Expat Parent October 2020

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FAMILY | DINING | HOME | EDUCATION

the really useful magazine hongkongliving.com

October 2020

Breast Cancer aware montnhess

Babies born during Covid Four Hong Kong women share their stories

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CONTENTS — 1 0/ 2 0

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Cover Story Meet the babies born during Covid-19

2 EDITOR’S LETTER

Hello from the hot desk

4 CONTRIBUTORS

Meet this month’s team

6 PLANNER

Events to look forward to this October

8 NEWS

Your monthly local news roundup

11 THINGS TO KNOW

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

13 ME & MY BIG IDEA

Jacquiline Hamilton releases Covid-19 storybook

This family is stay-caying together

A ghostly trip to Bride’s Pool

17 MUST HAVES

36 DIM SUM MUM

Meet life coach Anna Chan

15 BIG DAY OUT

33 BOOK REVIEW

15

Trick or treat essentials

22 HEALTH & WELLNESS

Mental wellbeing for kids

24 DINING

17

Donuts are having a moment

28 EDUCATION

Canadian International School of Hong Kong

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24

7

27

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“Keep calm and wash your hands” - Unknown

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editor’s Letter

who’s in charge?

When I became pregnant last year, little did we know that in April, our daughter would arrive prematurely at 29 weeks, nor did we factor in that at the time of her birth, we’d be facing the biggest global pandemic in history.

Thankfully, she’s home with us now and growing stronger by the day, but I would never have imagined the difficult circumstances under which she arrived.

Of course, it’s not just me, expectant mothers across Hong Kong have faced unusual challenges this year as they prepare to deliver during Covid. So this issue we celebrate the “Covid babies” and their mums who gave birth under the new norm (page 18).

As students across the territory acclimatise to life back in the classroom, we take a trip to Canadian International School of Hong Kong to find out how the world class educational institution is helping its students transition from middle to high school (page 28). And with many family routines disrupted by the Covid epidemic, we talk to five experts to find out how you can help your kids’ understand and adapt to new challenges (page 22).

Editorial editorial@hongkongliving.com Editor-in-chief Nicole Slater

Editor Gemma Shaw

Digital Editor Apple Lee

Senior Staff Writer Charmaine Ng

Design vicky@hongkongliving.com Graphic Designer Vicky Lam

Graphic Designer Yankee Tsang

Sales & Marketing talk@hongkongliving.com Director of Content Hilda Chan

Head of Digital Content Isamonia Chui

Partnership Manager Chrissie Ip

Partnership Manager Elaine Li

Circulation Manager Pranali Gupta

Publisher Matt Eaton matt@hongkongliving.com

Editor’s picks

Founding Director Tom Hilditch tom@hongkongliving.com

Contact us Admin: 3568 3722 | Editorial: 2776 2773 | Advertising: 2776 2772 Published by Hong Kong Living Ltd, L1 Kai Wong Commercial Building, 222 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong Printer Apex Print Limited, 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, Hong Kong

HONG KONG With pools recently reopened and cooler days ahead, now is the perfect time to take little ones on their first water adventure. These beautiful, quality swim and cloth diapers by French designer Gaëlle Wizenberg are both super stylish and good for the environment. @lovecharliebanana_asia 2 | EXPAT PARENT

Harlow Skin Co.

Breastfeeding has made me take a close look at the products I’m putting in my body and so I was delighted to come across Harlow’s skincare range which are made using pure and whole responsiblysourced ingredients. The full range is stocked at The Spa, Four Seasons Hong Kong. @harlowskincohk

hongkongliving.com Expat Parent is published by Hong Kong Living Ltd. This magazine is published on the understanding that the publishers, advertisers, contributors and their employees are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors and omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication. The publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether a reader of this publication or not, in respect of any action or omission by this publication. Expat Parent cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or publishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

Photo: Graham Uden

Charlie Banana

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contributors Thank you to our contributors

Anna Chan As Founder and Owner of Peace by Peace, Anna Chan offers individual life coaching, corporate coaching focused on career growth and group coaching for the betterment of friendships and relationships. Read about her services and how she came to start her own business in our me & my big idea section.

