beijingkids Magazine - Most popular recent articles

Stress is one of those constants that we all have in common, yet the type we experience and how our bodies and minds manage it is unique to each individual. Treatment varies, and when you have children, you must also identify the best ways to help them handle the stress in their young lives.

Expats in China have a unique opportunity to explore alternative ways to combat negative stress. Living here - where Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) originated – makes China a more credible source, especially if you’re a skeptic. Alternative choices include therapeutic massage and chiropractic care.

Traditional Chinese Medicine
If you’re familiar with yin and yang, then you’re familiar with the concept behind traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) – two things that appear to be polar opposites, but actually work together for the greater whole.

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With dry, sub-zero winters, it’s no wonder that most Beijingers are hibernating these days. If you find yourself trapped indoors on these blustery nights, here’s a handy guide for ordering in. Whether you’re craving cuisine from China, India, Thailand, the US , Italy, or elsewhere, we’ve got you covered.

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The Travelers
Patricia Young-Chou, her husband William Chou, and their two kids: Hudson (13) and Amira (10).

The Plan
The Chou family visited the island of Boracay in the Philippines during the October national holidays. They took a direct flight from Beijing to Manila, then booked their own domestic flights through local airlines like Cebu and Zest Airways to reach their final destination. Depending on whether you fly into Caticlan or Kalibo Airport, it’s either a bus ride or a 10-minute ferry ride to reach the island of Boracay. The Chou family did not use a travel agent, and instead planned their own trip from beginning to end.

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Sandra Jumpertz
What is your occupation?
I work at admissions at the
German Embassy School.
Where are you from?
Germany
How many children do you have?
I have a 13-year-old daughter
named Elisa. She attends the
German Embassy School.
How long have you been living in
Beijing?
13 years
Where do you like to shop?
For myself, I shop at Lido Place
and Solana. For Elisa, we go to
H&M and Bershka.
Where do you like to eat?
Baoyuan Jiaozi Wu in
Maizidian, Matsuko, and SALT.
What’s your favorite spot in
Beijing?
Elisa likes the All Star
Champion Skating Club. I
think Tiananmen Square is
amazing.
Describe your style.
Relaxed
Where is your outfit from?
My sweater was custom-made at
a market in Beijing and my jeans
are from Select at Lido Place.
Favorite park:
Chaoyang Park

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Beijing might not be the first place you think of for snow sports, but in the winter, there are great options for skiers and snowboarders. Even for families with small children, there’s a range of affordable activities and features available. Here’s a roundup of the city’s local ski resorts.

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The Shichahai lake area of Xicheng district, commonly known as Houhai, has fast become one of the city’s most animated nightlife hotspots. But this lively area is not only a popular destination for young people at night, but also for families seeking relaxation by the peaceful lakeside. There are hordes of shoppers in search of trinkets, winding their way through the hutongs’ maze of charming shops. The Houhai area encompasses three lakes: Xihai, Houhai, and Qianhai. Houhai, the largest and most striking of the three, freezes in the winter, providing a picture-perfect setting for a spot of ice skating. The area merges the traditional with the modern; you’re sure to find plenty to see and do here.

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I see a lot of adults and teens in the clinic who are chronically tired and have trouble both falling asleep and staying asleep. There are many reasons for sleep problems. Here are some common causes:

Stress and overwork. Many people lead stressful lives and cannot turn off their brain when they try to sleep. It is crucial to stop daytime-related activities at least two hours before bedtime, simply to allow your brain and body to relax.

Too much non-sleep activity in bed. It’s important not to spend hours in bed doing activities such as watching TV or playing computer games – which sets a bad pattern. It’s healthier to read, watch TV and use the computer in other rooms.

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Are you or your spouse an elite member of an airline loyalty program? Got there due to the thousands of miles spent aboard a plane? If so, the person left at home probably inhabits the role of the Accidental Single Parent (ASP).

As a working expat, frequent and extended travel is a necessity rather than an option. With cookie-cutter hotel rooms, the necessity of living out of a suitcase, and choppy Skype calls to the family, it’s a relief to just get back and relax. But often, re-entry means a turbulent landing.

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The Travelers
Michael Janser, Angela Toda, and their two kids: Nathan (11) and Isabel (8).

The Cost
Roundtrip airfare from Beijing to Nairobi, with a transfer in Dubai, came up to RMB 11,930 per adult and RMB 8,970 per child. The Jansers flew with Emirates Airlines. In Nairobi, the Jansers stayed at the Nairobi Serena Hotel. In Dubai, everything was expensive. For two adults and two kids, a room at the Palm Atlantis in Dubai averaged RMB 3,190 per night.

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Gina Comeau hails from Vancouver, Canada. She moved to Beijing six years ago after teaching in South Korea for two years. She currently teaches at the House of Knowledge International Kindergarten and lives in Beijing with her 18-month-old-son, Mateo. Together, this single mom and her son shared some of their favorite spots in Beijing.

Favorite Restaurant
I like the tofu fish at Pure Lotus and Chef Too is quite accommodating when it comes to kids.

Favorite Neighborhood
Maizidian. It has Ladies Street, Solana, Chaoyang Park, German supermarkets, and a good mix of Chinese and Western restaurants.

Favorite Dessert or Snack
Cake made from the box. Duncan Hines cake mix from Jenny Lou’s is what we like.

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