The Hellqvist family is multicultural to the core. Dad, Niclas, is a Swedish Viking, mom Angela is a subdued Chinese Tiger Mom, and their 16-year-old daughter Emily grew up in Beijing, who is currently a student at the French International School of Beijing (LFIP) with plans to return to the US this fall. The Hellqvist family treats each other as equals, so the family dynamic often feels akin to living with siblings or best friends. They love to joke around and they never back down from a little friendly competition.
The family’s favorite place to eat is Jazz-ya. The restaurant has so much variety that the first time they went, it took them 20 minutes just to narrow down what they wanted to try. For a span of about two years, they would go almost every weekend… until they moved to another area in Beijing.
Dad’s favorite thing about mom is her dedication and determination to provide a great upbringing for Emily, and of course, her delicious home-cooked meals.
Emily’s favorite thing about living in Beijing is the food! There’s just an endless amount of variety and good food to try. They have a running joke in the family that even though Emily is Swedish by blood, her appetite will forever and always be authentically Chinese.
Mom’s favorite thing about Emily is that she knows what she wants out of life and will do everything in her power to achieve her dreams – even if it means sacrificing short-term happiness for long-term success.
Mom’s favorite thing about dad is his dedication to the family and how he wholeheartedly supports her passions and is her biggest cheerleader.
Three words to describe the Hellqvist family: Supportive, comical, and loving.
The family’s favorite thing to do together is travel and eat good food. Almost every pre-Covid vacation that was longer than a week was spent overseas in different countries eating authentic traditional foods. Simply put, they’re a family of adventurous foodies.
Photo: Courtesy of Emily Hellqvist
This article appeared in the jingkids 2021 May issue
