For families in Beijing, finding a welcoming and low-pressure environment for toddlers can feel like a treasure hunt. For Rebecca Carter, a British mom with two boys, ages three and 18 months old, in Beijing, that treasure is found at British School of Beijing (BSB) Sanlitun—even though it’s an hour-long taxi ride from her home.

We spoke with Rebecca to find out why the BSB Sanlitun playgroup has become a non-negotiable part of her weekly routine.

Rebecca’s journey with BSB began last year during a special summer playgroup session. At the time, she brought both of her sons, then 2.5 years old and 9 months old. While her oldest has since started at a local kindergarten, her youngest has become a regular attendee. “We attend most weeks,” Rebecca shares.

So, what keeps them coming back? According to Rebecca, it’s the perfect blend of structure and freedom. “It’s very fun,” she says. “It’s such a relaxed atmosphere, and there’s a lot for the kids to do.” Each week, the playgroup offers a variety of activities designed to engage little ones. “Each week they put out a different messy play for the kids to enjoy, and there’s always blocks, soft play, books, and mini cars for them to zip around on.”

And the best part, it’s free!

For Rebecca’s youngest son, the routine is clear: “He always makes a beeline for the messy play corner. Then he goes and climbs all over the soft play area. He also loves the trampolines, the little cars, and the basketball area.” After about an hour of burning off that energy, the pair settles down for a snack and a drink, which gives Rebecca a chance to chat and make friends.

Living in Haidian, Rebecca admits the commute isn’t trivial. However, she believes BSB Sanlitun offers one of the best activities for families in Beijing. “I’ve watched my youngest grow and gain confidence. At first, he clung to me and needed me to go where he went. Now he roams freely, checking in occasionally.”

The community is another major draw.

The group evolves as children grow and move on to daycare, Rebecca says the core remains welcoming. “The same people tend to go each week, so generally you see the same faces, and everyone is friendly.” That sense of community recently extended beyond the playgroup. When the session was cancelled for one week, one of the mums organized a group outing to a different soft play center. For Rebecca, who lives in an area with few foreign parents, the opportunity for English-speaking “mum talk” is invaluable.

She also appreciates the school’s respectful approach. “Obviously, we were asked if we wanted to join the school (we do), but when I told them we lived too far away and couldn’t, there was no pressure put on us, and we weren’t asked again.”

If you are considering attending, Rebecca says you can expect a diverse and welcoming crowd. “A mix! There are Chinese families, but also a wide range of European and North American families. Kids’ ages range from about eight months to three years, so your child will surely find a play friend.”

Rebecca is already looking forward to the summer, and she has her eye on a new attraction. “I’m extremely excited to see the new pool opening in the summer and perhaps take my son swimming.” She has also heard great things about other offerings at the school. “I have also heard that the Baby Dance and Book Club are great as well from other mums who live locally.”

Her advice to other parents is simple. It doesn’t matter if you’re a bit shy or if you’re nervous about playdates. “I would absolutely recommend joining! I hope to see others at BSB soon. Please come and say hi if you join!”

Images: British School of Beijing Sanlitun

My five-year-old daughter has a smartwatch. Let me start there, because I know some parents will judge me for it, and honestly? I get it. I’ve judged myself a time or two.

I got it as a gift, and on trips to the park, when she zooms off toward the slide and disappears behind a climbing structure, I can glance at my phone and see that little dot on the map. She’s safe. She’s exactly where she should be. For a mom who’s spent five years perfecting the art of hyper-vigilance, that little dot is a gift. It shows you exactly where your kid is, even to the point of knowing exactly which floor of a building she’s on. We’ve barely touched any of the other features, though, and boy, there are a lot… For us, it’s purely a tracker, and on that front, it delivers exactly what I hoped for.

But here’s what I’ve noticed watching other families navigate these devices: the features you don’t use don’t just disappear. They sit there, dormant, waiting for the moment your child discovers them and, worse, gets addicted to them.

