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Breastr Cancneess aware month
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CONTENTs 2
Editor’s letter
Hello from the hot desk
22
4 Contributors
Meet this month’s team
7
What’s on
Dates for your diary this October. Plus our Mum gets out and about
Your monthly local news roundup
15
Things you need to know
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
16
Spooktacular inspiration for Halloween
Me & my big idea Michelle Chan, Founder of Simply Toys
20
Book club
October reads and podcasts for the school run
22
Cover story
Meet the supermums of Hong Kong
Tips for travelling with baby. Plus baby news
A staycation at The Upper House as the luxury hotel turns 10. Plus travel news
37
Hong Kong baby
53 Travel
Must haves
19
37
41 Education Amelia Sewell visits Canadian International School of Hong Kong. Plus autumn camps
12 News
ISSUE 065
64
Two little dumplings
Our mum-of-two prepares for the first day of preschool
16 53
29 Dining Autumnal afternoon teas. Plus dining news
34
Life and style
Breast Cancer Awareness Month, ask a doctor
46 12 23
7 20
34 Scan and visit our website expat-parent.com
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editor’s message
who’s in charge?
T
he gorgeous Fanny Moizant graces our cover this month. Born and raised in France, Fanny co-founded leading global pre-owned fashion website Vestiaire Collective. In 2017, she moved to Hong Kong with her husband and two daughters to spearhead the expansion of the company in Asia Pacific. We chat to Fanny along with other women who are managing to effortlessly pull off impeccable style, a successful career and motherhood on page 22. Half term is just around the corner and honestly, it feels like they just went back to school. For mums who aren’t yet ready for a week home alone with the kids, check out our autumn camp guide on page 47. And for those who need to get away from it all, Amelia Sewell discusses holidaying with a baby in tow. Read on page 38. If you’re staying put, there are some incredible staycations to be had. We kick off our staycation series with a stay at The Upper House on page 57. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram @hongkongliving.
Editorial editorial@hongkongliving.com Managing Editor Gemma Shaw
Contributing Editor Nicole Slater
Editorial Assistant Nicole Cooley
Editorial Assistant Becky Love
Digital Editor Apple Lee
Editorial Assistant Charmaine Ng
Design jeramy@hongkongliving.com Graphic Designer Jeramy Lee
Sales & Marketing talk@hongkongliving.com Director of Content Hilda Chan
Senior Partnership Manager Isamonia Chui
Partnership Manager Mathew Cheung
Partnership Manager Elaine Li
Operations isaac@hongkongliving.com
3 things we love this month... Duck & Waffle waddles into town
Critically-acclaimed British diner, Duck & Waffle waddled into our dining scene last month (oh, the puns to be had!) I never thought I would say it crispy fried duck confit paired with fluffy waffles, drizzled in maple syrup and topped with a fried egg - it works! duckandwaffle.com.hk
Publisher Tom Hilditch tom@hongkongliving.com
Contact us Admin: 3568 3722 | Editorial: 2776 2773 | Advertising: 2776 2772
Secret Theatre at Tai Kwun
There’s a serial killer on the loose! I apprehensively checked out the preview of Secret Theatre late last month. After a delicious Thai meal at Aaharn, we headed down to the old prison cells in Tai Kwun to meet the suspect and assess the murder scene before deciding on a verdict. What happened next still sends shivers down my spine. secrettheatres.com
Hong Kong Influencer Guide Launch
We’ve been busy putting the finishing touches to our very first Hong Kong Living Influencer Guide. Over the past few months, we scoured the city to find 50 people who are doing incredible things in Hong Kong and whom we expect to see even more milestone achievements from in 2020. Check it out at hongkongliving.com 2 expat-parent.com
Management Trainee Isaac Ip
Published by Hong Kong Living Ltd, L1 Kai Wong Commercial Building, 222 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong Printer Apex Print Limited, 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, Hong Kong
HONG KONG hongkongliving.com Expat Parent is published by Hong Kong Living Ltd. This magazine is published on the understanding that the publishers, advertisers, contributors and their employees are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors and omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication. The publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether a reader of this publication or not, in respect of any action or omission by this publication. Expat Parent cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or publishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.
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contributors
Ameila Sewell
Charmaine Ng
Nicole Slater
It’s back to school for our Education Editor this month. She ventures over to Aberdeen to meet with Principal Dr Jane Camblin of Canadian International School. Read all about it on page 41.
Our Editorial Assistant met with some of Hong Kong’s most super and stylish mums for this month’s cover story. Read how they hold it together on page 22.
Our Contributing Editor has been enjoying a spot of afternoon tea this month - for research, of course! See what stylish tea sets are on offer this autumn on page 30.
Want to write for Expat Parent Magazine? Contact editorial@hongkongliving.com
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what’s on
Diary dates
OCT 5 & 6
Hebe Haven Yacht Club 24-Hour Charity Dinghy Race The annual race is back for its 16th year, with sailors of all ages taking part in the only 24-hour endurance aquathon in South East Asia for charity. Hebe Haven Yacht Club, Hiram’s Highway, Pak Sha Wan. hebehaven24hour.com
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what’s on OCT 7
RunITALY An Italian-style family run with an 8km individual run and 1km family run. Participants and the public can also enjoy an Italian Market, live entertainment and music. Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Sha Tin. runitaly.italiamiafestival.com
OCT 7-12
Autumn Adventure Camps A week of kayaking, gorging, raft building, hiking and more around Pui O Beach on Lantau. Times vary, see website for prices. Treasure Island, Pui O Beach, Lantau Island. treasureislandhk.com
OCT 7
Double Ninth Festival Enjoy the long weekend!
UNTIL OCT 31
Disney Halloween Time
Cheung Road, Southwest Kowloon. RSVP: malvernpreschool.hk/campustour
All your favourite villains return to Disney as part of their spook-tastic Halloween celebrations. Daily from 10.30am. From $639. Hong Kong Disneyland, Lantau. hongkongdisneyland.com
Where is Peter Rabbit?
OCT 1
National Day A public holiday. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China.
OCT 3
Malvern Meet at the Malvern College Pre-School (MCPS) Tour the campus and learn more about the school’s philosophy and vision. 5.45-7pm. Malvern College Pre-School, Coronation Circle Campus, G09-G12 Coronation Circle, 1 Yau 8 expat-parent.com
Malvern Meet at the Malvern College Campus Parents of prospective pre-school pupils can learn more about the school, speak to senior management and tour the campus. 6-7.30pm. Free. Malvern College Hong Kong, 3 Fo Chun Road, Pak Shek Kok, New Territories. RSVP: rsvp@malverncollege.org.hk
UNTIL OCT 6
Bring your kids to this magical puppet musical from ABA Productions. Dates and times vary. From $215. Drama Theatre, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wan Chai. hkticketing.com
OCT 9
OCT 5
Jazz on the Beach Listen to international performances at the Jazz on the Beach Festival, celebrating the message “love wins” through music. 2-11pm. From $120. Treasure Island Beach Club, Pui O Beach, Lantau Island. jazzonthebeach.com
OCT 5-6
TOTEM RUN 2019
OCT 10
Ideal for running enthusiasts of every ability, with the option to complete either the gruelling 57km Lion Tribe course or the (slightly) easier 16km Monkey Tribe route. 8-2.30am. $850. Race begins at Pak Tam Chung. totemrun. runourcity.org
Get a head start on your Christmas shopping at this bazaar featuring over 50 stalls selling handmade crafts, jewellery, accessories and books. 9.30am-5.30pm. $10. The Helena May, 35 Garden Road, Central. helenamay.com
Charity Bazaar
tell me more OCT 12
Shrewsbury Open House Families are invited to visit Shrewsbury Hong Kong to experience state-ofthe-art facilities through hands-on activities. Be creative with arts and crafts, football or take a break by joining the storytelling activity. Free. 10 Shek Kok Road, Tseung Kwan O. RSVP: admissions@shrewsbury.edu.hk
mum about town
OCT 12
Mount Kelly Early Years Admissions Day This prestigious school, founded in the UK, is offering early admissions for children aged six months to six years and a chance to visit the school and participate in a sample class. 9.30am-12.30pm. Free. Mount Kelly International Preschool and Nursery School, The Austine Place, 38 Kwun Chung Street, Jordan, Kowloon. mountkelly.edu.hk
OCT 19
Mighty Oaks Open Day Get a sense of what it’s like to join the Mighty Oaks family! Play fun games, have a school tour and meet the professional team. 9.30am1pm. Free. Mighty Oaks Nursery & Kindergarten, 1/F, Lungga Mansion, 46A Belcher’s Street, Kennedy Town. mightyoaks.edu.hk
OCT 19
Backstreet Boys DNA World Tour
Art attack
It feels like it’s been a while since I wandered around a gallery, so my inner artist will be taking inspiration from Asia’s Contemporary Art Show this month. There’ll be more than 1,500 pieces of modern art on show at the Conrad Hotel from promising artists all around the world. This is something I won’t be dragging the kids along to, as I’m sure other guests won’t want to hear the quiet screams of “Don’t touch!” about a million times. Since I’ll be kid-free, I may as well head out earlier and catch up with friends over brunch! Asia Contemporary Art Show: October 4-7. Admission times vary. $270. Conrad Hotel, Pacific Place, Admiralty. asiacontemporaryart.com
Prepare for some 90s nostalgia and head back to Macau to catch the Backstreet Boys on the road for their largest world tour in 18 years. 8pm. From $688. Cotai Arena, The Venetian, Macau. venetianmacao.com
OCT 19
Small World Christian Kindergarten Open Day Experience the Small World style of play-based learning, outdoor fun, gardening, arts and crafts, as well as sample kindergarten classes via registered sessions. 9am-12pm. Free. 10 Borrett Road. smallworld.edu.hk
OCT 19
Norwegian International School Open Day Join Norwegian International School to experience fun learning activities as well as a bouncy castle, entertainment, food, games, school tours and more.10.30am-1.30pm. Free.