Graham Uden This month’s cover comes courtesy of photographer Graham Uden. The man needs no introduction. A former war photographer, Uden has shot (photographs that is) of guntoting Khmer Rouge soldiers and spent time in the trenches of Afghanistan dodging bullets from the Taliban. @grahamuden

Nathalie Millette We met Nathalie Millette, the Upper School Vice Principal for the Transition Years at CDNIS, for our education section this month. She introduced us to the school’s new middle school-like programme for Grade 6-8s, its new common area for Grade 6s and many more. Find out more about CDNIS’ changes in our education section.

Erin Kennedy Discovery Bay resident Erin Kennedy opted to go through the public system at Queen Mary Hospital when she delivered baby Reece in April. She recounts her birth story and offers words of advice to new mums in our cover story.

Aude Camus Born and raised in Paris, Aude Camus arrived in Hong Kong in 2015 and has been living here since. She gave birth to baby Noa at Queen Mary Hospital in June, in the midst of a pandemic. Read about her experience in our cover story.

Marie-Hélène Farrelly At the end of March, Marie-Hélène Farrelly delivered baby Elise at Matilda International Hospital. In the cover story, she recounts her experience and offers tips to other mothers who will give birth during the pandemic.

Want to write for Expat Parent? Contact editorial@hongkongliving.com 4 | EXPAT PARENT

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what’s on

OCT 10

Italian Wedding Fair Create your own Italian love story and be inspired by SPIGA and Portico’s latest creations.

10am-8pm. SPIGA, 31 Queen’s Road Central, Central. spiga.com.hk

OCT 18

DB Sunday Market It’s back on! Grab a bargain and support local businesses at this outdoor monthly market.

11am. Free. Discovery Bay Plaza, Discovery Bay Road, Lantau. handmadehongkong.com

THROUGHOUT OCT

OCT 24

Green Outing

HK50

Practice yoga, meditation and SUP yoga at exciting locations across Ocean Park. From $80. Ocean Park, Aberdeen. oceanpark.com.hk

OCT 4

OCT 7

An 18km trail race across Shuen Wan Country Park which finishes with a feast at Hong Lok Yuen Country Club. 8am-6pm. $740. tgr.run

Meet fellow runners while exploring Hong Kong trails at this weekly event. 7.30-9.30pm. $20.

Hong Kong Sports Centre, 29 Cotton Tree Drive, Central. tgr.run

Kapuhala GreenRace 18

THROUGHOUT OCT

This trail run and hike takes in some of the city’s best view points including Mount Butler, Jardine’s Lookout and Violet Hill. 7am-5pm. $790. actionasiaevents.com

Wednesday Night Social Run

80’s Dim Sum Night

Feast on over 30 varieties of nostalgic dim sum, street snacks and desserts. Mon-Thurs. 6-9pm.

Level 3, Shanghai Tang Mansion 1 Duddell Street, Central. duddells.co

OCT 1

Mid-Autumn Festival Eat a mooncake, light up a lantern and enjoy the four-day weekend.

OCT 7- 28

Online Morning Yoga with Janet Join certified yoga instructor Janet Fong from The Balanced Jungle every Wednesday for a virtual signature flow class. 9-10am. $50. thehivesaikung.com.hk

OCT 9-11

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OCT 31

Halloween Don your scariest attire for a night of frightful fun.

China Coast Regatta

OCT 31

Sailors compete across a variety of windward, leeward, geometric and island courses in this competition hosted by Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club’s Middle Island Clubhouse. chinacoastraceweek.com

The eighth edition of the Salomon Lantau 70 welcomes solo runners and relay teams of four.

8.30am. From $990. China Bear, 3 Ngan Wan Road, Mui Wo. thetrailhub.com

Lantau 70

what’s on BOOK NOW NOV 6-7

Hong Kong Mental Health Conference Mindful HK hosts international speakers to share expertise on a range of topics. 9am-8pm. $715.

