My eight-year-old nephew is obsessed with Paddington Bear, and no matter how many times we’ve watched the movies, for him, it’s never enough. Now the cute little bear from Peru has made his way to Beijing, big brown suitcase and all.

The Peninsula Beijing’s latest afternoon tea is perfect for kids, perhaps more so than for grown-ups. The hotel has put together an afternoon tea, a little photography setup, and some hands-on activities for kids.

While you have a fancy afternoon with your kids over chocolate hazelnut brownie shaped like a piece of luggage, orange and yoghurt cheesecake with a tiny paw print on top, and Victoria sponge finished with a chocolate parasol, all made to look like elements from Paddington’s adventures.

On the savoury side, there’s Mrs. Brown’s Traditional Beef Pie, a Coronation Chicken Wrap, orange-marinated salmon with English muffin and crab roe, and a spiced bread with pumpkin, apple, cinnamon, and berry glaze.

The tea set goes for RMB 588 for two people. If someone wants the Paddington Marmalade Fizz Mug or a Red Chocolate Flight, those cost extra RMB 98 and RMB 280, respectively.

There’s also a small atelier space set up in The Lobby. It’s split into two areas where people can take photos to remember their experience.

One corner looks like the front door at 32 Windsor Gardens, complete with wisteria. Another, just like Paddington’s bedroom, where he keeps his blue coat and whatever treasures he’s hidden away. It’s not trying to be anything more than a place for families to snap a few pictures.

Later, starting May 9, they’ll also start offering Paddington-themed kids’ activities for RMB 680 per child. The pastry team will help children make their own marmalade sandwiches while playing games.

It’s best to call in advance if you plan on taking the kids for an afternoon of Paddington-themed fun.
Tel: +86 10 8516 2888 ext. 6759

Find it:
The Lobby (The Peninsula Beijing) 大堂茶座
8 Jinyu Hutong, Dongcheng District
东城区金鱼胡同8号王府半岛酒店

8“What does it mean for a child to ‘have a voice’ – and who gets to decide when that voice is heard?”

 It’s a simple question, but one that reaches far beyond childhood. For many neurodivergent people, finding their voice, learning how to express needs, set boundaries, and advocate for themselves is something that happens much later than it should.

We often think of self-advocacy as an adult skill, but it begins much earlier, in the small everyday moments where children are listened to, respected, and given space to express themselves.

Because for many neurodivergent people, being heard is not something they were taught early on; it’s something they are still learning.

Across all ages, having a voice shapes how we move through the world. It influences whether we feel able to ask for help, explain what we need, or say when something doesn’t feel right.

Many neurodivergent adults describe learning, often from a young age, to stay quiet, push through discomfort, or adapt themselves to fit the expectations around them. Over time, this can lead to exhaustion, frustration, and a growing disconnect from their own needs.

At its heart, the idea of neurodiversity reminds us that there isn’t just one “right” way to think, feel, or experience the world. And with that comes an important question:

If someone’s experience is different, are we creating space for them to express it?

 So why does having a voice matter so much, and what happens when it isn’t supported early on?

Having a voice is about far more than speaking.  It’s about being able to express needs, make choices, set boundaries, and feel safe saying “no.” It’s about understanding what helps, what doesn’t, and what feels overwhelming.

When children are listened to, they begin to learn something powerful: my needs matter.

Over time, this builds confidence and a sense of trust in themselves.

But when those signals are dismissed, a different message can take hold: maybe my needs don’t matter, or maybe I shouldn’t trust them.

 Self-advocacy isn’t something that appears overnight. It grows slowly, through repeated experiences of being heard and understood. Yet in many everyday moments, children’s voices aren’t intentionally silenced – but they are often overlooked.

This usually doesn’t come from a place of harm. It can look like rushing a child to answer, speaking for them, or brushing off discomfort with phrases like “you’re fine” or “just try it.” Often, it comes from a desire to help, to protect, or simply to keep things moving in a busy day.

But over time, these moments add up. When adults consistently step in too quickly, children have fewer chances to practice speaking for themselves. And sometimes, what we see on the outside doesn’t match what the child is experiencing on the inside.

Because sometimes, the voice is already there, we’re just not recognizing it.

Children communicate in different ways. A meltdown may be a response to overwhelm. Avoidance may signal anxiety. Silence may mean processing, uncertainty, or simply needing more time. Refusal may be a boundary.

When we begin to see behaviour as communication, rather than something to correct, everything shifts. We stop asking, “How do I fix this?” and start asking, “What is this child trying to tell me?”