I’ve watched kids on the playground compare friend counts like they’re a playground commodity. “You only have three friends on your watch? I have fifteen!” It’s basically a pre-smart phone follower count culture for little kids. They’re comparing digital friend lists like teens compare social media followers. Except they don’t have the emotional maturity to understand why that feels lousy when you’re on the losing end. We spend years teaching our kids that friendship isn’t a numbers game, and then we strap a device to their wrist that turns it into exactly that.

I’ve overheard after-school calls between elementary school kids that went on far longer than any conversation between kids their age should. At that age, kids are still learning how to navigate friendships face-to-face. They need to spend time with their family after school. They don’t need the added complexity of unsupervised calls when no adult can hear what’s being said or guide the conversation.

And the photos. These watches make it effortless to snap and share pictures. I’m sure you’ve been to events where kids are holding up their wrists, recording like they’re in the old James Bond movies. But five-year-olds don’t understand privacy yet. They don’t yet understand that just because you can photograph someone doesn’t mean you should.

I worry about addiction, too. Not in the dramatic, “my child is glued to a screen” way, but I watch how other kids gravitate toward their watches. How they check them. It’s the same behavior I see in myself when my phone buzzes, and I don’t like seeing that loop start so early.

Here’s the truth I’m still sitting with: I’m not ready to take the watch away, because I’m not ready to give up that little dot on the map. The safety feature works exactly as advertised. It soothes a primal fear that lives in the back of every parent’s mind.

But I also don’t like what else came along for the ride.

So for now, we’re keeping it simple. The watch stays, at least until I figure out something better.

Maybe that’s the real work of parenting in 2026. Not choosing between technology and no technology, but figuring out how to hold both the safety and the complication and make peace with the fact that we’re all figuring it out as we go.

What are your thoughts on kids today and smartphones? Better yet, if you’ve got a better solution, don’t gate keep them to yourself!

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.

Tayrona Beijing Winter Camp 

Escape the cold this winter with Tayrona Beijing’s exciting Cycling & Paddle Boarding Camp in the tropical rainforest town of Xinglong, Hainan! Designed for adventure and growth, kids will enjoy daily cycling explorations and paddle boarding on serene lakes, all while earning official National Sports Bureau paddle board certificates (Level 1 & 2). Set in an English-immersion environment led by international instructors, the camp focuses on independence, resilience, and environmental stewardship—blending fun, friendship, and lifelong skills in a safe, supportive setting.

What Kids Will Learn

• Paddle boarding skills (L1&L2) and water safety, with optional Level 3/4 certifications.
• Cycling endurance, coordination, and trail exploration.
• Environmental awareness through beach clean-ups and ecosystem discovery.
• Life skills like responsibility, teamwork, and communication in a screen-limited, English-speaking environment.

Perfect For

Children aged 7–14 who love outdoor adventures, want to improve their English naturally, or want to spend time in an English Environment and are ready to embrace challenges, make new friends, and grow in confidence—all while having fun in a stunning natural setting.

Basic Information

• Price: Early Bird: 6,999 RMB (until Dec 15) | Standard: 7,499 RMB | Family Discount: 6,399 RMB
• Dates: Feb 1^st – Feb 6^th ,2026
• Time: Full-day programs with supervised activities
• Location: Xinglong, Hainan (rainforest and coastal area)
• Sign-by Deadline: Early Bird: December 15 | Final Registration: January 6

Contact Information
Email: info@tayronabeijing.org
Cell phone: 13141300122
WeChat: TayronaBeijing

Images: Tayrona Beijing

Welcome to Beijing! They say it takes a village to raise a child. Well, in this day and age, that proverbial village is on your phone in the form of WeChat groups. If you’ve thought it, there’s probably a group out there filled with people asking the same question. And, being away from your home country and navigating this new adventure called parenthood, a few trusty WeChat groups can go a long way.

