Blogs

The "Yellow Fever" line is an oldie but a goody, and it's often been said that behind every  stereotype exist a gain of truth. A regular contributor to beijingkids, Dinah Chong Watkins, gave her two cents as to why she believes expatriate men prefer Chinese women in her recent China Daily column.

If that piques your interest, then click here and here for more of the same, but different. 

Family vacations can be a great opportunity to spend quality time together outside of daily life. However, among this picture of familial bliss is also the possibility that one sulky teenager can effectively ruin what should be a relaxing break for their parents. Overly concerned with being “cool,” many kids’ number one vacation goal is to ditch their parental units. To combat this, resorts and hotels have started providing activities for those who are beyond scavenger hunts, but not quite ready for cocktail hour. Helping teens meet each other and stay occupied, these vacation options provide parents with a break from headphone-wearing apathetic adolescents.

• Read more

After scouring the US Social Security registry of names that stretches back to 1880, naming expert Pamela Redmond Satran unearthed some of the best names used for 25 or fewer babies each year. Outside of rarity of usage, Satran looked for names that “have genuine provenance,” were attractive and felt contemporary. The result is a comprehensive list of 50 girls’ names and 50 boys’ names that are both unique and dynamic. The selection includes Amabel and Vita for girls and North and Thornton for boys. You can read Satran’s list here and for even more choices, check out the naming website nameberry.com.

• Read more

The myth of the “freshman fifteen” hovers in the minds of many teenagers before they head off to their first year of college. Being on their own for the first time with the temptations of junk food and the stress of university can mean the fear of weight gain becomes a reality. Students generally only gain an average of five pounds, but the idea that such gain is inevitable can make the myth a self fulfilling prophesy.

• Read more

In the increasingly competitive world of kids’ sports, elite teams such as travel or club teams can place extreme demands on both a family’s time and money. With extensive travel for tournaments and competitions and an expected year-round commitment, these teams can leave little time for other sports, relaxation or family. On top of the stress on the family’s time together, an elite sports team can cost into four figures annually. Faced with this choice, more and more parents are reacting against the pressure put on their kids and deciding that other things come first.

• Read more

The blonde hair and unrealistic body type of the US’s iconic Barbie doll has long been a source of frustration for many parents who wish there were more multicultural options for young children to play with. Noticing the prevalence of foreign dolls on the market, Ju Xia and her team at the Shenzhen Aphrodite Co Ltd set out to create a doll that would reflect the distinct cultural heritage of China. With the idea of creating a doll for each of the 56 Chinese ethnic groups, Fisimi dolls were born. Each doll involves extensive research as well as consultations with traditional craftsmen who help to create miniature molds of cultural jewelry and accessories.

• Read more

Last week we posted about the world’s worst theme park, right here on Beijing’s Olympic Green. Just across the street from that nightmare is the Dino Dino Dream Park, which has been heavily advertised on the subway. While the park is a little corny, it’s definitely better than the hole up the street (and) is a decent place to take your kids if you’re running out of things to do during the endless summer vacation – but only if you’re willing to pay the hefty RMB 90 entrance fee.

• Read more

Back home, I am known as THE shopaholic amongst my friends. When I leave the house, my mother warns my accompanying friend, “Make sure she doesn’t buy anything.” They simply smile and nod, familiar with the routine drill of dragging me out of a store by the shirt collar. For those who don’t hoard clothes, I admire them, but have been incapable of keeping a minimal wardrobe.

• Read more

A new type of cultural exchange is gaining popularity in China and around the world. In exchange for two hours per day of native English or another in-demand language conversation, people in a host country will provide free accommodation, free guiding, or even free language lessons.   For those who wish to travel cheaply and experience a culture through the eyes of locals, it’s a perfect opportunity to shun the traditional bubble of touristy hotels and attractions.

• Read more

Sunny Guo (mom of one) will be holding infant swim classes at Splash Recreation Club at the Sino-Swiss Hotel this Sunday. A yummy barbecue banquet will be served after the class. If you love this lesson, then sign up for one of Sunny's regular swim classes held at pools around town. Thanks to Liora Pearlman (super mom) for sending beijingkids this info.

Details below (keep scrolling for all the dates, times, locations and Sunny's contact details):

AGES
DOLPHIN: newborn to 2 years old
SHARK: 2 to 5 years old

• Read more