HKEX Connect Hall and Centricity, Connaught Place, Central. hkmentalhealthconference.com

NOV 28-29

Spartan APAC Championship Trifecta Weekend This is the world’s largest obstacle course, with prizes worth $200,000 up for grabs. $500. Kam Tin Country Club,109 Shui Tau, Yuen Long. spartanrace.hk

NOV 28

St. Mary’s 120th Anniversary Dinner Explore the campus and tuck into a deliciousChinese banquet. 6-9pm. St. Mary’s Canossian College, 162 Austin Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. smcc-canossian.org

Got an event? We can publish the details. Email editorial@hongkongliving.com

Gemma’s Diary

C’est Cheese — The House Cheeserie

Discovery Bay Sunday Market

It’s our wedding anniversary this month and we always head to The Upper House to mark such occasions. What great timing that the House has recently launched its latest pop-up C’est Cheese — The House Cheeserie on the sixth floor. The cheese bar is open daily from 5pm-11pm, and guests visiting between 5pm and 7pm can enjoy 50 percent off selected wines. upperhouse.com

If social distancing measures continue to relax throughout October, there is a chance that the DB Sunday Market will go ahead on October 18. Grab a bargain and support local businesses at this outdoor monthly market which has been cancelled for most of 2020 due to Covid restrictions. 11am. Free. Discovery Bay Plaza, Discovery Bay Road, Lantau. handmadehongkong.com

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news

Healthy mothers, healthy babies A mother’s health is important. In addition to getting enough rest, she should also consume a healthy diet full of nutrients.

With this in mind, we’ve rounded up three products to help mums recover from birth and get back to their best selves during the early stages of their baby’s growth.

Camp at Ocean Park From October 1, Ocean Park Hong Kong is set to launch a series of staycation initiatives in an effort to attract Hong Kong residents to visit. The Green Staycation campaign kicks off with unique experiences such as a nature expert-led walk around grounds which were previously off limits to the public, yoga and meditation classes at various locations across the park including inside the Grand Aquarium and an overnight camping experience. oceanpark.com.hk

Wang Chao Chicken Essence High protein, low sodium, zero fat and cholesterol-free, the Wang Chao Chicken Essence supplements the body with rich collagen and essential amino acids. It helps restore physical strength for a healthy body, suitable for prenatal, postnatal and breastfeeding mums.

Four Seasons gets a face lift Four Seasons Hong Kong is to get a fresh look for spring as the hotel unveiled plans last month to transform its guest rooms and lobby and introduce a brand new cocktail bar and lobby café. Renovation work will begin this month with completion expected in Spring 2021. “We are excited to soon unveil a new stay experience that will reinforce the hotel’s position since its debut in Hong Kong in 2005. We are creating a destination where guests can revel in the rich blend of cultures and tastes that Hong Kong represents,” says Bill Taylor, regional vice president and general manager of Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong.

Noto Postpartum Care 28+2 This essence is a combination of traditional confinement and modern technology. Carefully developed by a team of professional consultants, the effective postpartum body replenishment formula can be boiled into a delicious diet soup recipe for mothers.

Mr Fish Milkfish Essence Mr Fish is known for its ecological farming methods.

Great for mothers, its essence is rich in essential nutrients and high-quality protein. It is best used for pregnancy, prenatal and postpartum care.

NotTooBig Mega Baby Expo Date: Nov 26 - 29, 2020 (Thu-Sun) Time: Nov 26 - 28, 2020 12noon-8pm Nov 29, 2020 11am-6pm Venue: Star Hall, 3/F, Kowloon Bay International Trade and Exhibition Centre Fee:

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$10 / person (Free entry for 12 years old or below)

news

TEDxTinHau focuses on sustainability

Flippin’ fantastic The number of pink dolphins in Hong Kong waters has risen by 30 percent since March according to Dr. Lindsay Porter, a senior research scientist with the University of St. Andrews. The Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, also known as pink dolphins, are native to the Pearl River estuary and listed as protected species in Hong Kong. There were 250 pink dolphins inhabiting the city’s waters in the 1990s, but over the last two decades, that number had dwindled to only 32, before the Covid-19 outbreak. Porter and her team, who have been monitoring the dolphins since 1993, note that the recent increase correlates with the sharp decrease in high-speed ferries running between Hong Kong and Macau. “From visual

observations the dolphins are spending much more time socialising, splashing around on the surface, quite a bit of foreplay, quite a bit of sex,” Porter said.

To help protect the endangered species, she suggests making better use of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge and limiting the number of ferries.