You’ll find tried and tested parenting hacks for tantrums, good wholesome advice on parenting, answers for things like what a questionable rash on your baby’s back might be, second-hand kids’ clothes and toys, playdates, pediatrician recommendations, teething help, and info on basically everything else that life throws your way.

Here are the parenting WeChat groups that we highly recommend every parent in Beijing to become a part of. Essentially, find your tribe.

Jingkids Parenting in Beijing

This one is a general interest discussion group for parenting in Beijing. It’s a great place to ask others for their parenting input, get real reviews on schools, camps, hospitals, etc., and be your go-to place for questions regarding your family and kids.

How: Add WeChat ID Wilhelmina87 and ask to join.

Jingkids BJ Kids & Family Events

Instead of being bombarded by every event happening in Beijing, this one is only for events that are suitable for families. Every Wednesday, jingkids will also send out a WeChat post in this group with a list of family-friendly events taking place in the next two weeks that we’ve compiled.

How: Add WeChat ID Wilhelmina87 and ask to be added to the family events group.

Family Events Only Jingkids

Although many groups combine events and advice, this group is run by our founder, Mike Wester, and sticks strictly to events that kids can attend. This way, you don’t have to comb through event posters and decipher via Google Translate if that tea tasting requires a babysitter or if you can take the kids.

How: WeChat Wilhelmina87 and ask to join the Events group

Beijing Dads Group

Don’t forget the Dads! Although all parents are welcome into most of these groups, it must be nice to have a spot where dads can let loose. From what I hear, it’s a lot of memes but also quite good discussions and help when needed.

How: WeChat mwinchina and ask to join the Dads group

Third Culture Kids Parenting

Raising a mixed-culture kid is no easy task. Here you’ll find other parents in the same boat as you, in a space where you can share your experiences and ask for advice.

How: Add mwinchina to join

FamFriendlyEats

This one is specifically for foodie parents. As we know, not all family-friendly restaurants are suitable for kids of every age, so this group is where you can ask for recommendations based on your unique family make-up. Like with other WeChat groups, the rules are simple – be respectful of others’ opinions and don’t spam the group.

How: Add Wilhelmina87 on WeChat to join or simply scan the QR code.

Toy Reviews and Recommendations 

Kids got it so good nowadays in terms of having the coolest toys. Now, before you buy every cool new gadget you see, get some real feedback from other parents. This group is perfect for that. Looking for a new toy for a kid? Get some recommendations. Recently purchased something amazing or perhaps a dud? Give some feedback.

How: Add Wilhelmina87 on WeChat to join or scan the QR code.

Images: Pexels

(Or their bedroom. Or their desk. Or … everything.)
 Spoiler: It’s not carelessness. It’s executive function.

A few years ago, I opened my son’s backpack in August to start the “Back to School” process and found a crushed banana, a jumper I thought we lost, three half-finished worksheets all folded and torn and something that might once have been a sandwich.

If you live with a child who has ADHD or ADHD traits, the Tornado Backpack is not a once-a-semester event. It is a lifestyle. Papers disappear. Jackets vanish. Homework migrates to places no one can explain. Lunchtime containers come home untouched or become the equivalent of mythical creatures, talked about but never seen.

And parents often ask the same exhausted question:
“If they can be organized sometimes, why not all the time?”

It’s not a motivation problem.
It’s not defiance.
It’s not “not caring.”
It’s executive function. And for ADHD kids, those skills don’t develop in a straight line.

The Real Culprit: Planning and Organization Gaps

Executive functions are the brain’s management system. They help us plan ahead, organize materials, sequence steps, monitor time and start tasks independently.

Research from Russell Barkley, the Child Mind Institute, and Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child consistently shows that ADHD brains develop these skills more slowly and less consistently than neurotypical brains.

attention deficit hyperactivity disorder kid illustration

Children with ADHD can be one to three years behind their peers in skills like planning and organization.

This means your child isn’t ignoring you when their backpack looks like an archaeological dig site. Their brain is struggling to:

• Remember multiple steps
• Hold a sequence in working memory
• Manage time
• Regulate emotions while doing it
• Keep track of materials

The missing jumper is a symptom, not a character flaw.

