The latest Edition of beijingkids is Out!

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We’re all dependent on technology. Long gone are the days when datebooks, floppy disks, and landlines could be found in every house. Everything is up in the cloud now and we’ve all got a smartphone tethering us to our social circles. So, instead of being a Luddite, embrace the benefits of the digital age and teach your kids how to grow up responsibly with technology.

In this latest issue of beijingkids, we sent one of our colleagues Cindy Marie Jenkins on a no-phone retreat (p.12) with her family. We had no doubt that she’d survive it, but it wasn’t an easy journey. We spoke with two families from different cultural backgrounds for their views on technology (p.28). How young is too young for kids to have a smartphone and just how much time is too much for them to spend online?

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Welcome to the latest beijingkid, Aria!

As kids get older, the lure of social media becomes even more mesmerizing, with many teens now including “Social Media KOL” on their list of career aspirations. One Beijing student shares some insight on the digital life of this city’s teens (p.40). But a social media footprint doesn’t start when our children create their first profile. For some, it starts the day they’re born. One mom shares her insights on the widely discussed topic of whether parents should be posting their kids’ photos on social media, especially when they’re babies and without their consent (p.34). And of course, on our cover is our very own cover photographer Dave Hansen of Dave’s Studio, showing with his sons how family life and technology collide. 

But this issue isn’t all about technology. As 2020 (finally) nears its end, we gear up for some traditional end-of-year celebrations with our friends and family — all while following the latest social distancing regulations, of course. Check out some potluck favorites from Beijing’s expat community that are easy to make, fancy to look at, and delicious to eat (p.18). And I don’t know about you, but I’m going to be ready to ring in 2021 in style. No, not with a night out on the town. I’m a firm believer that a new hairstyle can completely change your whole mood. This year, it’s going to be with a fresh haircut and some much needed relaxing time at home with my family. Mom Candy Perez gets a head start on her new look at Laurent Falcon (p.8) and I can’t wait to do the same. On a personal note, as my husband and I welcome the birth of our daughter Aria, I’m delighted to leave you in the capable hands of our beijingkids Deputy Manager Cindy Marie Jenkins. Happy holidays and see you all in a few months!

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Photos: Courtesy of Dave Studios 

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