Wildlife trade making tracks Pet supplies brand Whiskers N Paws and WildAid have partnered up to support the #EndTheTrade campaign which aims to stop the commercial trading of wild animals for consumption. From now until March 2021, Whiskers N Paws will

Amidst growing concerns about the environment, TEDxTinHau has announced the return of its annual speaker event – this time with a sustainability focus. On October 17, a host of Hong Kong-based climate change activists will use the theme of Countdown to discuss ideas and actions to fight climate change. The talks will take place from 3pm to 6pm at The Fringe Club and will be attended by invitation only, to abide with social distancing guidelines. Viewers can tune into live streams at Explorium HK, Banyan Workspace and various WeWork locations. tedxtinhauwomen.com

host a series of virtual activities as well as donating proceeds from the sale of their ‘Love Animal Love Life’ collection to WildAid’s wildlife conservation projects in Hong Kong. endthetrade.com

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THINGS TO KNOW

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a global initiative aimed at raising public awareness of the disease and encouraging fundraising campaigns.

Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer amongst females in Hong Kong with an average of 15 females a day being diagnosed with the disease, according to Hong Kong Cancer Registry 2019.

Women with no significant family history should perform regular breast screenings from the age of 20, including a self-examination every month and a clinical examination every three years. Mammograms are highly recommended every two years for women over 40.

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While the cause remains unknown, certain lifestyle and environmental factors are thought to increase risk of developing the disease, these include; genetics, lack of exercise, obesity, stress, alcohol consumption and radiation exposure.

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Symptoms include, but are not limited to, breast lumps, a newly inverted nipple, peeling or crusting around the areola and sudden changes to the breast in terms of size, shape or appearance.

Things you need to know Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This year Hong Kong Cancer Foundation will host the following events in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Dress Pink Day On October 23, don your prettiest pink outfit to work, school or at home and make a donation in support of those suffering from the disease.

Shop for Pink Shop for limited edition “pink” deals from a host of retailers across the city including at Pizza Express and city’super.

Pink Yoga Challenge From 5-23 October, team up with a friend to upload photo or video of your best double boat pose to Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #YOGAFORPINK. Yogis are encouraged to tag and challenge three other friends and donate HK$200 to support Cancer Fund’s free breast cancer services

Visit cancer-fund.org throughout the month of October to get involved.

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me & my big idea

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me & my big idea

Coaching through Covid Charmaine Ng speaks to founder of Peace by Peace Anna Chan about finding purpose in a pandemic-ridden world Anna Chan has one mission – to empower others with a growth mindset so that they can find real happiness and continue to grow.

Before becoming a life coach, Chan spent 20 years in the corporate world trying to find her calling. From working in the digital industry, to joining an adtech startup, to taking up a role in senior regional management, she has fought through countless challenges in both her personal and professional life to get to where she is now.

“Everyone has a mission, a purpose.

Some find it in a day or a week, but for some, it can take years,” she says. “Take me, for example – it took me 20 years to discover what my mission in life was.”

Having experienced the proverbial climb up the corporate ladder herself, Chan understands how overwhelming it can be for individuals to navigate through life and the workplace in search of purpose and real happiness. This prompted her to set up Peace

by Peace, a company offering individual life coaching, corporate coaching focused on career growth and group coaching for the betterment of friendships and relationships.

“I want to connect with people and grow together,” says Chan. “It gives me true happiness and fulfilment to know that every day, I’m doing something that inspires other people.”

With the coronavirus wreaking havoc across the world, some are experiencing the need for someone to guide them more than ever. Adapting quickly, Chan has leveraged online resources and ploughed on with coaching through Zoom. Her unfaltering determination has kept her growing professionally even amidst the backdrop of a global pandemic.

“I am grateful that most of my clients are willing to continue their coaching sessions via Zoom. I believe this is a trend that will continue even after the world recovers.”

Through coaching, online or off, Chan hopes more people can discover their blind spots and self-worth so that they will be in a better position to contribute to society and others in need. Her expectation is that her service will help lift individuals and empower

them to find the meaning of real happiness and growth within themselves.