What Parents See vs What’s Really Going On

Parents often describe behaviors like:

• Completed homework left on the table
• Sports kits forgotten despite multiple reminders
• Rooms and desks that “never stay clean”
• Backpacks becoming storage units for everything ever touched
• Meltdowns when asked to tidy or pack
• A child giving up before they even start

On the surface, this looks like carelessness. Underneath, it’s classic executive dysfunction.

ADHD kids don’t struggle with organization because they don’t care. They struggle because planning and organizing require mental skills that are simply harder for them to access consistently.

Why Some Days Go Smoothly and Other Days Don’t

This is one of the most confusing parts for parents.

“My child packed their bag independently yesterday. Today they can’t even find their shoes.”

It makes sense once you know this:
ADHD executive function is state-dependent, not ability-dependent.

Kids do better when:

• They have slept well.
• They feel calm.
• The environment is quiet.
• The task feels new or interesting.
• Someone is supporting them.

They do worse when:

• They’re stressed.
• They feel rushed.
• They’re overwhelmed.
• Steps are unclear.
• They’re already dysregulated.

Their ability doesn’t change on a day-to-day basis. The environment does.

A Real Story From a Real Parent

The child even suggested putting each day’s outfit into a separate large Ziploc bag so they would remember to change clothes. It was clever, creative and exactly the kind of out-of-the-box strategy ADHD kids often use to stay organized.

Which is why the mother was shocked when her child returned five days later with a backpack that looked almost untouched. All the Ziploc bags were still neatly zipped. All the clothes were still folded. The entire system had gone unused. The child had simply worn the same outfit every day.

It wasn’t laziness, and it wasn’t disinterest.
It was executive dysfunction in action.

Creating the plan was doable because planning with support is an easier executive demand.
Following the plan independently required:

• Remembering the system existed
• Recalling when to use it
• Shifting attention at the right moment
• Sequencing steps each morning
• Managing the emotional and sensory load of the unfamiliar environment
• Prioritizing long-term comfort over short-term ease

That is a lot of executive function for a child whose brain struggles most with sequencing, initiation and time awareness.

The system wasn’t the problem. The follow-through was the challenge.

This is the heart of ADHD organization: Kids often know what to do and can help design excellent structures, but the moment-to-moment execution breaks down when working memory collapses or emotional demand rises.

Which is why even the best organisational systems need cuing, routine, co-regulation and external supports to be reliably used.

When you see this through the lens of brain development rather than behavior, it makes complete sense, and it completely changes how parents support their children next time.

Four ADHD-Friendly Scaffolds That Actually Help

Just like the lunchbox article, here are practical tools that parents can implement immediately.

1. Make the Invisible Visible

Use visual supports, not verbal reminders:

• Backpack checklist
• Evening or morning routine chart
• A “launch pad” space where everything goes

Why it works: Visual systems reduce reliance on working memory and create predictability.

2. Reduce the Steps Until They Are Achievable

“Clean your room” is too vague.
Try:
• Clothes in laundry basket
• Rubbish in bin
• Books on shelf

Why it works: Breaking tasks into single concrete actions supports sequencing and reduces overwhelm.

3. Pair Planning With Connection

Kids often cannot plan alone, but they can plan with you.
Try a weekly ritual:
• Sunday backpack reset
• Friday desk tidy
• Nightly three-minute check for tomorrow

Why it works: Co-regulation activates executive function and helps children internalize routines over time.

4. Create Consistent Retrieval Cues

Always put the same items in the same places.
Always pack in the same order.
Always check the same list before leaving.

Why it works: Predictability reduces cognitive load, prevents decision fatigue, and increases automation.

The Reframe That Changes Everything

Disorganization is not disrespect.
Forgotten items are not laziness.
Messy backpacks are not moral failings.

They are signs of a developing brain that needs support, structure and repetition to learn the skills that come naturally to others.