 Because if we don’t recognize the voice, we can’t respond to it.

So, if children are already communicating in their own ways, our role isn’t to speak for them, but to support them in being heard.

This doesn’t mean stepping back completely. It means stepping back thoughtfully.

It might look like pausing before answering for them. Giving them time to respond, even if it takes a little longer. Encouraging them to express their needs in their own way, even if it’s not perfect.

These moments can feel small, but they matter. They give children the opportunity to practice having a voice, rather than relying on someone else’s.

And this shift doesn’t require big changes, it starts in everyday interactions.

In practice, building self-advocacy can be simple.

Offering choices: “Do you want to do this now or later?”
Teaching small phrases: “I need a break” or “That’s too loud for me.”
Encouraging children to ask for help themselves.
Respecting “no” when it’s safe and appropriate.
Allowing time to process and respond.

These small moments give children repeated opportunities to recognize their needs and express them in ways that feel manageable.

Over time, those moments build confidence.

Children who grow up feeling heard are more likely to become adults who trust themselves. They are more likely to set boundaries, ask for support, and speak up when something doesn’t feel right.

For those who aren’t given these opportunities, the experience can be very different. Many adults describe struggling to express their needs, pushing through discomfort, or feeling unsure of how to advocate for themselves.

The ability to speak up doesn’t suddenly appear later in life. It is built gradually, through everyday experiences.  So perhaps the question isn’t whether children have a voice, but whether we are creating the space for it to grow.

When we slow down, listen, and give children space to express themselves, in whatever way that looks like, we are doing more than supporting them in the moment.

We are helping them build the confidence to carry their voice into the future. So, in the everyday moments, at home, in classrooms, in conversations, it’s worth pausing to ask:

Whose voice is being heard?

And what small change could we make today to help it grow?

Kelsie Fitzgerald is an Irish educator and SENIA Beijing board member dedicated to fostering inclusive, neurodiversity-affirming learning environments. As Membership Chair, she helps connect families, educators, and professionals across the city, strengthening community support for diverse learners.

With a background in literacy, multilingual education, and student-centred pedagogy, Kelsie focuses on practical, compassionate strategies that make classrooms and school communities more accessible for all children. Her work blends creativity, reflective practice, and evidence-informed approaches to support students’ academic growth and emotional well-being.

She is passionate about helping every learner feel safe, capable, and understood, and believes that genuine inclusion begins with listening to students’ needs and celebrating their strengths.

Images: SENIA

It started, as many good things do, with a few friends and a ball. In 2022, a small group of lacrosse enthusiasts gathered on a football field in Beijing. Among them were members of the Chinese National Team, and Rebekah Liu — someone who had just discovered the sport and was already completely hooked.

Curious passersby kept stopping. Football players, frisbee players, families out for a walk all wanted to know one thing: what is that thing they’re holding? The sticks, they joked, looked like nets for catching dragonflies. So the group earned a nickname: the Dragonfly Catching Squad.

That curiosity never really went away; it actually worked in their favor. As curiosity grew, so did the group. Before long, what started as a few friends throwing a ball around became BUX, Beijing’s first lacrosse club.

If you’ve never seen lacrosse before, you’re not alone. When BUX first started, very few people in Beijing knew what it was. But that unfamiliarity turned out to be an advantage. People were intrigued. They wanted to understand. And once they tried it, many of them stayed.

Still, getting people through the door was only half the battle. The other half was helping them get past the fear.

Lacrosse is fast. It’s physical. And yes, there is contact.

For beginners, especially teenagers and adults, the idea of getting hit can be intimidating. So BUX changed its approach. Instead of diving into the competitive side, they introduced the sport using rules that limit intentional contact. Suddenly, it wasn’t about toughness anymore. It was about the rhythm of passing, the satisfaction of a clean catch, and the feeling of the ball landing perfectly in the pocket. Once people fell in love with that, their hesitation melted away and made space for newfound confidence.

That’s the kind of space BUX has built. Whether you’re a national team player or someone who has never held a stick before, you’ll find your place amongst them.

The training is structured so that beginners learn the basics in a safe, supportive environment, starting with how to hold the stick, how to cradle, and how to catch. And when that first catch happens? That’s usually the moment people get hooked.

More experienced players train at a faster pace, working on tactical drills and full-field scrimmages. But the groups aren’t kept separate. During games, veterans are spread across teams to play alongside newcomers. The beginners learn fast. And the veterans get the quiet satisfaction of watching someone else grow under their guidance.