Family festival fun
With the sun still shining and humidity on the decline, festival season is upon is! We’ll be trekking over to Lantau for Hong Kong’s newest festival, Rotten Head. Beer and music for the dads, face painting and a dedicated dance tent for the kids, and you’ll find me in The Rotten Head Alternative Drink Bar with a glass of prosecco in hand. Rotten Head Festival: October 26. 12 noon-10pm. $300 adults (includes a drink), $120 children 12-17, and under 12’s go free. Tat Tung Road Park, Tung Chung, Lantau Island. rottenheadfest.com expat-parent.com 9
what’s on 170 Kam Shan Road, Tai Po. nis.edu.hk
OCT 25
Baby to Business-Working Mom’s Survival & Success Guide Juggling work with personal and professional life, a working mum’s Survival & Success Guide is the talk of the hour for entrepreneurs, new moms or moms returning to work. 12 noon2pm. From $80. Queen Victoria Street, Central. eventbrite.com
OCT 26-27
Stan Group Hong Kong Beach Festival A fun, family-friendly beach carnival with events including International Beach Water Polo Tournament, Sandcastle Fun Day and booth games. 10am-6pm. Free. Repulse Bay Beach. openwaterasia.com
OCT 27
Pink Walk for Breast Health Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation is hosting a fundraising walk on The Peak to support International Breast Cancer Awareness month. Don’t forget to dress in pink and bring a reusable bottle! 8.15am-1pm. Participant fee from $350. Peak Road Garden, The Peak. hkbcf.org
Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival Calling all food and wine lovers, the 11th edition of Hong Kong’s premier gastronomic festival promises to be its best yet! Times vary. $30. Central Harbourfront, Central. hkwdf.discoverhongkong.com
OCT 30-NOV 1
OCT 31-NOV 3
Celebrate Thanksgiving at the beach with extended opening times at the restaurant. Saturday 10am-10pm and Sunday 10am-8pm. Treasure Island, Pui O Beach, Lantau Island. treasureislandhk.com
Stock up on your baby supplies at this expo with themed decorations, LEGO and DUPLO products and plenty of games and programs. $10, free for children under 12. Star Hall, 3/F, Kowloon Bay International Trade and Exhibition Centre. nottoobig.com.hk
Thanksgiving Weekend at Treasure Island
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OCT 31-NOV 3
nottoobig Mega Baby Expo
BOOK NOW NOV 2
Mount Kelly Shackleton Beach Clean-Up Give back to the community, build an appreciation for nature and learn more about protecting our planet. Kids and families welcome. 9.30am12 noon. Free. Clearwater Bay Beach. mountkelly.edu.hk
NOV 4
Malvern College Open House Wander around the state-of-the-art
campus and learn what makes a Malvern education special. 8.30am12pm. Malvern College Hong Kong, 3 Fo Chun Road, Pak Shek Kok, New Territories. RSVP: rsvp@malverncollege.org.hk
NOV 7-10
James and the Giant Peach A magical, heart-warming Roald Dahl story brought to you by some of Faust’s finest young actors. Times vary. Students $250, adults $280. Drama Theatre, Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts, Wan Chai. faustworld.com/shows/ giantpeach.asp
NOV 9
RUN Charity Race A unique charity race in Hong Kong supporting vulnerable refugees in the city. Races range from 19km to child-friendly distances of 1.5km. Tai Tam Country Park. runhk.org
NOV 10
OneSky Charity Hike OneSky’s 9th annual charity hike includes distances of 3.8km to 10.5km with proceeds used to help vulnerable children in Asia. Starts
10.30am. Individual participation fee from $480 plus minimum fundraising amount. Routes vary along the Maclehose Trail. onesky.org/charity-hike-2019
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news
Pinkies up at Fortnum’s In early November, luxury British brand Fortnum & Mason will open their doors at K11 MUSEA. The 7,000 square foot space consists of a shop, dining room and bar offering sweeping views of the harbour. The shop will feature Fortnum’s most iconic products, from tea and biscuits to Champagne and hampers, whilst diners can enjoy lunch, dinner and Fortnum’s famous afternoon tea, which replicates the menu of the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon in Fortnum’s Piccadilly. “For centuries, Fortnum’s has thrived on delivering a sense of pleasure for our customers and we are delighted to share that with a new audience in Hong Kong,” says Ewan Venters, CEO of Fortnum & Mason. fortnumandmason.com
Lush goes naked
Breakfast at Tiffany’s September saw the opening of Tiffany & Co.’s largest flagship store in Asia at One Peking Road, while mid-October will see the soft opening of their infamous The Tiffany Blue Box Cafe. The cafe will be their second in the world, bringing a slice of the original New York venue to Asia for the first time. Guests will be able to make reservations through an online platform to experience the all-encompassing sensory experience of afternoon tea on crockery and utensils created by the famed jewellery house. One Peking, No.1 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. tiffany.com
Pioneers of the fizzing bath ball and solid shampoo bars, Lush opened their first plastic-free packaging shop in Asia this September. The new Naked shop pushes boundaries with innovative naked products and plastic packaging-free alternatives including brand new self-preserving vegan products exclusive to the Hong Kong store. The need for labels has also been reduced with the Lush Labs app which recognises individual products and displays information accordingly. “At a time when most people in Hong Kong have so much on their minds, we are delighted to invest in the city in an effort to relieve them of a little part of the worry caused by ocean plastics,” says Mark Constantine OBE, Lush Co-Founder and Managing Director of Lush. Lush Naked Shop, Great George Street, Causeway Bay. hk.lush.com
Building on childhood dreams
Southside gets spooky The most spooktacular time of the year has come around again, with Ocean Park hosting their annual Halloween Fest from now until November 3. The theme park will be taken over by ghosts with six haunted zones and houses and a limited edition range of themed menu items. For guests not looking for such a fright, Ocean Park has paired up with LINE FRIENDS for a halloween candy adventure. 12 expat-parent.com
The Halloween fest will take place on October 4, 11, 18-20, 24-27 and 31, between 5pm until 10.30pm. oceanpark.com.hk
The first-ever LEGOLAND Discovery Centre is set to open in Hong Kong. The indoor kids attraction will have an indoor LEGO playground, two rides and 10 LEGO ‘build and play’ zones providing two to three hours of fun (for little and big kids too). The centre will be located in the basement of K11 MUSEA. More information to be announced from LEGOLAND owner Merlin Entertainments soon. k11musea.com
news
Dolphins on the decline
K11’s nature discovery Newly opened K11 MUSEA presents Hong Kong’s first urban biodiversity museum and sustainability-themed education park, Nature Discovery Park. Inspired by Adrian Cheng, Founder of the K11 Group, the park aims to raise awareness of Hong Kong’s rich biodiversity through workshops, tours and
urban farming experiences, echoing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Families can learn more about adopting eco-friendly everyday habits, whilst wandering amongst tropical and native plants, an aquarium and butterflies. “At Nature Discovery Park, we want to encourage you to get closer to nature and “reconnect with what matters”, explains Ellie Tang, General Manager of Sustainability at K11 Concepts Limited and Head of Sustainability at New World Development Company Limited. k11musea.com
In mid-September, the official count of Chinese White Dolphins, known for their pink colour, around Tai O was taken by the Hong Kong Dolphinwatch. Only 32 dolphins were spotted, a 50 percent drop from five years ago due to the threat of overfishing, water traffic, land reclamation, the construction of the Zhuhai Bridge, sewage and chemical pollution. Hong Kong Dolphinwatch aims to raise awareness of the plight of these dolphins and protect them via tours which generate revenue used towards research and eco-tourism. However, with reduced numbers in tourism, tours have been affected which in turn affects the support given to the dolphins. Tours are $370 per adult and run on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
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1
things to know Breast cancer is the most common cancer amongst females in Hong Kong. In 2016, it accounted for 26.6 percent of all new cancers in females diagnosed in the city. But it’s not a one-sided disease. Breast cancer also occurs in males, although it is much rarer.
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Diagnosis of female breast cancer cases in Hong Kong have tripled over the past 13 years, from 1,152 in 1993 to 4,108 in 2016. This means that on average, 11 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every day.
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In 2016, 54 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer were aged 40 to 59. The older the age, the greater the risk. However, young people are not immune to the disease. The youngest case reported was below 20 years old.