When parents shift from “Why can’t you stay organized?” to “What system would help you manage this?” children feel empowered instead of defeated. And they often can create solutions that they are willing and motivated to try.

Small, consistent supports change everything. Not only do they reduce stress at home, they actively build the neural pathways your child will rely on throughout adolescence and into adulthood.

Why This Matters

Children with ADHD hear far more negative feedback than their peers. They get told they’re messy, careless, chaotic and unmotivated. Over time, these messages shape how they see themselves.

But when adults replace blame with understanding, kids stop internalizing shame and start developing the confidence to take ownership of their own systems.

Because the truth is simple: When a child finally has tools that match their brain, they thrive.

Final Takeaway

Next time you unzip the backpack and find a week-old snack and a small avalanche of worksheets, pause.

You’re not looking at carelessness.
You’re looking at a skill that is still developing and needs support.

With the right scaffolds, your child can build planning and organization habits that make life smoother for everyone.

Parenting ADHD kids isn’t chaos. It’s brain science you haven’t been taught yet.

Images: Marta Smith, Freepik

Why does my kid always forget their lunchbox? (Or PE kit. Or homework. Or … everything.)

Spoiler: It’s not laziness. It’s executive function.

You hand your child their bag, remind them twice, and even walk them to the door. Five minutes later, the lunchbox is still sitting on the counter next to a half-eaten piece of toast. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Parents tell me this story every week. It’s one of the most frustrating parts of parenting a child with ADHD and one of the easiest to misunderstand.

We tend to think, “They just don’t care.” But most kids do care. Their brains are simply wired differently for remembering, organizing and following through.

The Real Culprit: Executive Function Gaps

ADHD isn’t about trying harder. It’s about how the brain manages information, time and actions.

The same brain systems that control focus and motivation also handle planning, organization and remembering multi-step routines – like getting out the door with shoes, water bottle and homework. Research from the Child Mind Institute and Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child shows that executive function skills such as working memory, organization, and task initiation develop more slowly in ADHD brains. Children with ADHD can lag 1-3 years behind their peers in these areas.

So when your child forgets their PE kit, they aren’t ignoring you. Their brain simply drops information somewhere between “I hear you say it” and “I do it.”

This isn’t disobedience. It’s a developmental gap and, like all gaps, it can be bridged.

Three ADHD-Friendly Scaffolds That Actually Work

Here are simple, science-backed tools to reduce stress and build your child’s memory and independence.

1. Make the Invisible Visible
   

Verbal reminders vanish fast. Visual cues stick. Try a small checklist by the door with pictures or words: lunch, water bottle, homework and shoes. Let your child tick them off themselves, as this creates ownership and frees you from the reminder loop.

Why it works: Visual prompts engage the part of the brain that stores spatial and visual memory, which is often a strength in ADHD learners.

2. Connect Before You Cue
   

Before giving an instruction, connect first. Get eye contact. Touch their shoulder. Use their name. Smile. ADHD brains filter out background noise, including your voice, when they’re hyperfocused elsewhere.

A quick connection moment helps your words land where they can be remembered.

Why it works: You’re activating emotional regulation before executive control, which is a key step in how the ADHD brain prioritizes attention.

3. Build Predictable Anchors
   

Routine strengthens memory. Pair everyday actions with specific triggers:

“When socks go on → shoes go on.”
“When the light goes off → grab your bag.”

These anchors reduce cognitive load. You’re helping their brain automate daily tasks, one small routine at a time.

Why it works: Predictability lowers anxiety and creates consistency without relying on willpower, something ADHD brains struggle to maintain.The Reframe That Changes Everything

Forgetfulness isn’t a moral failure. It’s a skill gap. When you switch from “Why can’t you remember?” to “What might help you remember?” you move from frustration to teaching.

Involving your child, young or older, in problem-solving builds their confidence and insight into their own brain.
Each small success strengthens the neural pathways for independence. You’re not just helping them today. You’re building the mental architecture that their adult self will rely on.

