They say it takes a village to raise a child. Well, in this day and age, that proverbial village is on your phone in the form of WeChat groups. If you’ve thought it, there’s probably a group out there filled with people asking on the same topic. And, being away from your home country and navigating this new adventure called parenthood, a few trusty WeChat groups can go a long way.
You’ll find tried and tested parenting hacks for tantrums, good wholesome advice on parenting, answers for things like what a questionable rash on your baby’s back might be, second-hand kids’ clothes and toys, playdates, pediatrician recommendations, teething help, and info on basically everything else that life throws your way.
From the jingkids team, here are the parenting WeChat groups that we highly recommend every parent in Beijing to become a part of. Essentially, find your tribe.
Jingkids Parenting in Beijing
This one is a general interest discussion group for parenting in Beijing. It’s a great place to ask others for their parenting input, get real reviews on schools, camps, hospitals, etc., and be your go-to place for questions regarding your family and kids.
How: Add WeChat ID TBJHelper and ask to join
Beijing Parenting and Beyond
Truly one of the more useful groups on WeChat. Admins are long-term Beijing residents, and you can find all you need from pet supplies to medical referrals to location pins.
How: Add WeChat ID jackiepark_ and ask to join BP&B
Jingkids BJ Kids & Family Events
Instead of being bombarded by every event happening in Beijing, this one is only for events that are suitable for families. Every Wednesday, jingkids will also send out a WeChat post in this group with a list of family-friendly events taking place in the next two weeks that we’ve compiled.
How: Add WeChat ID TBJHelper and ask to be added to the family events group.
Family Events Only Jingkids
Although many groups combine events and advice, this group is run by our founder, Mike Wester, and sticks strictly to events that kids can attend. This way you don’t have to comb through event posters and decipher via Google Translate if that tea tasting requires a babysitter or if you can take the kids.
How: WeChat mwinchina and ask to join the Events group
Beijing Dads Group
Don’t forget the Dads! Although all parents are welcome into most of these groups, it must be nice to have a spot where dads can let loose. From what I hear, it’s a lot of memes but also quite good discussions and help when needed.
How: WeChat mwinchina and ask to join the Dads group
Third Culture Kids Parenting
Raising a mixed-culture kid is no easy task. Here you’ll find other parents in the same boat as you, in a space where you can share your experiences and ask for advice.
How: Add mwinchina to join
Family Fun in Beijing
This group is another helpful resource for family-related questions in Beijing, or to share your helpful advice for anyone looking to navigate the city.
How: Add WeChat ID Amelie 1 and ask to join
Bumps2Babes Beijing
This group is for parents and soon-to-be parents where you can ask questions without judgment on anything baby-related. This group also has smaller sub-groups broken down by the age of your children. Ask the admin to be added to those.
How: Add WeChat ID Rafae1 and ask to join
Teething & Co
Got a little one who’s about to start teething? This is the perfect group to ask parents and professionals all those baby dentistry questions. Run by Livia Hoffman, a pediatric dentist and orthodontist with 15+ years of experience, this group is a great resource for when you’ve got any children’s teeth-related questions.
How: Add liviahoffman and ask to join
Clothes-shoes for kids
This group is as straightforward as its name. If you’re only looking to buy some kids’ clothes and shoes, this is the group to join.
Add WeChat ID: Wilhelmina87 to join
Maternity, Newborn Buy & Sell CN
This group is for all your baby gadgets. There’s everything from clothes to books and toys that have been outgrown by kids.
Add WeChat ID: fukai2504 to join
KID Stuff: Buy, sell, swap. BJ
There’s everything from kids’ clothes and toys to furniture.
Add WeChat ID: lilin_ChinaDe to join
FamFriendlyEats
This one is specifically for foodie parents. As we know, not all family-friendly restaurants are suitable for kids of every age, so this group is where you can ask for recommendations based on your unique family make-up. Like with other WeChat groups, the rules are simple – be respectful of others’ opinions and don’t spam the group.
How: Add TBJHelper on WeChat to join
Toy Reviews and Recommendations
Kids got it so good nowadays in terms of having the coolest toys. Now before you buy every cool new gadget you see, get some real feedback from other parents. This group is perfect for that. Looking for a new toy for a kid? Get some recommendations. Recently purchased something amazing or perhaps a dud? Give some feedback.
How: Add TBJHelper on WeChat to join
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