As we adjust to a ‘new normal’ she hopes to put her learnings from this year into practice and contribute to society. “I believe things happen for a reason. Instead

of focusing on things I can’t control, why not stay positive and be where I should be?”

For more information about Chan’s coaching services, visit peacebypeace-annachan.com

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big day out

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big day out

BRIDE’S POOL

Take the kids on a ghostly hike this Halloween While social distancing is likely to put a dampener on trick or treating this Halloween, there are still plenty of ways to get into the ‘spirit’ of things. Located in the northeastern New Territories in Plover Cove Country Park, Bride’s Pool is a scenic area made up of several waterfalls and pools.

While this whimsical location may sound like the perfect day out, the tale behind its name may stop you in your tracks.

Legend has it that the pool is named after a bride who crossed the stream in a sedan chair en route to her wedding. One of her servants slipped on the rocks, sending her tumbling to her death. Some say she still haunts the area and nearby Mirror Pool, making the falls a feature on lists of spooky places in Hong Kong. The pool also joins a long catalogue of waterfalls named after wives-to-be, presumably because a cascade of white water reminds onlookers of a white bridal veil.

The waterfall is about 15 metres high and the plunge pool at its base is two metres deep, which makes this a serene swimming spot. You can barbecue at one of the multiple sites above the falls, but picnicking gets you closer to the water. It also means you can keep cans cool by storing them in the stream – an old camping trick.

The stream is home to tadpoles, spiders, frogs, fish, birds and dragonflies, and is in one of the best areas for spotting butterflies in Hong Kong. There are snakes, pangolins and porcupines in the park, though you’re unlikely to see them.

The walk to Bride’s Pool is easy enough for all ages, and takes about 15 minutes.

Start from the Bride’s Pool Barbecue Site car park and cut left through the first barbecue area. Follow the trail down to the water and then make your way up the ravine. Feet will get wet and rocks will be slippery after a downpour, so wear waterproofs. The Bride’s Pool Nature Trail takes you to the top of the waterfall, which provides a view, but is not a good lunch spot.

Those wanting to see some of the other waterfalls in the area can make Bride’s Pool a pit-stop on a circular canyoning

Casading falls at Bride’s Pool

route along Wang Chung Stream, stopping to swim at the Dragon Ball Waterfall and various pot-holed pools along the way.

The Dragon Ball falls are 35 metres high, and among the most impressive in the area.

Swim in the pool below, or follow the stream to a wider, clearer swimming hole known as Dragon Ball Pool. You can bypass the larger cascades by following the marked route, rather than climbing the falls.

Although you don’t need serious gear, this route requires some clambering and bouldering, so prepare to carry all your kit on your back. To take this route, start on the opposite side of the road from the barbecue site car park and walk downhill until you see the stream on your right. Follow the stream until it connects with Pin Seng Leng Nature Trail, which you can follow to Bride’s Pool or Tai Mei Tuk.

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MUST HAVES

Medium halloween lollipop $78 from Spun Candy hk.spun-candy.com

ix London m $148 from dy Spun Can andy.com -c n u hk.sp

Chupa Chups Jumbo $45 from ToysRus toysrus.com.hk

k c i Tr or t a e r t

Halloween cookie box set $360 from The Cakery thecakery.com

ost year’s m is h t p u s ter round la S s le o Nic ular treat c a t k o o p s

Golf Monster Kebab $58 from Mr Simms mrsimms.hk

Sugar skulls candy bento box $288 from Sugarfina sugarfina.com

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cover story

Pregnant in a Pandemic

Four mums of newborns share their experiences. By Gemma Shaw. Photography by Graham Uden

Erin Kennedy & Reece

Delivered at: Queen Mary Hospital On: 7 April 2020 I wouldn’t say that our birth went quite as planned, but then what has gone to plan this year?

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We opted to go through the public system and were aware from the beginning that Jason, my husband wouldn’t be allowed in for the birth, or to visit throughout. Despite this, my hospital experience was amazing. The staff were very supportive and helpful from the moment I arrived. The nurses eased my nerves and once I was in the labour room they gave me a landline phone so I could keep

Jason updated.