Why It Matters

Children with ADHD hear 20,000 corrections or criticisms by the time they turn 18. They’re told to “focus,” “try harder,” and “stop being careless.” Over time, that shapes their self-worth. Many teens internalize those messages as “I’m not capable.”  When adults replace criticism with curiosity, “What support does this brain need right now?” we build resilience, not shame. Because shame doesn’t fade with age. It lingers, often showing up later as avoidance, anxiety and burnout in adulthood.

The Takeaway 

Next time the lunchbox sits on the counter, pause. That moment isn’t defiance. It’s the gap before a skill develops. With small, consistent scaffolds, your child can build systems that make life smoother.

Parenting ADHD kids isn’t chaos. It’s brain science you haven’t been taught yet.

Images: Freepik

The sound is subtle, almost imperceptible in a room filled with chattering kids and cartoons. But my mom ears are tuned to it. It’s the soft, persistent nibbling that means my daughter is biting her nails again. I look over, and there she is, focused intently on her fingertips, a look of concentration or maybe anxiety on her face. UGH! We’ve been here before.

Nail-biting, or onychophagia if you want the fancy term, is one of the most common nervous habits in kids. My daughter had a very brief phase when she first around 3 years old, and recently (at the age of 5) she picked up the habit once again.

She doesn’t gnaw at them ALL day long. It happens more when she’s thinking or watching TV. This time, it seems like she chews her nails the same way I snack – when I’m bored.

Since she’s older this time, we started with the explanations and (constant) reminders, but after a few weeks, it’s only gotten slightly better. She even admits it herself: “I know it’s bad, but sometimes I forget.” So, here we are again, dealing with the same gross habit, but this time, I’m not trying grandma’s “back in my day” tactics. This time, I’m going straight for what I know works – the bitter melon oils!

Multiple brands make these for kids, and the main ingredient is pretty much all the same: bitter melon extract. The only differences that I’ve found (after testing out multiple brands) are whether the design is easy to use or not. Here are my three recommendations with their pros and cons:

The Heavy-Duty One

NileX is so bitter that when I tried it on myself, I almost threw up right then and there. It’s absolutely the essence of BITTER melon, and you will have a hard time getting the taste out of your mouth. The design is easy to carry and also apply. It’s also so bitter that it’s difficult to wash off, and the taste stays on your skin and nails for hours (which is great). The only downside that I found to this one was that after a few uses and leaving it untouched for a while, I had a hard time checking if there was still liquid inside or if it had dried up.

*If your kid is going to kindergarten and you’ll need their teacher’s help reapplying throughout the day, this is a better choice.

The Cheap One

This one is easy to see how much you’ve got left because of the glass bottle. But to be frank, you really shouldn’t need to use it long enough for this entire bottle to run out. The application is not as convenient as others, and the taste doesn’t last long. The only upside to this one is that it’s cheap.

The Value-for-Money One

Bodorme uses the easy clicker cuticle pen design. It’s easy to see how much bitter melon extract has come out, and it’s easy to carry around and reapply. I’ve also tried this one for myself, and it definitely tastes bitter and disgusting, but unlike NileX, you can get the taste out of your mouth with a swish of water. The taste lasts for a few hours, but with constant hand washing, you’ll need to reapply once every two to three hours.

We’re not 100 percent there yet. Some weeks are great; others see a few nails get chewed down. I’ve learned that progress isn’t linear. The most important thing I can do is be patient and consistent, and to assure my daughter that my love for her isn’t chipped away with every bitten nail. If you’ve got other ways of getting them over the habit, don’t gatekeep that info! Share in the comment section below.

Images: Taobao, Freepik

New York might be the city that never sleeps, but Beijing is the city that never stops drilling. One of the most … exciting … experiences of being a baby-mom here is figuring out how to deal with the soul-piercing drilling happening (what seems to be right outside your bedroom wall … or within your skull, who can tell?) right at the very moment your colicky baby finally fell asleep. But that is only one of the superpowers that you will acquire whilst living here.

