Author Archives: Jiawei

About Jiawei

Born and raised in China, British educated, former college language professor, I traded the pulsating career-ladder-climbing for stay-at-home motherhood. After living in the U.S. for twenty years, I now reside in my native country with my husband and two children. I like to write about the joy and challenges of living in China, and my observation of the cultural differences. In between these I weave stories of raising my wonderful kids into well-adjusted globe trotters, and their adventures of bilingualism.

Climbing the Great Wall

I totally didn’t expect to post anything while on vacation, but felt I had to after having such a fun day at the Great Wall. My family and I are on a week long vacation in Beijing for the Chinese … Continue reading

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Homeschooling in the Summer

Like it or not, summer is approaching. Shanghai’s spring always feels extra short, and summer is just too powerful and pushes its way right through the middle of spring. This time of the year, I always get questions like, “So … Continue reading

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Swiss Week in Shanghai

It has been raining most of the day, not the kind of pouring rain, but wet and messy enough to keep us home, a good excuse to stay indoors and pound away at our curriculum. A homeschool friend called and … Continue reading

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Debunking the Homeschooling Myths

The other day my kids and I were hanging out in our compound. It was one of those nice days before the heat and humidity took over Shanghai. The weather was pleasant. Swarms of running kids and chattering parents/nannies filled … Continue reading

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A Wonderful Year of Girl Scouting

My daughter has been with the USA Girl Scouts Shanghai for a year. When she joined, she was only five, the youngest of the Daisy troop. She’s had a great year. Here are a few highlights of the fun events. … Continue reading

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Three-Passenger Bike

On our way to Century Park one day, we saw this family of four sharing a bike. This woman, being a skillful rider, was riding the bike fairly fast, as if trying to be somewhere at a certain time. From … Continue reading

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Life without Chores

In most countries, the age of eighteen is a historical moment; it is a transition from childhood to adulthood. In practical terms, an eighteen year old can move out of the house, have a life of his own, therefore marking … Continue reading

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Beware of Safety?

You’ve seen the “Beware of Dog” signs, but what about “Beware of Safety”? If it doesn’t sound familiar, a visit to Suzhou will change that. Being one of China’s most beloved scenic destinations, Suzhou is not only well known for … Continue reading

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Strange Occurrence in a Man’s Locker

My son’s swimming class turned out to be an one-of-a-kind experience. His hour long swimming usually takes place on Sunday afternoon, but due to a schedule clash with his other activities, it was changed to Thursday night. But that was … Continue reading

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Baby Showers after Birth

On my recent trip to my hometown in north China, I bought some gifts for a distant cousin who is expecting her second child. Upon arrival to my parents’, I asked my mother when the baby is due and when … Continue reading

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