It is not yet known exactly what causes breast cancer, but research has identified certain lifestyle and environmental factors that may increase the risk of the disease. These include genetics, lack of exercise, obesity, stress, alcohol consumption and radiation exposure.
Things you need to know Breast cancer
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Symptoms of breast cancer include, but are not limited to, breast lumps, a newly inverted nipple, peeling or crusting around the areola and suddenly changes to the breast in terms of size, shape or appearance.
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To reduce the risk of breast cancer, women with no significant family history of cancer should perform regular breast screenings from the age of 20, which should include a self-examination every month and a clinical breast examination every three years. For those over the age of 40, mammograms are highly recommended every two years.
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The Pink Walk for Breast Health will take place on October 27 this year to support International Breast Cancer Awareness month. 8.15am-1pm. Participant fee from $350. Peak Road Garden, The Peak. hkbcf.org
Where to get screened? •
The Breast Health Center is run by a non-profit organisation called the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation which offers screening services such as mammograms and ultrasounds. hkbcf.org
•
The Department of Health’s Family Health Service offers screenings, physical examinations, health education, counselling, and other advice. fhs.gov.hk
•
The Hospital Authority offers services for breast and cervical cancers at Tung Wah Eastern Hospital. Services include gynaecological examinations, mammograms, ultrasounds and more. ha.org.hk expat-parent.com 15
MUST HAVES
Give them pumpkin to talk about
Paint the town orange with these Halloween accessories
Solid milk chocolate balls in spider design foil $40 from Mr Simms mrsimms.hk
Peppa’s Spooky Fun Sticker Book $96 from Bookazine bookazine.com.hk
Boo! cake $680 from Vive Cake Boutique vive.hk
Pumpkin shape marshmallows $14.9 from Toys“R”Us toysrus.com.hk Belgian white chocolate orange pumpkin in gift bag $98 from Mr Simms mrsimms.hk 16 expat-parent.com
MUST HAVES
Reusable skeleton hands platter $50 from Partytime bookazine.com.hk
Happy Halloween Letter Banner $55 from Partytime partytime.com.hk
Halloween cupcake set $320 for six from Kisses Cupcakes kissescupcakes.com dokiPal $1,110 from Doki Technologies Limited doki.com
Plush pumpkin infant vest $95.5 from Toys’R’Us toysrus.com.hk
Mr Men: Adventure with Monsters $96 from Bookazine bookazine.com.hk
Pumpkin bucket $24.9 from Toys“R”Us toysrus.com.hk
Guide to Pottinger Street
Hubba Bubba Halloween Bubble tape $30 from Sweet World L1, 113, Pacific Place
For all your party essentials, head up the iconic stone slab street opposite Topshop on Queen’s Road and you’ll find a range of costumes, masks and every prop under the sun. Most stalls keep to the same price points so haggling doesn’t always work, but there’s no harm in giving it a go. Make the trip up the street first before buying anything, as you never know what you’ll find next! Pottinger Street, Central. expat-parent.com 17
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me & my big idea
Me and my big idea Michelle Chan, Founder of Simply Toys talks fun and games with Charmaine Ng So what’s your big idea?
Simply Toys is a kids’ concept store that offers a full range of popular toys and games, as well as products from Europe that are not commonly seen around town. We want to provide a one-stop, hassle-free location for parents to buy quality toys, games and party supplies.
How did the idea come about?
Our vision came from two simple goals: putting happy smiles on kids and parents faces and providing a place for shoppers where they can enjoy shopping without having to worry about “present clashes” at parties - a common issue in Hong Kong.
How can toys help children learn?
Everyone learns better by doing something they enjoy. Toys and games are a fun way for kids to learn without knowing it. Depending on the type of toys they play with, they can improve hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, logical thinking, creativity and even confidence and social skills.
How do you choose which toys to sell?
It sounds simple, we aim to offer good quality, well-designed and packaged toys at a decent price. But believe me, it is much harder than it sounds!
What are the best-selling toys this year?
STEM toys are doing very well. Our shop retails a few brands such as The Purple Cow that offers a full range of science experiments for kids. Board Games are also one of our top selling categories, especially those that are not easily found at chain stores. We carry a very famous brand from France called DJECO who specialise in creating beautifully designed board games.
How have toys evolved since you were a child?
Toys galore at Simply Toys
I was lucky and owned lots of toys as a child. TV games only appeared when I went to high school. I believe quality playtime without electronic devices is very important for a child’s development.
What are the challenges of running a toy business?
Online shopping is a big threat to any brickand-mortar shop. Sky high rent is another issue we face in Hong Kong. That’s why it is important that we focus on a niche market, be selective in what we choose to sell and ensure we offer the best service for our customers.
How do we choose the best toys for our children? My personal advice is to let them choose. Observe what they like, or if buying for a friend, always consider what they need at different growth stages. Of course, quality and safety are also crucial. I always avoid anything with smelly plastic and paint work.
Simply Toys You can find Simply Toys at Level 1, On Lan Centre, 11-15 On Lan Street, Central. simplytoys.com.hk
expat-parent.com 19
book review
Roaming tigers in Tai O Author John Saeki discusses his first book with Nicole Cooley here in years gone by? What was it like before everything became electrified and connected? Another source of inspiration is from people I have met over the years. In Hong Kong, you get to meet people from all corners of the world who bring their stories here with them; I wanted to reflect that in my characters.
Can you tell us more about the tiger hunters? To biologists at Hong Kong University in the 1950s, it was still theoretically possible for a South China Tiger to appear in Hong Kong. There are many newspaper accounts from the early part of the century, into the 1950s and possibly even the 1960s. This non-fiction topic is in fact the subject of the next project I am working on, which, for now at least, I am calling “The Last Tiger in Hong Kong”.
So what are the stories about? The Tiger Hunters of Tai O is about a young Eurasian policeman, Simon Lee, in the 1950s who is posted to Tai O. Compared to Hong Kong Island, Tai O seems so strange, chaotic and exotic. When there is a murder, Simon finds himself at odds with his bosses in Central as they try to sweep the event under a carpet. There are espionage intrigues, war heroes, epic refugee tales, mixed-up political histories, and a tiger at large!
How much of the book is based on historical events? I wanted the story to be theoretically possible, but it is a work of imagination.
I made up the half-British, half-Chinese character Simon whose dad died in a Japanese prisoner of war camp. The exact riots in my book, and the exact history in my book are fiction. I wanted them to be realistic, but I also wanted to knit the events together into a narrative that while interesting, is ultimately fun. Whether I succeed or not will be up to the reader!
This is your first book, can you share the writing process? Writing was fun and a welcome distraction from my day job. I did a lot of it by hand in notebooks while commuting. It felt enriching to invent characters that became a part of my life. Some I like better than others and I find myself hoping that things will turn out well for them. Personally, I found the process of writing to be a healthy break from my usual routine. It is also satisfying to know that other people can read the book and experience the world created there for a short while too. The Tiger Hunters of Tai O is available from Bookazine.
Tell us a bit about yourself? I’ve been in Hong Kong for the past 20 years. I met my wife here, my kids were born here. I love this place with all its difficulties, crazy history and superb landscape. I now make maps, charts and infographics for an international press agency. We have been very busy with recent happenings in Hong Kong over the past few weeks.
Where did your inspiration come from? The landscape and history of Lantau were two obvious ones. Hiking the hills and wandering through villages got my imagination going. What was it like 20 expat-parent.com
On the left, John Saeki, the author
book review
Books & podcasts BOOK NEWS
Invisible Women
The Little Prince and a Bombshell
Caroline Criado Perez A collection of anecdotes reinforced by data (be ready for lots of numbers!) shows how the world is designed by men and for men - the car belts that aren’t designed to protect smaller female bodies and the personal protective equipment, military uniforms, aircraft dashboards, you name it - all of these are designed for a white 25 to 30-year-old male, the “standard” person. I love how it’s written and read as an audiobook too - very witty and engaging despite the poignant message. Invisible Women is available at Bookazine, Swindon Book and online on Amazon and the Book Depository from $180.
Victoria of Hong Kong Book Club recommends
In celebration of the 60th birthday of the heir of world-famous The Little Prince author, patisserie Bombshell, under The Mira Hong Kong, have collaborated with The Little Prince to unveil three unique cakes. The Little Prince “Flying to my dream” Bombshell cakes are inspired by the novel’s three main themes – Love, Hope and Friendship. The grandnephew of The Little Prince author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Olivier d’Agay (Olivier) is also delegate general manager of the Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Youth Foundation and manages and promotes the values of this legendary writer. Olivier says, “One can enjoy the patisseries and feel the joy and messages that have been inspired by The Little Prince.” bombshell.hk
PODCASTS Limitless with Josh Patterson Athlete, influencer and mental health campaigner, Josh Patterson, believes in challenging his limitations. His inspiration comes from others that have pushed through physical and mental barriers to achieve the extraordinary. Here, Josh interviews guests who have become stronger from times of adversity, including close friend Ben Tansley who went from paralysis to marathon runner. Listen on podtail.com/en/ podcast/limitless-with-josh-patterson or download from iTunes.