As an expat baby-mom in Beijing, I am always kept fit by my camera-phone-jumping routine. Oh, you haven’t heard of it? It’s pretty rad, and super easy. Whenever strangers attempt to stick their camera in either of my babies’ faces, I jump in front of them! Bonus points if you simultaneously whip out your own phone to record them recording you.

Then there is my new superpower, the Temperature Tingles! The what, now? Well, it is like spidey senses, except I can sense when someone is about to grab my baby daughter’s leg to check whether she is dressed warm enough. Being the daring mom that I am, I am constantly taking my baby outside without socks, knowing full well that in China, the 30-degree weather could lead to her getting hypothermia. I guess I just like living life on the edge.

The Central Heating Headache: If you are fortunate enough to live in an apartment building that has central heating, you know how wonderful it is. Sure, it saves money, but it also builds endurance! It is always turned on long after it has gotten cold, and stays on long after it has warmed up again, and it is almost scorching enough to justify turning on your AC as a counterattack. The most fun part is, of course, getting your kicking, wriggling baby or toddler from wearing just a vest to the 20,000 layers they’ll need for the sub-zero temperatures before going outside. And then if you are going into any mall, you’ll have the pleasure of peeling all those layers off again as you jump between flaming hot and icy cold. If putting on and taking off layers from uncooperative children were an Olympic sport, I’d be a medalist.

My temperature skills are, however, only rivaled by my innate ability to judge the pollution level by how many buildings I can see in the distance. Who needs an AQI reader when you can tell whether it is safe to take the babies outside by whether you can stare directly into the sun?

Being here has also refined my mosquito swatting skills to “Ninja” level. No matter how many repellent stickers you have plastered on your baby, the mosquitoes in Beijing are relentless on a nuclear level. Nothing deters them! Except, of course, waving a hand-held fan around your child as if she were the Queen of Sheba. Bonus points if yours is a palm-leaf fan. The only level above Ninja is, of course, Shushu-Ninja level!

It is a good thing that phones in China come with such large memory capacity, because any expat mom will know that the vast number of cute photos of your babies on your phone are only at risk of being surpassed by the insane amount of undeleted screenshots for translation. There was once a time in my life when there was a fine line between taking a screenshot or locking my phone and adjusting the volume. Not anymore, baby! I can now take 100 screenshots per split second that will forever remain on my phone … or until our descendants discover them in an archaeological excavation.

Sometimes I reminisce about the days when I hyperventilated at the thought of being hooted at by the car behind us if I didn’t get out of the DiDi fast enough. I have instead developed a stare that is the mom equivalent of the “baby onboard” sticker, a stare that practically dares the driver behind us to hoot while I unload and unfold the double stroller, into which I need to “wrestle” my two monkeys, three bags, four half-eaten snacks, five stray toys, and a sense of humor.

In the end, the constant drilling, the temperature patrols and the linguistic acrobatics aren’t just annoyances; they’re the forge in which the expat baby-mom’s superpower is tempered. And while it’s endlessly entertaining to complain about them, the truth is, they come with a hidden, priceless reward. We are raising our children in a city of breathtaking contrasts, where ancient hutongs sit in the shadow of glittering skyscrapers. Our kids are learning flexibility, resilience and a deep, intuitive understanding that the world is filled with different kinds of wonderful. For the chance to see this sprawling, maddening, magnificent city through their wide, curious eyes, I’d jump in front of a thousand cameras and swat a million mosquitoes. The chaos is the price of admission, but the show … the vibrant, unforgettable, daily show of life here … is absolutely worth it.