Off the field, that same spirit carries through. Lacrosse is still niche in China, so finding each other feels a little like fate. Teammates become friends. They grab dinners after practice, host watch parties for NCAA games, and hang out on weekends. People who show up just to “try it out” often end up staying because of the warmth of the community. Watching someone go from their first catch to making their first tournament roster that never gets old.

For parents, there are always practical questions. What about the cost? What about the physical side of the sport?

The answer might be more reassuring than you expect. For first-timers, BUX provides everything. All you need to do is just show up in sportswear. If your child wants to continue, a beginner stick costs a few hundred RMB, similar to a decent pair of soccer cleats. And because the community is so close-knit, experienced players often pass down their old gear to newcomers for free or at a low cost.

As for the physical side, lacrosse is far more approachable than it looks. For young beginners, the focus is on skill, not contact. Kids learn in a safe environment, building confidence before they ever have to think about checking or body contact. And here’s something worth noting: in North America, where the sport is biggest, you see many Asian faces on high school and even NCAA Division I teams far more than in basketball or football. That’s because lacrosse isn’t about height or weight. It’s about technique, vision, and smart movement. It rewards what you build through practice.

The age range at BUX is broad. Members include young teens, high school students, working professionals, entrepreneurs, and even people who travel from other cities to train.

For younger kids, BUX partners with clubs that offer programs for elementary through high school students so for a complete beginner, the first session is about fundamentals: holding the stick, catching, passing. Game-based activities, no pressure, just fun. That moment a child catches the ball for the first time? That’s when the spark ignites. From there, they’re placed in the right group based on age and level. And it’s not just about skills but also about goals, and also learning to communicate, to trust, to bounce back. Lacrosse teaches things that stick with you long after you leave the field.

As with the most important life experiences, the best way to understand it is to try it. Bring your child to a free session. Let them run, pass, and feel the game. You’ll know within ten minutes if it clicks.

If Rebekah can bust just ONE single misassumption about lacrosse, it’s that it’s not rough. “Yes, there’s contact—but it’s controlled, rule-bound, and for beginners, entirely optional. We teach in a way that prioritizes safety and fun. If you’re curious, watch a session. Better yet, try it. You’ll see that lacrosse is a sport of skill, speed, and strategy,” she says.

To get in touch, add Rebekah on WeChat at wenxuan_jj or call her at 18510677142.

Images: Rebekah Liu

This winter break, move beyond the ordinary and unlock a world of adventure and discovery with our specially curated winter camps for kids. Designed to ignite passion and foster new skills, our programs offer a perfect blend of exhilarating outdoor fun, immersive cultural experiences, and hands-on creative learning – all against the dynamic backdrop of China’s capital. Let your child turn the winter months into a memorable journey of growth, friendship, and endless possibility.

Check out #wintercamp on jingkids to find info on the latest camps this winter.

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Please give a quick introduction of your winter camp. 

Does your child love the stage? Do they feel they have talent, but rarely get the chance to step into a lead role？ Are they curious about acting on camera as well as live performance?

This program is designed for students who are ready to challenge themselves, take creative responsibility, and be seen.

If you’re a student who’s already found a love for theater, then this program is designed for you. It’s perfect for kids who are ready to move beyond the chorus and dive into the heart of a story with a leading role. Whether your passion lies in the magic of live theater or the craft of film, if you love the process of memorizing lines, building a character from the ground up, and polishing your performance, you’ll thrive here. This is for young performers who want to build genuine confidence not through classroom exercises, but through the real, exhilarating challenge of stepping into the spotlight.

What can the kids expect to learn? What will students work on and perform?

In our Sunday Morning Film & Stage Semester Project, each student will have meaningful, individual stage time. Over the semester, students will prepare and perform:

• A minimum of two monologues
• One partnered scene
• One group scene

 Students will learn how to adapt their performances for:

• An on-set film shoot (acting for camera, blocking, continuity, presence)
• A final live theatrical performance for friends and family

This dual-focus approach helps students understand the key differences between stage and screen acting, while giving them the confidence to perform in both formats.

This semester-long performance project is designed to give older students ownership of their creative work, provide them with serious and substantial performance experience, and guide them toward a clearer, more confident understanding of their unique strengths as actors.

Basic information:
Price: RMB15,998 (early Bird until February 14)
Dates: March 1st-Mid-June
Time: Sunday mornings 9 am-12 pm
Location: ISB-DOME DANCE STUDIO
Sign by deadline: March 1st

How can people get in touch?
WECHAT: DFCOMEDY17

Images： Donnie Fan

This year’s competition brings together an incredible roster of young musicians from 12 of Beijing’s international schools, including the French International School, Dulwich College, ISB, Daystar Academy, Tsinghua International School Daoxiang Lake, Beijing International Bilingual Academy (BIBA), HD Beijing School, and more.