Gemma recommends
The Adam Buxton Podcast Perhaps best known for his work with “comedy wife” (and now Hollywood’s own) Joe Cornish, Adam Buxton is an accomplished podcaster with a solo series which recently reached the century mark. His candid chats with fascinating guests from all over the scene are pod gold; throw in plenty of silly stories, Dr Buckles’ homemade jingles and, obviously, a ramble with Rosie the dog, and you’ve got a quality hour of conversation! Listen on adam-buxton.co.uk/ podcasts or download from iTunes.
Stephen recommends
‘Fool Me Twice’ - A true crime podcast Jules was successful and happy but still lonely, so she turned to online dating. She met Truman, a successful project manager at a construction firm who seemed to be as excited as Jules about the possibility of building a life together. Jules travelled across the world to meet him and the fairy tale immediately began to unravel. All was not as it seemed. This podcast is an exploration of the world of sweetheart scams and the ugly side of online dating. Subscribe to ‘Fool Me Twice’ on Apple Podcasts or on foolmetwicepod.com
Nicole recommends expat-parent.com 21
C ST OV O ER RY
Supermums
you need to know
Charmaine Ng meets the the superwomen whowho make parenting looklook easyeasy Charmaine Ng meets superwomen make parenting
Cara McIlroy is no stranger to those living in Hong Kong. She has graced magazine covers as a supermodel, starred in numerous commercials and appeared as a judge on popular show Asia’s Next Top Model. It doesn’t end there – she is also a certified health coach and co-founder of Genie Juicery, Hong Kong’s OG juice bar. Despite all this, when asked, she refers to herself first and foremost as a mum. You can follow her parenting journey on her blog catwalkstocradles.com
How do you balance work, family and other priorities? I have zero balance in my life. I think if you’re a working parent, that doesn’t exist!
What is a typical day like for you? A little work and a lot of play! Most days you will find me and my family at the beach covered in sand.
about her
Cara McIlroy Model, TV Presenter and Co-Founder of Genie Juicery 22 expat-parent.com
McIlroy was born and raised in Australia, but moved to Hong Kong more than a decade ago and has been living here with her husband since. They have three children, India, Freija and Noa.
R VE Y O R C TO S
Born and raised in France, Fanny Moizant learned the ins and outs of both style and business from a young age working in her mother’s fashion boutiques. After graduating with a master’s degree, Moizant came up with the idea to launch Vestiaire Collective as a response to the way people were consuming fashion – buying more and wearing less. Today, Vestiaire Collective has grown into a leading global resale site for pre-owned fashion, with a catalogue of over 900,000 items. See them on vestiairecollective.com
Fanny Moizant Co-Founder and President of Vestiaire Collective
What type of parenting style do you have? I give the girls their freedom and autonomy but within boundaries. They are in their preteens and ultimately, they have their own friends and hobbies, so we cannot be too overbearing. However, there are times where my husband and I will step in and remind them that rules are there for a reason!
Favourite place to shop in Hong Kong? I only really shop online. The first place is always Vestiaire Collective, but I’ll also look at Net-a-Porter, Matches Fashion, Farfetch, The Modist and Browns.
about her Moizant moved to Hong Kong in 2017 to spearhead the company’s expansion into Asia Pacific. She lives with her husband and their two daughters, Louise and Jeanne, who are 13 and 12.
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C ST OV O ER RY
Michelle Chen Founder and CEO of RARE SkinFuel
From homemaker to designer, merchandiser to project manager, Michelle Chen has done it all. She began her entrepreneurial journey working at Silicon Valley startups at the age of 16, climbing her way up various ladders and learning what it takes to get an idea off the ground. After building three successful businesses with her husband, Chen felt a desire to branch off on her own to start a business that would share her passion for skincare with others. Thus, RARE SkinFuel was born – a brand that aims to empower women at every stage of their lives. Find out more at rareskinfuel.com
Favourite family-friendly day out in Hong Kong? We spend a lot of time hanging out at Maggie and Rose. We don’t have any other family in Hong Kong and Danica is an only child, so every weekend we will arrange playdates with other families. This way Danica will always be around kids her age and we as parents can also have our time with friends and share parenting experiences.
Favourite place to shop in Hong Kong? Bookazine is my favorite place to shop, it has Danica’s favourite toys, party supplies and many many great books.
about her Chen moved to Hong Kong in 2011 and lives with her husband, their five year old daughter Danica and 10 year old shih tzu Dan Dan.
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R VE Y O R C TO S
Gladys Lo-Reynolds Social Media Influencer, Graphic Designer and Head of Marketing at Grasland
Gladys Lo-Reynold’s motherhood story may be a little unconventional, especially in a conservative society such as Hong Kong. She was 20 and still in university when she met and fell in love with her now-husband. Unexpectedly, they soon found themselves pregnant and had to learn how to ‘adult’ in a matter of months. For Lo-Reynolds, the journey was very much worth it, especially after the birth of their son Noah in the summer of 2016. Today, Lo-Reynolds divides her time between taking care of her family and working a regular full-time job, documenting her day to day life on her popular Instagram account @the.reynolds.family
Favourite family-friendly day out in Hong Kong? I would have to say spending the day in Sai Kung. We love having a long alfresco lunch, chatting with friends then visiting the beach or taking a short boat trip!
Best piece of advice for fellow mums? If you aim for absolute perfection then you will never be happy. Instead, be accepting that some moments are bad and there are days where it feels like the world is on your shoulders. Once you accept these days and know that they will pass, you can focus on the happier days ahead or even little moments that put a smile on your face.
about her Lo-Reynolds lives in Hong Kong with her husband and their three year old son, Noah.
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dining
Dining news Wolfgang Puck’s first Hong Kong restaurant touches down at the airport Frequently credited as the chef that refined modern Californian cuisine, Wolfgang Puck opened his first restaurant in Hong Kong at the arrivals hall of Hong Kong International Airport last month. Wolfgang Puck Kitchen is a fastcasual dining concept that serves LA-inspired comfort fare for busy travellers on the go. The restaurant has soft-opened, with its grand opening scheduled for October 9. Shop 5T 150, Level 5 Terminal 1, Arrivals Hall, Hong Kong International Airport. wolfgangpuck.com/airports
Celebrate 40 years of Indigo Living at AMMO with a one-of-a-kind afternoon tea for two for $528. Until November 4. Asia Society Hong Kong Center, 9 Justice Drive, Admiralty. ammo.com.hk
Snuffling for truffles Truffle season is upon us! Zuma Hong Kong have been foraging for some of the best and rare white truffle, found exclusively in the Piedmont region of Italy around the town of Alba, where pigs or dogs are used to snuffle out the truffle. Prices will depend on the quality of the year’s harvest but customers will be able to request additional servings of the truffle by the gram. The a la carte menu will feature six different dishes including aonori toast with sea urchin and white truffle and black angus rib eye steak with black pepper and soy white truffle as well as desserts including white truffle and cheese pancake soufflé. Dishes will be available from October 11. Level 5&6 Landmark Atrium, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central. zumarestaurant.com
Tide turns for Pacific Rich
Indigo Living x AMMO afternoon tea
Autumn cocktails at Café Gray Bar
Well-known fish expert, Pacific Rich has been supplying restaurateurs and retailers in Hong Kong for over 16 years. Now they have launched an online market which caters to individuals and delivers responsibly sourced seafood straight to your door. The market will include fresh or single frozen sockeye salmon, black cod and tuna. The fish offered will be from fish stock that is allowed to revitalise, survive and grow in order to protect the oceans. Founder of Pacific Rich, Chris Hanselman believes, “The world’s oceans are overfished with many species becoming extinct. The good news is that many countries have implemented legislation to control wild catch fishing and fish stocks are being replenished.” pacificrichresources.com
Luxury hotel The Upper House has much to celebrate this year as enjoys its tenth anniversary. As cooler evenings draw in, Café Gray Bar, famous for its sweeping views of Victoria Harbour has launched an autumn cocktail menu inspired by the season of harvest. Mixologist, Jack Leung, plays boldly with this season’s cocktails, creating robust flavours to welcome the long-awaited breeze. Highlights include Foliage, a refreshing citrus and rum cocktail with chen pi syrup which has been carefully infused over two days and Japanese-inspired Salt of the Earth, a savoury cocktail infused with katsuobushi, mirin, shiitake syrup, sake and vodka. The autumn cocktail series is available until November 30. upperhouse.com expat-parent.com 29
dining
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dining
Anyone for tea? Nicole Slater rounds up classic afternoon teas to enjoy this autumn The Peninsula An oldie but a goldie, the Peninsula afternoon tea has become a classic Hong Kong tradition since the hotel opened its doors in December 1928. Served daily in The Lobby, the set includes a selection of finger sandwiches, home-made afternoon tea pastries and of course, no traditional afternoon tea would be complete without freshly baked raisin scones, clotted cream and organic strawberry preserve. With live music performed daily by The Lobby Strings, you’ll be transported back to the colonial days. Each set is accompanied by tea from The Peninsula Tea Collection. $658 for two. Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. peninsula.com
The Langham Known for their traditional elegance, The Langham’s afternoon tea experience takes place at Palm Court, offering dramatic views of the hotel lobby and homemade teas. From October 1 to November 17, The
Langham has partnered with Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation to bring the Magic Pink Afternoon Tea experience to the hotel. Highlights include salmon and pink grapefruit domes, rose essence lamington cake and pink lady cheesecake. The set is $628 for two with part of the proceeds donated to the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation. Palm Court, The Langham Hong Kong, 8 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. langhamhotels.com