Images: Janita Shahsavari

If you have been following along, you will know that during the summer holidays, my family decided to go on a brief beach break. The catch? Both our daughters are under 2 years old. The youngest was 1 month old and the eldest was almost 21 months. We went from Beijing to Beidaihe and spent three nights and four days in the coastal town. Despite the challenges that come with traveling with such little humans, it was such a good time that by the end of it I wished we could have stayed longer

Click here to read about how we prepared

The Accommodation:

We stayed at one of the Meisheng Hotel’s three-bedroom apartments in Seatopia: one room for my newborn and me, one for my toddler and husband, and one for my mother-in-law. There are so many reasons to recommend this property, from the service to the cleanliness to the close proximity to absolutely all that matters; we would definitely stay there again. The rooms were spacious, and the beds were super comfortable. The living area was roomy and light, and having a washing machine and small kitchen stocked with basics made a HUGE difference to the comfort and flexibility of our trip.

The hotel provides a “butler” service for apartment guests, and while you may be thinking of a penguin-suited man who shines your shoes, it actually just means a helper who will be on WeChat for any questions or requests (like asking for laundry detergent or where the pool club is). They also turn the AC on in advance and check that the lights and WiFi are on and working for a chilled (literally) arrival. They have many different apartments on offer, such as ones with a splash pool or private garden and patio or whirlpool tubs, in anything from two to four bedrooms.

Find it:
Beidaihe New Area Ocean Blue Coast Visitor Reception Center
北戴河新区远洋蔚蓝海岸游客接待中心
Tel: 166 3057 6963

Pro Tip:
All the expected amenities were included, BUT the towels are not traditional towels; they are hardly towels at all, but rather disposable paper towels. The rooms have “black-out” curtains, but that is not quite accurate; it was more like “beige-out” if you ask me, so if you need it to be dark to sleep late, bring an eye-mask. While Trip.com lists things like “umbrellas” under the hotel inclusions, they do not mean beach umbrellas. Those are, in fact, very expensive to rent (minimum RMB 800), which is why you will see them being used as coat hangers rather than anyone actually hiring them.

The Food:

Since we had a kitchen, it was great to have the option of getting a few items at the shop nearby and making food at home. There is also a KFC, Pizza Hut, and several Chinese restaurants within a few minutes’ walk. There is a big cafeteria that serves a huge variety of food and drinks, with things like Kung Pao chicken on the menu for those who prefer something less traditional. My favorite was the YoYo Café, where I had the beef stew one day and creamy chicken and apple stew the next, which were both absolutely amazing, along with a very yummy cold coconut latte. YoYo was also great for us as a family because they had activity tables set up for the kids to play at while the parents gulped down their food (and there is a very good baby changing station).

Pro Tip:
Whilst in the Cafeteria, go out the back entrance (not down the elevator) and you will find the supermarket. Right next to the supermarket is a quaint little bakery with yummy breads and delicious soft-serve ice creams!

In and Around:

We decided to walk everywhere; since we had the double stroller, it was very convenient, and we liked exploring. There are, however, electric little cars, almost like golf carts with four seats, and electric standing scooters for rent all over Seatopia. These beach buggies, like most things in China, are open to negotiation. The average rates are around RMB 60-150 per hour, but you can get deals on Dianping like RMB 185 for ten hours.

For the adventure seekers who like to explore, one can also take a quick DiDi ride to Shanhaiguan (山海关区) to see the Great Wall section that ends in the sea, called Lao Long Tou (老龙头). Or take a ride to Nandaihe for an awesome 1km-long cable car ride over the ocean to Xianluo Island (仙螺岛跨海索道), especially cool (and cool) in the evening!That being said, there is no shame in doing as little as possible to avoid needing a vacation from your vacation. In that case, you can lounge at the beach all day, and swim in the lovely, not-cold-at-all water, or spend hours chilling at the pool club (RMB 20 per adult; our littles were free), which also has kiddie foam parties and a children’s pool section to boot.Everywhere we went, my toddler found friends, and everyone was entertained. It is a destination very much centered around family getaways. Kids of all ages are catered to, and any family looking for a quick (or even long) trip that is not too far from Beijing should definitely look into Beidaihe. Sure, you might return home more tired than when you left … but you’ll have better photos.Images: Janita Shahsavari