services. Also, beat those howling winds with the top five places to sip soup and craft a healthy DIY muesli breakfast with the entire family.

The time is ripe for some outdoor fun! Ice skate, stroll, shop, and eat your way through the picturesque Houhai area, or head out of town to carve up the slopes at a ski resort. 

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As 2011 draws to a close, it’s time to look back and take stock of the good, the bad, and the ugly. The Year of the Rabbit was marred by concerns about health and safety issues like air pollution, recycled oil, child kidnappings, and ongoing milk woes. In pop culture, we puzzled over “Tofuboy,” steamed over self-hating Eurasians, scared ourselves silly with Chinese ghosts, poked fun at tiger moms, and had a good laugh over their kids’ wily responses. On the bright side, we covered children’s charities, welcomed many new faces, expanded our definition of “family,” and put on a bunch of fun events for Halloween, the holiday season, third culture kids, and more.

But what were the top draws of 2011, the newsmakers and reviews that most tickled, enraged, worried, and touched beijingkids readers? Without further ado, we present to you the top 10 blog posts of 2011. Thanks for reading!

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A brief, but alarming notice on The Global Times warned against thieves on the subway. The pickpockets target young women listening to music and usually operate on platforms or escalators on Line 1. The brief caught my attention because I fit the target victims’ description to a tee, but anyone is at risk. Now that the holidays are in full swing, it may be time to take a refresher course on Anti-Thievery 101.

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Hooray! Here comes the midweek giveaway prize. This week we are giving away an Essential Therapy Leisure Massage voucher valued at RMB 680 from Origin Spa.

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