Island Shangri-La Enjoy a relaxing afternoon overlooking tropical gardens with a delicate tea set at the Island Shangrila’s Lobby Lounge. The hotel offers a range of Chinese teas as well as traditional and seasonal options, including this month’s special pink themed afternoon tea set, in support of the Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer Family Registry. The set will include Norwegian smoked salmon and pink cream cheese on spinach bread, raspberry mint tart and raspberry rose flavoured scones. $558 for two with part of the proceeds donated to the charity. Level 6, Pacific Place, Supreme Court Road, Central. shangri-la.com expat-parent.com 31
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dining St. Regis October sees the launch of a new Autumn Afternoon Tea menu at the recently opened St. Regis. Executive Sous-chef Vincent Leroux and Executive Pastry Chef Chad Yamagata offer a classic afternoon tea experience with an iconic Hong Kong twist. Guests can customise their choice of savouries and sweets based on their preference from a dim sum-inspired trolley. Diners select four savoury dishes and four sweet with choices including Parisian sandwiches and sweets such as cherry pistachio and prosecco tart. The menu which bursts with flavours of the season is accompanied by crafted Plantation teas and freshly baked scones. 2/F, The St. Regis Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Drive, Wan Chai. marriott.com
W Hong Kong Indulge your inner chocoholic with the W Hong Kong’s newest afternoon tea set, Confessions Of A Chocoholic. Set in their stylish and sophisticated WOObar, diners can enjoy a selection of Valrhona chocolate delights including dark chocolate soft sponge and coconut tapioca, milk chocolate apple cinnamon tart and white chocolate and strawberry black pepper in puff pastry. For those with an extra sweet tooth, guests can order additional chocolate cocktails and mocktails created by WOObar’s mixologist, Kenzo Lee. The tea set is $638 for two. Level 6, W Hong Kong, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon Station. marriott.com
The Intercontinental Overlooking Hong Kong’s stunning cityscape, The Intercontinental sits pride of place on Victoria Harbour. This October, the five-star hotel will be collaborating with American lifestyle brand Tory Burch to celebrate their newly opened store in
K11. Enjoy five savoury items including gruyere and bacon tartlets and foie gras & chestnut parfait, and four sweet items including Grand Marnier macarons and dark chocolate éclairs. Each tea set is served with homemade plain and raisin scones and Fine Mariage Frères tea or coffee. $688 for two. 18 Salisbury Road, Kowloon. hongkong-ic.intercontinental.com
Estiatorio Keia Hong Kong’s first luxury Greek restaurant has released an exciting Grecian afternoon tea experience, taking inspiration from the Mediterranean. The three-tiered set starts with a take on the classic Greek spinach pie and open salmon sandwiches before moving on to six authentic pastry dishes by Greek celebrity pastry chef Marinos Kosmas. As all afternoon teas should end, the final tier includes a selection of homemade scones accompanied by an assortment of fine teas. $488 for two. 2/F, H Queen’s, 80 Queen’s Road, Central. keia.com.hk expat-parent.com 33
life & style
Be breast assured Charmaine Ng talks to Dr Lorraine Chow, Gleneagles’ specialist in General Surgery
B
reast cancer occurs when a malignant tumour forms in the breast. Although there is currently no consensus as to the exact cause, with cases diagnosed in Hong Kong increasing by 3.5 times in just 13 years, there are precautions that all of us can take to decrease the risk of disease. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we speak with Dr Lorraine Chow, an Honorary Consultant in General Surgery at Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong.
When should women begin screening for breast cancer? Women with no significant family history of cancer should practice self-examination every month, beginning at age 20. Every three years, women should also go for a clinical examination or consider ultrasounds of the breasts so professionals can help detect problems that 34 expat-parent.com
may have been missed, if any. Additionally, mammograms are highly recommended for those above 40 years old, usually done every two years, in order to detect calcification or tumours at an early stage.
•
What type of doctor should we see if we suspect we have breast cancer?
What treatment options are available in Hong Kong?
Any medical practitioner should be able to raise the suspicion of breast cancer and refer the patient to a breast surgeon, who can ensure the patient gets the most appropriate imaging and biopsy to establish diagnosis.
What types of breast cancer are most prevalent in Hong Kong patients? •
86.2 percent is invasive ductal carcinoma of no specified type
• •
1.
2.
3.
78.5 percent of breast carcinoma is positive for oestrogen receptor 19 percent is positive for C-erb B2 score (Her 2 positive) 11.6 percent is triple negative disease
Surgical Treatment, with options including mastectomy, breast conserving therapy or immediate reconstruction. Chemotherapy, a systemic treatment plan for those with higher risk of recurrence. Common side effects including complete hair loss, vomiting, poor immunity, nail pigmentation, numbness in fingertips, fever and more. Radiotherapy, which is given after breast conserving surgery for a lengthy period of at least 4-5 weeks.
life & style breast cancer? Different patients react differently to changes in their body as a result of treatment, for example hair loss or the loss of the breast after mastectomy. Friends and family can learn to listen, be a note taker or become an advocate. Hold off on the advice – simply acknowledge the difficulty of the situation and be there for the patient.
Help others stay breast safe Hong Kong Cancer Fund Pink Revolution Want to help raise awareness of breast cancer or show your support for patients? Hong Kong Cancer Fund’s Pink Revolution fundraising campaign is back this month, offering a range of activities for the whole family. All donations raised go towards the fund’s free breast cancer care services.
Dress Pink Day Don a pink t-shirt and raise awareness on October 18! With a simple donation of $150 or above, participants can sponsor a Pink Recovery Pack for breast cancer patients who have just undergone surgery. Find out more at dresspinkday.com
A 3D mammogram
4.
5.
Hormonal therapy, for those with hormone receptor positive breast cancer. This type of treatment takes place over a 5-10 year duration. Target therapy, a costly but effective treatment to combat Her-2 positive tumours, usually used alongside chemotherapy.
How can we support friends or family members who have
Shop for Pink
Dr Lorraine Chow is an Honorary Consultant in General Surgery at Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong.
Keep the fund’s free breast cancer services going by splurging on all things pink! A variety of exciting vendors such as Zojirushi, Pizza Express and Calvin Klein will be selling unique pink specials with a percentage of the proceeds donated to help breast cancer patients. cancer-fund.org/pink
Maggie & Rose Get your little ones inspired with our creative classes straight from London - it's going to get spooky this Halloween from (date to when) - make super cool spider pies and batwing pizzas in cooking, graduate from the Monster Academy in Make & Make Believe, Get Down With The Ghouls in music class, and make creepy spider hats in the Spider Art Factory, and much more! Round off the scary season with Pollock Pumpkins, where the little ones will get to splat their very own pumpkin! We all know that organizing a child’s birthday party is time consuming, messy and stressful! Our dedicated party team will design a party around your chosen theme. Every whim is taken care of, so all you have to do is turn up and enjoy your day.
We're not just about the kids. Grown-ups can have their own parties and corporate events at Maggie & Rose with spaces for weddings, dinners, workshops and more, with bespoke food and alcoholic drinks menus! Email us at events@maggieandrose.com for details. 301 The Pulse, 2 8 Beach Road Repulse Bay Tel 2638 7191 308 & 311 Lee Garden Two 28 Yun Ping Road, Causeway Bay Tel 2337 7571 info@maggieandrose.com.hk
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HK Baby News Autumnal wardrobe on point
hk baby
New baby must-haves Editor and first time mum-to-be Becky Love prepares for her new arrival
French fashion house, Bonpoint celebrates its most cherished signature prints and colours with the launch of its Autumn/ Winter 2019 collection. For the coming season, designers have focused on four key elements; Electro Pop, Arizona Dream, Jane & Serge, and Couture to create a diverse collection of stylish back-to-school outfits. bonpoint.com
#ittasteslikelove OT&P Family Clinic have recently opened their doors to all Hong Kong mums out and about and looking for a comfortable space to breastfeed. Their recently launched #ittasteslikelove campaign invites mums to use the space in their clinics to rest and feed their little ones, regardless of whether they are a patient or not. OT&P operates clinics across Central, Repulse Bay and Clearwater Bay. otandp.com
Going dotty for cheongsams Hong Kong-based cheongsam fashion brand, Yi-Ming, stylishly mixes traditional Eastern culture with polka dots in their latest maternity collection. Designer Grace Choi has designed the maternity cheongsam as a “Wrap n Go Dress” to be worn throughout pregnancy and after. The series features traditional Chinese cheongsams in delicate fabrics, complementing colours and of course, polka dots. yi-ming.asia
All things Mommylicious Website Mommylicious Club launched in June, offering baby products from around the world. They strive to provide unique items for little ones, including essentials, feeding products, toys, toiletries and home safety products. Mommylicious will also be offering prenatal seminars, confinement lessons and sharing groups for mums and their babies. Founder Victoria Wu says, “I wanted to create a platform to share useful products for raising a child with other mums.” mommyliciousclub.com
Now that the little one has arrived, I’m shopping for things which I’ve realised we could do with having. Aside from needing a constant supply of nappies and muslins to hand, there are a few bigger items that will make a difference. Thankfully, Mothercare in Prince’s Building in Central is nice and close to us, so I can take baby for a walk or order online if we’re not feeling up to it. We also still have a few more things on our wish list that we can pick up from the Not Too Big Mega Baby Expo later this year.
