Keeping pets in Beijing is a real struggle

Something strange is happening in our house. It’s become a twilight zone for pets. Truly. In our three and a half years in Beijing we’ve flushed an entire school of fish to a watery grave—including suicidal Mr Fish—and ... Read more »

My ayi doesn't love my kids–and that's a good thing

Recently, one of my friends left Beijing taking her husband and two children with her. The youngest was raised with two mothers—my friend and my friend’s ayi. This bi-maternal relationship is no doubt nothing new ... Read more »

Buying up the best of Beijing

As a seasoned Beijing shopper, the influx of tourists to our fair capital has me thinking. While tourists are bound to have a blast shopping, there’s simply too much to buy in China. Not only is everything made here, but the sheer volume ... Read more »

Entertainment hotspots for kids in Beijing

The Olympic Games are nigh, and Beijing will be flocked with tourists keen for world-class sport. Fortunately, when it comes to entertainment, Beijing is certainly able to deliver. If you are visiting Beijing, have visitors in town, or are just stuck here for the ... Read more »

What is it with Beijing’s fashion choices for kids?

Oh, the bedazzlement! How overcome I was when I first saw the kids' clothing available in Beijing. The sequins, lace and frills. The English language slogans in need of a sober proofreader. The Disney characters emblazoned on hems from here ... Read more »

What is your family doing to save China’s water?

The summer heat has got me thinking... about irrigation. My home country, Australia, is thirsty. Its edges are crusting up and curling. Residents have to report water usage to their local council, and there’s no car-washing, garden-watering or bathtub ... Read more »

Are our kids as safe in Beijing as we think?

Living in Beijing is like having access to a safe house. I don’t think we’ve felt more comfortable anywhere in the world than Beijing. Indeed, inhaling too much dust or being skittled by a wayward vehicle is probably ... Read more »

Educationally, our kids have got it good

I am often dazed by the international school education our children are receiving here in Beijing. Every time my kids come home from BSB spouting another brain-enhancing, creatively-astounding part of their day, I cannot help but repeat the same phrase over and over ... Read more »

Stretching your family’s palate in Beijing

This week marks our third anniversary in Beijing-_and it has definitely been a palatable journey.

I remember one of the first things to rise up and slap us in the face when we arrived in Beijing was the food. The bread crumbled upon ... Read more »

There’s more to high chairs than meets the eye

"My 15-month-old daughter suddenly refuses to eat in her high chair. She wants to sit in our lap and eat there. What do we do?” Such was the plaintive call of one of my friends and, as Henry had just ... Read more »

This virus may be more common than you think

Did you know that rabies is the leading fatal infectious disease in China? In 2007 alone, 3,380 people in China died from confirmed rabies exposure. Compare that to the 39 in the United States since 1990, and that is one ... Read more »

They might be animals, but pets deserve respect too.

Thinking about getting a pet but worried about the kids? Well, as someone with four pets and a baby, I'd like to think that I have some experience in the field. And sometimes I think it's the pets that ... Read more »

Thinking twice when it comes to shots

When I first had my son, I really worried about vaccinations. So I did a lot of research, and guess what? I didn’t vaccinate him. And you know what else? I’m not going to. I believe vaccinations are unsafe and that ... Read more »

The solution for parents who just can’t seem to get away

My husband, the newly, self appointed “Boss of the Money,” doesn't let me go anywhere anymore. Before having Henry, we’d spend money willy-nilly without a thought to future homes, education or toys for our offspring or ... Read more »

Giving you some organic food for thought

After living in the 'Jing for so long, I have become, as most of us have, increasingly aware of issues pertaining to clean air (or the lack of it), healthy food and non-toxic household products. However, “organic” remains a fairly new concept to ... Read more »

A life lesson in wiping your own bottom

First off, “My son won’t use the toilet at school because he doesn’t know how to clean himself without his ayi, could you go with him next time?” is no way to end a day of teaching rambunctious kindergarteners. As ... Read more »