It’s a New Year and Chloe Janssen is starting it as a new mom in a new city. She is an expat, a software engineer, and prior to moving with her husband and new son to Beijing a month ago had lived in Hong Kong, Canada, England, The US, and the Netherlands. I asked Janssen to share her fresh perspectives on the Jing and her hopes for her new life and family here.
JKI: What has been the best thing about arriving in Beijing?
CJ: The big change and all the new things to do. I felt I had explored so much of New York and the US that I was getting restless, and we really wanted a change of scenery. We moved to the Netherlands, however, I was more excited than my husband. Now we have Beijing and the whole of China to explore. Also for me, the endless number of tea places!
JKI: What has been the biggest culture shock so far?
CJ: The physical proximity between people. I understand everything moves quickly in China, but there is no ‘collectively understood minimal distance between people rule’ here. I was surprised that people would come extremely close to you, or walk between me and whomever I was speaking with at the moment, or how they would approach my baby and touch him before I could react. Of course, there is also the neverending unsolicited advice of ‘your baby is cold’.
JKI: A new baby is a challenge all its own. What has been the most difficult part of having an infant in Beijing?
CJ: Little steps without a ramp alternative everywhere and a lack of baby changing tables in bathrooms. Public transport is hit or miss, as some stations only have stairs. As Beijing is now freezing, it’s no longer feasible to change my baby on top of a rock in a park. However, most toilets in malls or museums do not have changing tables. When I’m alone pushing my baby in a stroller, I find it difficult to venture too far or explore on foot.
JKI: The most rewarding part of having a baby here?
CJ: He is the best conversation starter!
JKI: How are you building a social network?
CJ: I’ve met other moms in the building I’m currently living in, through different expat groups, and fitness classes.
JKI: How are you taking care of yourself through this transition?
CJ: A nice bath every day, and a lot of self care. I also try to exercise 2-3 times a week.
JKI: What have been your best resources for places to go so far?
CJ: Dianping, and recommendations from friends.
JKI: What do you hope 2022 brings for you and your family?
CJ: Stability, and perhaps one more baby?
Welcome JanssenFamily, We are happy you are here 
KEEP READING:22 Things That Beijing Expats Are Wishing for in 2022
Images: Chloe Janssen