Purchased The Ergobaby Omni 360 Carrier is both easy to use and comfy for carrying the little one whilst out and about or even for some hands-free time at home. It can be used for newborns all the way to toddlers and comes in various colours, including a blue daisy pattern. For soothing the baby whilst giving weary arms a rest, the 4moms mamaRoo 4.0 ticks all the boxes. It has built-in sounds, different motions for rocking the little one, a toy mobile and can be controlled via Bluetooth.
Not Too Big Mega Baby Expo Wish List To help improve the quality and length of sleep, the Cocoonababy is a gentle transition from the womb to the outside world. It encourages all-round development as well as limiting gastric reflux and the risk of ‘flat head syndrome’.
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hk baby
Baby on the beach Amelia Sewell, mum-of-two and meticulous organiser on travelling with tots in tow
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he arrival of a baby forces a rethink of even the most basic habits and none more so than holidays. The guide books about trekking in the Himalayas can gather dust for the moment: adventure has to take a back seat for now - your new holiday paradigm centres around maximising relaxation and minimising drama. We’ve got lots of wonderful Southeast Asian holiday destinations on our doorstep but before booking there are a few things to consider. Here’s a handy little list of some of the main ones.
Getting there I used to actually look forward to flights but the past is a different place and things are done very differently there. Once you have small children, flights become an exercise in survival so the less time you can spend in the air the better. Flight times suddenly become deal breakers so see our helpful box for a breakdown of nearby holiday hotspots with direct flights from Hong Kong. Some destinations require a connecting flight or long transfer which you may want to rethink with a baby in tow. Lombok, the Gilis, Langkawi, Palawan/El Nido and Boracay fall into this bracket.
Accommodation The main thing that changed once our first child arrived was the type of accommodation we needed. Babies tend to nap a lot. And even if they don’t nap, in hot countries they often need to stay inside. However, the idea of a good holiday is usually not one where you fly to a beautiful place only to spend large chunks of daylight hours holed up in a dark, air conditioned hotel room while the baby sleeps or keeps cool. Therefore I would recommend three options. 1.
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Rent a private villa so you have more space to do other things while the baby snoozes. Airbnb in Phuket and Bali have a particularly impressive selection, even the smaller two bedroom ones with private pools.
2.
Find a hotel with rooms that have direct access straight from the terrace into the pool. This means you can sit on the balcony or have a dip while still being nearby. The Mai Samui in Koh Samui, the Hard Rock in Langkawi or the COMO Uma Canggu in Bali are just some examples.
3.
The hybrid of both of those things is a hotel that has private villas as part of the
resort. The Aleenta in Phuket does this brilliantly. The major advantage to this type of accommodation is that you can use the hotel facilities and restaurants like other guests but have an extra level of privacy and space.
Babysitters and nannies Many hotels are able to organise babysitters so that the grown ups can go out for dinner or enjoy a massage in peace. However, we recently stayed at a big name hotel where we were told a new company policy was not to do this, so do check in advance.
Baby supplies I love holidaying in Thailand for many reasons and one is the knowledge that there is a Boots on every corner. All hail baby wipes, sunscreen and nappy cream all under one roof and at a reasonable price! But even better than that, Phuket has a number of companies that rent out key baby kit. Sterilisers, baby gates, jumperoos and monitors are all available and they’re inexpensive. Most places in Bali are similarly set up. A quick Google will let you know if your intended destination has the same. If you’re no longer breastfeeding, give some thought to food - Bali is also user friendly for buying formula but ready-made baby food is a struggle. Japan is a culinary delight for most
hk baby Kids Club If you are staying in a hotel or resort and have older children to consider as well, a good kids club will be vital. Thankfully there are heaps of these on offer in this part of the world such as the Shangri-la Singapore which has an indoor and outdoor play space for children. Check at what age children are allowed to be unaccompanied (often it is over the age of
Flight times from Hong Kong
four). Some are able to provide a nanny at extra cost to look after those who don’t meet the unaccompanied age requirement.
Under 2 hours
Facebook groups
• • •
If in doubt about where to go, when, which hotel and what the food is like - ask. The Hong Kong parental Facebook groups are second to none for getting answers to questions. Someone will definitely have been there, done that and got the t-shirt.
Sanya Da Nang/Hoi An Hanoi
Under 3 hours • • • •
Okinawa Cebu Chiang Mai Kota Kinabulu
Under 4 hours credit: Shangri-la Singapore kids club
adults but when weaning a picky baby, it can be a challenge. If in doubt, fly with supplies.
• • •
Phuket Koh Samui Sentosa/Singapore
Under 5 hours •
Bali/Denpasar
Under 6 hours •
Sri Lanka
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Canadian International School of Hong Kong
education
CDNIS welcomes a new head of school and installs solar panels. Amelia Sewell reports
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here’s no rest for the wicked - or the Canadians apparently who had a busy summer making major renovations to their campus.
New year, new leadership And there’s certainly no rest for Dr. Jane Camblin, the new head of school at Canadian International School of Hong Kong (CDNIS). British by birth, she has arrived in Hong Kong in August after leading international schools in New York and San Francisco. A French and Russian speaker, it would be hard to find a better-qualified educator. Four degrees, two fellowships and a member of numerous educational boards, her global understanding of international schools is unparalleled.
Planning for the future
And she has thrown herself straight into the deep end, setting to work on her own vision for CDNIS whilst also honouring the school’s threeyear strategic plan which she inherited. The strategic plan is an ambitious upgrade programme for each phase of the campus; reimagining, redesigning and reinvesting in this corner of Wong Chuk Hang that CDNIS has called home for twenty years. The focus, Camblin explains, is on “futureready learning”. It will see the development of flexible spaces, allowing rooms to be opened up for teamwork and collaboration. It will also contribute towards their aim to be a greener and more environmentally responsible school.
This summer the main focus was on the EYE (Early Years Environment), which houses the three and four-year-olds from Pre Reception and Reception classes. Following the Reggio Emilia ethos, CDNIS has reimagined the entire early years teaching space to allow for greater flexibility. Creating a central area and movable walls, the space now encourages young minds to make the most of their natural desire to roam and explore. Camblin uses the term “free-ranging”, allowing the children to go between common areas, outside space and smaller classrooms, experimenting with different stimuli. “The focus of a lot of discussion around early childhood education has been about experiential learning. You provide children with all kinds of wonderful opportunities to touch, to move and to collaborate. It’s about team building and socialising,” she says.
CDNIS from above
Those familiar with the Leo Lee Art Centre at CDNIS will remember a large, red architecturally impressive structure that stood over the top of the building. Whilst it is attractive, it served no practical purpose. But it does now. Now it bears the weight of 261 solar panels, another 88 adorne the Lower School roof for a total of 349, the second biggest installation of its kind in Hong Kong after Ocean Park. “We’re looking at many different ways we can achieve as close as possible to zero-carbon emissions and this is one part of the initiative,” Camblin explains.
Solar, so good The second part of the summer redevelopment was the quite literally dazzling solar farm. expat-parent.com 41
education
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education The school anticipates that investing in the solar farm will reduce its carbon footprint by over 85 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year. Not only that, but the students will benefit from the incorporation of the solar farm into the curriculum. The school is currently awaiting the arrival of computers that will monitor how much energy has been generated and where it has been used. So that was what kept them busy over the summer, but what about the plans for the coming year?
Rigorous education One of the major curriculum changes that the school is launching for the next academic year is a restructuring of the MYP programme. Currently a four year model from Grades 7 to 10, CDNIS will move it to five by finishing the PYP at Grade 5 and making Grade 6 the first year of the MYP. This is to bring the school into line with international schools around the world, giving a junior, middle and high school structure. An extra class will also be added into Grade 6, making it a new entry point for the school. The motivation behind this rearrangement is so that, earlier in their academic career, students will learn to adapt to the changes that come with progressing through the school; the notion of more teachers, moving around more often and different blocks of time. Camblin says, “I know the word rigour can be used in many different ways, sometimes a little controversial, but in a positive sense, that is part of the purpose behind this change - a
Enjoying a swimming lesson
little more challenge, a little more understanding of the developmental age of a middle years student.”
The best of two cultures With 1,800 students, CDNIS is a big school, and it is not unusual for a pupil to see their entire schooling through here. Last year, 18 students did just that, graduating 15 years after first arriving. And on average, 50 percent of graduates have been enrolled since Grade 1.