I am sad for him because he missed the birth of his first child. We’ve also missed the support of both of our parents during this time and they’ve missed out on meeting their first grandchild. But, we’ve been able to spend five months at home together in our little family bubble and we’re so grateful for this precious time. We’ve been given the space to

cover story Marie-Hélène Farrelly & Elise

Delivered at: Matilda International Hospital On: 25 March 2020

I delivered at Matilda International Hospital.

Other than the additional mask requirement, my actual birth experience wasn’t really affected by Covid. My husband was present for the delivery and afterwards as we wished. I was lucky that my health insurance covered the cost of a private hospital room which meant that I had the privacy (and extra “safety” from a virus perspective) of a room on my own and I could also have and additional visitor at any one time.

Elise is now six months old. As expats, my husband and I have missed introducing her to our families the most and she will likely be over a year old by the time she meets them, which is a pity.

We enjoy travelling a lot, but even under normal circumstances, having a baby usually restricts the ability to do so. At least we don’t feel like we are missing out on anything right now as everyone has been pretty much “stuck” due to the pandemic.

Post-Covid, there will most likely be a “new normal” way of living so, when Elise is older, I will be regaling her with stories of what the “old days” used to be like - spontaneous trips abroad, large gatherings of families and friends and no constant temperature checks or covered faces.

Advice to other mothers: The pandemic had two main impacts on my pregnancy: firstly, it added a lot of stress and secondly, it made what (in my mind) is meant to be a joyful, sociable time, quite lonely. Concerns about the virus made me more cautious than I would have otherwise been and therefore, day-to-day activities were subject to a cost-benefit analysis.

With regards to the virus, I’d take reasonable precautions but try not to get too worked up as you could drive yourself crazy with worry for little gain. I believe that getting out and about is beneficial, both physically and mentally (health permitting). I’d also suggest joining a “due date” WhatsApp group. As we all know, it takes a tribe to raise a child so you need to keep building your tribe.

figure out and navigate our own way through parenthood, 100 percent on our own terms.

One day Reece will read about the pandemic in history books and we’ll remind him of all the special time he got to spend with his mum and dad.

Advice to other mothers: Be prepared to throw your “plan” out the window. It’s less stressful, and easier, to be flexible, go with the flow. Accept that whatever happens, it’s all in the interest of keeping your baby and you as safe as can be. Every woman about to give birth has a lot more strength in them then they will ever know, you got this.

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cover story Kirsty Bartlett & Rory Delivered at: Queen Mary Hospital On: 22 January 2020

Rory was born the day before Hong Kong recorded its very first Covid case. I was very lucky that I went into labour three weeks early. If Rory had arrived on his expected due date, hospital restrictions would have been in place, meaning that my husband Nick wouldn’t have been present for the delivery.

I had a lot of anxiety over Covid during the weeks that followed because Rory was so little and vulnerable and there wasn’t a lot of information available at that time. We were anxious about where we went and who we spent time with. If we took him out we felt guilty and were paranoid about any potential exposure. I have relaxed over the past few months now that he is older and cases in Hong Kong have dropped.

We are devastated that we haven’t been able to introduce Rory to his extended family due to travel restrictions.

It is hard having a first baby without any family support on the ground. In saying that, there is a great support network par-

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ticularly in Discovery Bay where we live so we are very grateful for close friends and we’ve been able to meet many others in the same situation. We’ve also managed to settle Rory into a great routine, which wouldn’t have been possible if we were in and out of different time zones.

I will tell Rory that he is a little bright star that lights up what has been a very dark and gloomy time for a lot of people in the world.

We feel incredibly lucky to have had him to focus on during this difficult time.

Advice to other mothers: Focus on you and your baby and forget about what you cannot control. Although it’s tough being away from family, there are plenty of ways to get support remotely. We had an amazing midwife based in Australia, who supported us virtually. We also had phone consultations with our paediatrician when we were too anxious to take Rory out of the house during the height of the pandemic.

cover story Aude Camus & Noa

Delivered at: Queen Mary Hospital On: 10 June 2020 After giving birth during a pandemic, I pretty much feel that I can tackle anything that is thrown my way. This gives me so much hope and joy.

I chose to deliver at Queen Mary Hospital, I was anxious as I’d heard many things about giving birth in a public hospital but I had a completely positive experience.