Every band that takes the stage will walk away with goodie bags featuring dining vouchers, Beijinger merch, along with other awesome swag.

Top prizes last year for the winning performers included coveted awards including RMB 1,000+ restaurant vouchers from sponsors, professional studio time, songwriting courses, and celebration parties just to name a few.

This year’s bands will be netting prizes from Susu Vietnamese Restaurant, burger barons Side Street, Dastaan Indian Restaurant, plus more Beijinger favorite restaurants yet to be announced!

More importantly, think of the accolades: bands will be competing not only for the Best Band award, but other group and individual recognition such as Best Vocalist, Best Guitarist, Best Bassist, Best Drummer, Best Keyboard, Best Stage Presence, and more.

Think of how THAT will look on that college application!

BTW, we are still looking for expert judges, sponsors and volunteers for the event — Contact eloisewester@yahoo.com or WeChatID: TBJButler for more information

We also have space for one more band. Interested in winning some of these awards? Sign up with this: 2026 International High School Battle of the Bands Sign Up Form.

Now, let’s meet just a few of the bands to light up the stage:

This one’s more for teens, and you’ll know exactly what I mean the minute you see their menu. Since the moment our kids learn to walk on their own and start wandering around the house by themselves, parents lock up the drain cleaner, put the laundry detergent up high, and drill into our kids’ heads that certain things should never, ever go into their mouths. At PinkDojo Market’s DojoCafe, they’ve done the exact opposite.

Located in Sanlitun’s 3.3, this quirky shop sells cute novelty toys and snacks, it’s better loved for its Instagrammable backdrops. But they’ve got a cafe with an odd menu where their signature cake is a Brillo pad. The Scouring Sponge Cake makes regular feature appearances on social media.

Then there’s DojoCafe’s Sea Salt Orego Soap Mousse that’s shaped like a bar of soap. This dessert balances salty and sweet, with crunchy Oreo bits contrasting against a smooth mousse. Like the sponge, this one is also cute and quirky.

But their drinks are where, as a parent of a young child, I cringe a bit. Their Blue Velvet Coffee tries a bit too hard to resemble household cleaning chemicals…

So what are your thoughts on these cleaning product-themed food items? Cute and whimsical or desperate cash grab? Let us know in the comments section.

Find it:
2nd Floor, Unit 2015, 3.3 Plaza, Sanlitun, Chaoyang District
朝阳区三里屯3.3大厦二层2015号

Looking for real family-friendly restaurants? Join the group! Scan the QR code below or add Wilhelmina87 on WeChat to join the FamFriendlyEats group on WeChat and find real recommendations from fellow parents in Beijing.

Images: Dianping, Freepik

I wish there were a way for us to share scents in our articles. Nothing would entice you to visit the new Choc Choco Chocolate Museum than the sweet smell of chocolate.

It’s not just a museum—it’s a giant, interactive playground where history is fun, art is edible, and memories are made of chocolate! It’s a world where you can see unbelievable sights, all crafted from real chocolate.

Your journey of wonder might begin at a magnificent, 8 meters-long white chocolate dragon climbing the iconic Great Wall of China that’s carved out of 20 tons of chocolate.

Every piece of artwork in the museum is entirely made of chocolate. It’s a sight to see and a scent to smell.

On the second floor of the museum is an interactive area for kids where they can learn about how chocolate is made and enjoy the shows the museum puts on. There’s even a DIY option for kids if they want to try their hand at being a chocolatier.

Before you head out, stop by the shop for a tasty chocolate treat. With hundreds of chocolate treats, you can get everything from chocolate truffles, ice cream, fruits, desserts, to Choc Choco’s own chocolate beer. You can sip on creamy, not-too-sweet hot chocolate, share a plate of whimsical chocolate-dipped fruits, and watch in amazement as real liquid chocolate cascades down a stunning waterfall in the center of the room.

The museum is easy to find, stroller-friendly, and staffed with guides. It’s a chance to spark curiosity and experience pure, unadulterated wonder together. It’s a place where a child’s question, “Can you really make that out of chocolate?” is met with a resounding, joyful “YES!”