But whilst the student numbers are large, it doesn’t necessarily feel like a big school. What it does feel like is a wonderful blend of its environment. The main school atrium feels a little like a Canadian mountain lodge with its high ceilings and vast wooden beams. And the large mural by the sports pitch celebrating the CDNIS Timberwolves is undeniably North American. But perched on the edge of Wong Chuk Hang with stunning views of the water (ones presumably the students never fully appreciate until after they leave), you can’t forget that you’re in Hong Kong. The Asian influence is also celebrated in the Chinese Cultural Centre, a wonderful tribute to the school’s setting and an excellent resource for Mandarin with classrooms, library, gallery and performance area. Mandarin is taught from Pre Reception with French brought in at Grade 7 (soon to be Grade 6). The current strategic plan is well on the way to fruition so expect to hear more in the coming years about further enterprising projects that push CDNIS further into the international arena. A school of this size and standing is rightly ambitious and Jane Camblin is clearly a head who expects her pupils and staff to operate not just from a local viewpoint but also a global one. Canadian International School of Hong Kong is located at 36 Nam Long Shan Road, Wong Chuk Hang. cdnis.edu.hk
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education Dr Jane Camblin
parents and supporters, and a great opportunity to harness the unique strengths of our IB and Ontario programmes that set our school apart.
Tell us some of the things that are in the pipeline for CDNIS?
Are there any other schools that you take inspiration from?
We’re currently working as a leadership team on enhancing our whole school focus on future-ready learning and facilities improvement to support best practice, such as more flexible spaces, opening up places for teamwork, and bringing light into the classrooms and hallways. We recently recruited a new Vice Principal to assist as we redesign the transition years in Grades 6, 7 and 8 for 2020, including the creation of more age appropriate spaces. We’ve also hired a school-wide Coordinator of Local and Global Engagement who will work to position the school both in the local community and globally, with an emphasis on outreach and Service Learning. We will continue to lead some of the interesting international conversations around the use of digital technology, maker spaces and robotics through a continuation of our exciting school-wide Project Innovate!
At the United Nations International School in New York, where I was Executive Director, we were all inspired by the values of the United Nations Charter and the notion that a better, more just, more compassionate world is possible. It is a school that supports a peace agenda, a social justice agenda, and a human rights agenda. I remain inspired by that school’s mission, and was delighted to find that at CDNIS, student club activities are designed in support of the 17 United Nations Sustainability Goals for the future, so I feel right at home!
PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE
What are some of the biggest challenges for school children today? School children everywhere are experiencing increased levels of stress. There’s a great deal of pressure to succeed placed on them by themselves, their parents, their school’s academic milestones and the pervasiveness of social media. At CDNIS we believe in fostering a balanced perspective to life, and provide mindfulness and wellness programmes designed to help students manage their emotions, their peer relationships, and their reactions to adversity and challenges.
What are your aims for your tenure at CDNIS? I’ll seek to build on the strengths of CDNIS and to position the school as a strong provider of professional development opportunities in the region and beyond. We’ll host a number of international conferences and workshops, lead from the front in terms of our strong sustainability initiatives, and aim to come close to a zerocarbon footprint. As our 30th anniversary is fast approaching, this is also a time to build community, bring back our alums, past
Dr DrJane Jane Camblin Camblin
How does an international school education in Hong Kong fare in comparison to other global cities? I’ve been in Hong Kong for only a few weeks, but have already been impressed by the consistently high calibre of well-resourced international schools in the region. Parents have a great deal of international programme choices all around the city, and a very efficient set of transportation options, but as in other densely populated areas, there is also a tremendous amount of competition for seats. I have found a warm welcome and a great deal of friendly collaboration among the international school heads here, which makes for a better experience for everyone.
Where are you off to next on your travels? After a quick stop in San Francisco to pick up some suitcases, I’ll travel to Malaysia for the EARCOS (East Asia Regional Council of Schools) leadership conference at the end of October. After that, I’ll be on the teacher recruitment trail in London in January.
Any good recent book recommendations? A book called From the Land of the Green Ghosts by Pascal Khoo Thwe. It’s a moving autobiography by a young Burmese man who became a student at Cambridge University. It details his serendipitous journey from the forests of Burma to the formalities of British academia, and, seen through his eyes, shows how truly challenging the experience was. expat-parent.com 45
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autumn camps
Autumn activities
Nicole Cooley rounds up the best October half-term camps for tots and teens YWCA International Kids Club
ESF Sports
YCWA are offering a wide variety of activities to keep kids aged three to 10 busy this October half term. From drama with Helen O’Grady Drama Academy to comic illustration, cooking to science, and even fun with phonics, there’s something for every scamp to learn whilst having plenty of fun! Classes run from October 8 to 11, times and prices vary. clle.ywca.org.hk
For fun activities to engage your kids in this October half-term, look no further than ESF Sports. Classes run mostly in the mornings and there is something for everyone with gymnastics, tennis, swimming, football, and basketball. Camps run from October 8 to 11 at various locations. esf.org.hk/camps
Faust’s Mid-Term Holiday Programmes From October 8-11, Faust are heading to the jungle through creative writing and drama workshops for kids aged 4-12. Get the safari gear out and encourage the little ones to immerse themselves in the jungle life. Play in a Day is a unique experience where kids can put on their very own performance in one day; on October 5 they will stage Pinocchio. faustworld.com
ActiveKids Hong Kong
Keep the kids active with a whole range of camps for ages three all the way up to 17. Choices include hands-on science, chess, robotics and coding, arts and craft, and cooking. To prepare the kids for Halloween, sign up for the fashion camp for kids to design their very own Halloween costume! Camps run from October 8-12 and 21-25. activekidshk.com
HK Dragons Football Camp For little ones who are football fanatics, this is the camp to sign up for! From October 8 to 11 in Discovery Bay, Pui O and Stanley, the kids will be exhausted after running around and kicking off energy, as well as mastering the fundamental values of teamwork, fair play and competitive spirit. For ages three and above. dragons.hk expat-parent.com 47
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autumn camps Causeway Bay location. maggieandrose.com.hk
First Code Academy For beginners to advanced coders, First Code Academy will be running camps from October 2 to 25. Kids aged four and above can learn the ins and outs of robotics, Lego Mindstorms, Minecraft modelling, AppJamming and more! hk.firstcodeacademy.com
Koding Kingdom Specialising in technology and multimedia
Maggie & Rose Get spooky with Maggie and Rose’s Halloween timetable which runs from October 21 to November 1. Little terrors, aged six months to eight years can run wild in these
arts and crafts, cooking Make & Make Believe and music classes! Members can head to Repulse Bay to make the most of Maggie & Rose’s much-envied spot at The Pulse, whilst non-members are welcome to join at their
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design, Koding Kingdom provides coding courses for students aged four to 12. Between October 8 and 25, kids can refine their skills in computer science or just have a good time learning some new cool tech including robotics and Virtual Reality. kodingkingdom.com
Complete Deelite Founded by experienced cake decorator, Jacinta Yu, Complete Deelite offers a range of hands-on workshops for ages six and above. Kids can get creative with ghoulishly delicious treats and monster surprises from
October 7 to 25. completedeelite.com
Hong Kong Institute of Languages Hong Kong Institute of Languages, a registered education centre of 34 years, is offering a fun and engaging way to learn a foreign language. Courses are available for children ages 3-12 in seven languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese and Japanese, from foundation to advanced, as well as mother tongue support. The school also offers customised language courses for the whole
family and provides face to face teaching with qualified native teachers. Small group classes and private lessons are available. hklanguages.com
Minisport HK Minisport camps help children aged two-anda-half to nine years old develop a love for sports whilst making new friends and happy memories. Sports including tennis, football, basketball, rugby, yoga, athletics as well as other fun activities such as treasure hunts and sandcastle building will be on offer. Morning and afternoon camps from October 8 to 24 will take place at West Island School, Victoria Park, Tseung Kwan O, West Kowloon, and Repulse Bay. sportsclassesforkidshk.com
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what’s up, doc?
Hard to swallow ENT Specialist Dr SK Ng focuses on the salivary glands
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any would be surprised to learn that we produce 0.5 to 1.5 liters of saliva every day. The saliva produced by the salivary glands flows along the salivary duct and reaches the oral cavity. Saliva is important in a number of ways. It moistens and lubricates food to allow smooth swallowing. Saliva also contains an enzyme which is vital to the digestive process. In addition, it has a mild antiseptic function that is very important in maintaining oral hygiene. Equally important, saliva keeps the mouth continuously moist which is imperative for comfort and speech.
Saliva production Saliva is mainly produced by three major pairs of salivary glands; the parotid glands, located behind the jaw, the submandibular glands which are found under the jaw and the sublingual glands, located under the tongue. In addition, hundreds of tiny salivary glands are located within the mucous membrane of the mouth, nose and throat and contribute to a small portion of salivary production.
