Singapore Expats

Help, there seems to be a raft of things to do but where do I start, my wife and daughter are coming from the UK very soon, we were living in the countryside and the city seems very daunting. Where does a mother and a 22 month go to meet like minded people and does any one have any good suggestions of things to do ? I need to get organised for thier arrival... thanks in advance

Have you bothered do to a search of the threads here in this forum? The search function works a treat.

It's really good your asking this question and shows you care. There is heaps for them to do here and it would be best to get them involved in either community work or in employment. Singapore has a lot of vices for idle hands and can be quite mind numbing. What do they like to do?

The other issue is that Singapore work ethic will tie you to the office (that doesn't mean you will do any more work - search some threads for that debate) if you let it so try and keep to your normal work hours routine and spend time with them.

There are any number of "mothers" groups where expat wives meet up and socialise. A search of the internet should find a couple to start off with. Another option is to join the society for your nationality as they will have such events.
Cheers
Kim

There is the British Association of Singapore and they now have a facebook page. Your wife can meet loads of people and that way its an easier way to settle in.

British Association of Singapore (also known as BA) and they a very friendly bunch.

Oliver, we're from the UK ourselves actually and have been living in Singapore for about a year now. My wife and I have a 2 year old daughter and she's had good fun in the last year doing a few things with us during the week and on the weekends. A few things to have a shot at: Botanical Gardens (more specifically the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden) is a lovely place to spend a couple of hours in the sandpit, treehouse and water bit etc. Singapore Zoo is a really nice, family-friendly place to visit and spend the day seeing the animals in a very open and inviting environment with a great eating place and a small waterpark for her to splash around in and cool off. You can meet parents and let your daughter play with other kids at 'Grace Kids' in the Great World City shopping centre near River Valley - we like it a lot and it's got a lot of different classes and activities to do. Good luck and all the best

Oliver,

I'm relatively new to Singapore and have a 2 year old daughter at home with me, I would be happy to meet up with your wife and daughter when they arrive. Just pm me and we can exchange contact details.

Hello Oliver,
I'm in a similar position to your wife: recently relocated; two young kids; no routine; husband working long hours. While we've enjoyed seeing kid-friendly tourist attractions, now I just want some scheduled weekly activities so that I don't have to plan things for every day of the week.

I've just taken a package of classes offered by Gymboree at Tanglin Mall. They run toddler classes called 'play and learn', as well as music and art/craft classes. I know this is weird, but I think we're staying at the same place and have spoken at breakfast. I've got some brochures on Gymboree I can give you if you're interested (they don't seem to have a website).

Regards,
Kate

PS: I'm curious about these vices that can entrap non-working mothers in Singapore! I wonder if one is 'loitering with children at coin-operated rides in shopping malls (without paying for a ride)'...

Kate, I understand that another vice is hanging around at the Early Learning Centres without buying any toys...

Guilty of that one too - have even accepted ELC balloons for fractious kids and then left without buying.

By the way, if you're after toys there's a wonderful shop in Tanglin Mall near Starbucks. Just look for the window filled with rocking horses and dolls houses...

thanks Kate, we'll check that out...! know exactly what you mean about the balloons, guilty as charged