Operating Hours:
Daily from 10 AM – 10 PM

Price:
RMB 24.9 for adults. RMB 77.9 for two adults + 1 child

Find it:
Floor 1, Building 1, No. 2 Courtyard, Lane 1, Xiangcheng District
西城区廊房头条2号院5号楼1层01号
Tel: 18516863163

Images: Freepik, Dianping

The Battle of the Bands at Culturopolis, Jan 31-Feb 1, is the ultimate event for international high school bands in Beijing.

It’s a chance to perform live in front of an audience at a cool venue, compete with other talented bands, and win glory.

This event is open to all international high school bands in Beijing, but space is limited: a maximum of 12 bands will be selected to rock the stage.

We’ve already received exciting applications from bands at The Beijing French International School, HD Beijing School, BIBA, BIBS HDA, Tsinghua International School Daoxiang Lake, Aura Boya Academy, Moonshot Academy, and more. There’s still space for a few more bands to join the lineup—but not if you don’t send in a recording of your band live!

Who can enter?

All of your band members must be currently enrolled in a Beijing international school. Bands do not need to have their own self-penned songs, nor do they need an extensive set list. Cover songs are fine, and in the competition, each band will only play their best set of 15 minutes.

How do you get in?

You need to impress our judges by sending an audio or video recording of one of your songs by 11:59pm, Monday Jan 12.

What is the performance schedule?

There will be three preliminary rounds and a final on Saturday and Sunday. The top band from each preliminary round advances to the Grand Finale late Sunday afternoon, where they’ll compete for the championship title.

It’s a focused opportunity to shine — perfect for busy students — so be sure your band can commit to Saturday and Sunday, and if you win, the Sunday finals before you throw your name in the ring.

The bands will be scored on their musicality, spirit and stage presence, and the winner will be crowned the Best International High School Band in Beijing.

Last year’s Battle of the Bands winners Somninote

Second and third prizes will also be awarded, as well as best individual performances.

There will also be an Audience Favorite prize chosen by the crowd, so bring your squad to cheer for your band.

Pretty Ugly were voted the Audience Favorite

All performers will receive a credential they can use for those wonderful college applications.

Scan this QR code below to sign up or for more info:

Scan here for more info

Where to get tickets?

Entry to Culturopolis is FREE with advanced registration before Jan 15, or RMB 20 after that. You can sign up now by scanning the QR code below.

Don’t miss this chance to join the Battle of the Bands and show the city what you’ve got. Sign up today and get ready to rock the house at the ultimate event for the international community, Culturopolis.

Seeking sponsors and student volunteers!

We’re also looking for sponsors and volunteers. If you are a sponsor, you will get tons of exposure and a chance to connect with international school students, parents, and administrators. If you are a volunteer, you will have a blast and gain valuable experience.

If you are interested in either of these roles, please send an email to eloisewester@icloud.com.

Rock on! Culturopolis: The International Lifestyle Expo will be taking place at Langyuan Station’s Central Station from Jan 31 to Feb 1.

Find it:
Langyuan Station Central Station 郎园Station 中央车站53 Banjieta Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区半截塔路53号

Images: TheBeijinger, John Ball

Calling all Beijing students, parents, and teachers! Who are the city’s most engaging young visual storytellers? Culturopolis is launching a special short video contest to honor the Top International Community Influencers from our student community — and we need your nominations to find them!

This award celebrates the young digital creators in our midst who enrich our city with positive, entertaining, and insightful content about life in Beijing through their unique, youthful lens.

Contest Requirements:
Eligibility: Must be a student enrolled at a Beijing school and be age 14 or older.
Content Focus: Must create primarily Beijing-focused content for a personal channel.
Language: The nominee can be Chinese or foreign, but creations must be in English or must feature English subtitles.
Active Channel: The channel must be active, as defined as having posted more than 3 videos in the last 60 days.
Platform: Creations should be previously published content on the creator’s China-facing channels: WeChat, Xiaohongshu, or Douyin.
Format: Submitted content must be 2 minutes or less in length.

How to Nominate:
Know a talented student creator? Nominate them (or yourself!) by sending the following via WeChat ID: TBJButler:

1. The Video: A link to 1-3 of their qualifying short videos (under 2 min each) that showcase their best work.
2. The Why: A brief explanation of why they deserve this title.

Scan the QR code below to easily find our account and submit:

QR Code for WeChat ID: TBJButler

The Deadline is Friday, January 16.

Our winners will be honored on stage at Culturopolis, a vibrant two-day expo on January 31 & February 1 celebrating the international community’s impact on Beijing’s culture, commerce, and creativity. It’s the perfect platform to spotlight the next generation of voices shaping how the world sees our city.