Associated diseases Salivary gland diseases include functional disturbance, tumors and obstructive ductal
1. Stone within the salivary duct
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diseases. Salivary hypofunction causes a dry mouth and dental problems and is usually a result of systemic problems that will affect all of the salivary glands. Common causes include, dehydration, adverse effects of drugs and radiotherapy treatment for head and neck cancer. Another less-common disease is Sjogren syndrome, whereby the body mistakenly produces antibodies against its own salivary and lacrimal tissue. Tumors can also affect the salivary glands, while the majority of these are benign, some are cancerous. Most require surgical excision for definitive diagnosis. Obstructive ductal problems are mainly caused by salivary ductal stones and narrowing. At times, the salivary flow at the duct is blocked which causes a backflow of saliva to the glands. Symptoms include recurrent painful salivary gland swelling associated with eating. We are not entirely sure what causes the formation of stones, but they appear to be associated with dehydration and factors such as drugs which reduce salivary flow. Treatment for this can be minimally invasive, often open surgery can be avoided. With the advancement of technology, we are better equipped to deal with the variety of diseases than ever before.
2. Stone captured by a basket
Dr Siu-Kwan NG (吳少君醫生) is a Hong Kong-based ENT Specialist
Nowadays... patients can be treated in a minimally invasive manner.
3. Stone taken out
travel
COMBINING LUXURY WITH GORILLA CONSERVATION IN RWANDA
Travel news
Singita recently opened the luxurious Kwitonda Lodge & Kataza House located on the edge of the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. The area which is home to onethird of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, is a popular trekking destination. The property is located less than 10 minutes from the park headquarters and Singita is committed to the conservation of the endangered mountain gorilla population, contributing to extensive reforestation initiatives in the region. The lodge offers eight beautiful suites and Kataza House is an exclusive haven with four suites. Programmes on offer include observing the gorillas in their natural habitat as well as golden monkey walks, a local community tour and wellness programmes including a variety of spa treatments, yoga and meditation. singita. com
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travel
Travel news HALLOWEEN JOKER FUNLAND ON WORLD DREAM Enjoy a spooktacular weekend of fun on the high seas as Dream Cruises debuts it’s Halloween Joker Funland. As well as the many amenities on board the 150,000-ton ship, guests can also enjoy special themed events. Dress up in your best clown attire at the “Joker’s Night” Halloween Party, hunt for sweets at the Halloween Trick-or-Treat Adventure, get your glam on with some Halloween face painting and enjoy spooky games throughout the journey. The weekend includes a two-night stay starting from $841 per person for groups of four. The Halloween experience is available from October 27 to November 2. dreamcruiseline.com
SHANGRI-LA WINS BEST BUSINESS HOTEL BRAND IN ASIA-PACIFIC
honoured and humbled to be recognised by international business travellers. Their continued vote of confidence means a lot to us. We thank them for making Shangri-La Hotels their home while travelling the world.” shangri-la.com
The Shangri-La has proudly been awarded the Best Business Hotel Brand in Asia-Pacific for the 18th consecutive year at the Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Awards 2019. The hotel group has over 80 deluxe hotels and resorts and is renowned for its distinctive Asian hospitality. President and Chief Operating Officer, Oliver Bonke, commented, “We are
ROSEWOOD BLOOMS SKY HIGH
history into the hotel’s design. rosewoodhotels.com/guangzhou
WINTER SAVINGS IN NISEKO Niseko is an enchanting pocket of Japan with a growing reputation as a must-visit family destination for adults, and children of all ages. Natural beauty abounds in every season but it is the winter snow storms, dumping an abundance of light and dry snow that cause the masses to descend on the powder mecca of Asia. To experience the breathtaking winter conditions, Hokkaido Tracks Resort Properties are offering 15 percent off select properties in February and March 2020, exclusively for Expat Parent readers. Book before November 30, 2019 and mention #ExpatHTRP to discuss dates and properties. booking@hokkaidotracks.com
A ‘mansion in the sky’, Rosewood Guangzhou opened its doors in September, becoming the world’s tallest five-star hotel. Located in the Greater Bay Area, the hotel sits in the top 39 storeys of the seventh tallest building in the world, the 108-storey CTF Finance Centre. The ultra-luxury hotel features 251 guestrooms and 355 Rosewood Residences, as well as seven food and beverage venues, The Manor Club, and A Rosewood Spa. Each Rosewood hotel reflects the brand’s philosophy of A Sense of Place and Rosewood Guangzhou is no different, choosing to fuse the city’s industrious expat-parent.com 55
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travel
Celebrations on high Enjoy a luxury staycation at The Upper House as it turns 10
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he Upper House Hong Kong needs no introduction. Now in its tenth year of operation, the highly individualised luxury hotel remains one of the city’s best. Award-winning architect and interior designer AndrÊ Fu took on the design of The Upper House, transforming the space and redefining the concept of modern luxury. Since then, he has gone on to create a series of internationally recognised projects of all scales around the world.
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Fancy a staycation this autumn? The Upper House is currently running three promotions. First up is this month’s exclusive October Delight package. Guests can book their stay for a special rate of $4,100 per room per night, which comes with complimentary breakfast for two in Café Gray Deluxe and $500 house credit. Bookings from Friday through Sunday can enjoy two room category upgrades with early check-in from 12pm and late checkout until 6pm. For those who won’t be able to make it this October, there’s no need to fret – The Upper House has two more
packages to enjoy. To celebrate their tenth anniversary, the luxury hotel is running the #OUR10YEARJOURNEY room package until the end of the year. Guests can choose from a selection of curated excursions led by a highly experienced in-house team who will show you around Hong Kong highlighting the sights, sounds and smells our city has to offer. To top it off, The Upper House is also offering a special Wellness Retreat promotion. In need of a spa or a good ol’ massage? You can now rejuvenate body and mind with an array of pampering experiences and exclusive amenities from
British wellness brand, Bamford. The package is available for those who stay for two consecutive nights or more. The Upper House, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty. upperhouse.com
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marketplace
To advertise, email talk@hongkongliving.com or call 2776 2772.
marketplace
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two little dumplings
Big days, little victories Our busy mum-of-two is awash with responsibilities
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his time of year used to be so different. In the days of being a penniless student with no responsibilities, it was full of late summer parties where we drank cheap cava and discussed how impossible it was to make lectures that started before 11am. When I lived in London during my twenties, it was the season for last-minute holidays to Europe. We would spend our days lying around pools discussing highbrow politics or lowbrow gossip. And we would spend nights at the local karaoke bar, butchering 80s power ballads. They were carefree times. But now – mid-thirties and the mother of a preschooler – there are no more carefree times. Instead, this is the season when I find myself in Bookazine giving alarming levels of importance to the debate about which animal-shaped backpack better suits my child’s needs. That’s after a frantic midnight bash through the Stuck On You website, panic purchasing personalised labels because I forgot to order them when the school first suggested it back in June. What has happened to me? Where is the cheap cava? Who turned off the karaoke machine? And most confusingly, what is it about parenthood that requires me to be in Bookazine at least twice a week? This is my son’s first year of preschool. As absolutely every parent knows, this is a stage in life that is infinitely more traumatic for the mother than it is for the child. These might be big days for little people but they are also bigger days for big people. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the last time I felt this level of anxiety was during the closing scenes of the Night Manager. And the only thing I consider more terrifying than Hugh Laurie as a psychopath is the idea that no one will play with my child. But that wasn’t my only worry; I have also had sleepless nights about the bus. Putting toddlers unaccompanied on a bus 64 expat-parent.com
Our columnist is a mumof-two and meticulous organiser. She lives in Hong Kong. appears to be a pretty unique Hong Kong habit and I needed convincing that it wasn’t reckless parenting. Eventually, I signed up. (Though I very nearly chucked the forms in the bin again when the nice lady at the bus company informed me of the cost; best summed up as eye-watering). I also went into semi-meltdown when
I discovered that, as my son’s birthday fell on only the second day of term, I needed to provide cupcakes for the entire class. Whipping up 18 cupcakes on day two felt like a pretty unfair test of my parenting skills. My husband tried to reassure me that it wasn’t a competition (though I suspect he meant it wasn’t a competition I was going to win). But the thing that terrified me the most about my son starting preschool was the fact that I was pretty convinced he would not bother to tell his teacher when he needed the loo. In our household, potty training had been a pained and unhygienic time for everyone involved, not least the washing machine. Even now that he has bought in on the concept, it is only ever with roughly an 80 percent success rate. The other 20 percent of the time he is having too much fun to hear either the call of nature or his nagging mother (selective deafness being one domestic skill that he has perfected). In the run-up to starting preschool we had many, many conversations about the importance of telling his teacher when he wanted to pee. Each time, he nodded earnestly but always in the same noncommittal, no-eye-contact way his father does when I ask him to do a small chore. So I knew we were destined for failure. I packed him off on that first day with a spare set of clothes in his bag and hoped that wherever he was when he forgot he needed to wee, that the embarrassment would be short-lived and the floor moppable. In motherhood, the victories are often small but the feeling of achievement can be gargantuan. Watching as your child happily clambers aboard the school bus without even looking back is a victory. Rustling up 18 cupcakes that don’t put anyone in the Queen Mary also feels like a triumph. But I can confirm that the sweetest victory of all is when your three-year-old returns home from school wearing exactly the same shorts that you put him in that morning. Someone pass me the cheap cava.
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