The nurses were so kind and answered all my questions (I had many). The only thing I wouldn’t recommend is the food - have someone deliver your meals and ask for a bed by the window if possible, the view is heavenly.

I was lucky that when I got into the delivery room, I was handed a phone and told to inform my partner he could come in for the birth. It was such a relief as I fully anticipated giving birth without him due to Covid restrictions. I would have hated for him to meet his little girl in the hospital car park.

Following the birth, I had great plans for the summer, these involved extensive travel; both our families coming here to meet Noa and us traveling to our summer home in the South of France.

None of this happened of course, which is a shame and our parents have yet to meet their first grandchild. When she is able to understand, I will tell Noa that she was a ray of sunshine for our friends and family in what has been one of the most challenging years of our lives.

Advice to other mothers: Giving birth is stressful enough, without the complications that Covid brings.

Trust the hospital staff, try not to think about what would have been, and focus on the positives. Soon you will meet your baby, and believe me when I say: nothing else will matter the minute you meet them.

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HEALTH & wellness

Wellbeing for kids Charmaine Ng speaks to five professionals on mental wellbeing for children Priya McPolin and Holly Mak Common Care Limited

As the world battles a pandemic, we seek out advice from five professionals on how to help children maintain a healthy outlook.

Dr Ivan Chow Family medicine specialist

What can parents do to encourage a healthy mental outlook?

Several signs suggest bullying. Physical signs include unexplained bruises, cuts, scratches, missing or damaged belongings and clothes.

Emotional and behavioural signs include frequent tears or anger, mood swings, feeling ill in the morning, becoming aggressive and unreasonable.

What signs suggest a child is being bullied?

Priya McPolin and Holly Mak are based at Common Care Central, an online mental health resource, helping those needing a convenient and affordable form of therapy, seven days a week. McPolin has a background in international education, her focuses include autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression and relationship issues. Mak is a social-emotional support counsellor who focuses on anxiety management, self-esteem and relationship issues for adolescents and adults.

Several signs suggest bullying. Physical signs include unexplained bruises, cuts, scratches, missing or damaged belongings and clothes.

Emotional and behavioural signs include frequent tears or anger, mood swings, feeling ill in the morning, becoming aggressive and unreasonable.

Dr Ivan Chow is a physician in family medicine who has worked in primary care extensively.

He treats his patients with a holistic approach, managing their physical, emotional, spiritual and social aspects to better health and combat disease. Currently, he is based at a private outpatient clinic in Central which provides primary and speciality care services.

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How can we minimise the disruption caused by Covid?

Schools have been temporarily closed for some time and a lot of classwork is done online. Parents do not need to spend seven or eight hours a day to instruct children, but it is a good idea to set aside some time each day to work on school assignments. This will add a little bit of structure to the day.

What should parents who have concerns about their children’s mental health do?

Parents should encourage open and honest discussions about feelings. Actively listening

HEALTH & wellness and showing empathy to a child can help validate their feelings. If the child has difficulty communicating their emotions, drawing pictures can be a good way to express themselves.

How can parents better connect with their children?

Gratitude journaling is proven to increase happiness, build resilience, improve selfesteem and increase general wellbeing.

Children can start as young as six years old, listing three things they enjoyed doing that day.

Decorating a journal can be a fun art project for children and helps create a sense of ownership and commitment. Also consider scheduling more family time, as this will strengthen their support network and family bonds.

How can we help children deal with the disruption caused by Covid?

Parents should open up a safe space to talk about difficult feelings – acknowledging the feelings, identifying them and exploring how they might be handled. Parents should also sustain as much regularity as possible within the day and week, especially when it comes to daily wake-up, meal and bedtimes. commoncarecentral.com

Glen Heyburgh Centre Minds

psychology to give back to society. Heyburgh joined Centre Minds in 2018 and is now a listening ear to those who feel alone, unheard, unwelcome or fearful. While Centre Minds does not specialise in children’s therapy, the centre offers young adult and family therapy.

What should parents who have concerns about their children’s mental health do?

Looking at how often a behaviour occurs, how long it lasts and the intensity of the mood can help you to decide whether there is a problem.

When problems occur over a few weeks and interfere with a child’s ability to function, parents should be concerned. In addition, if a child’s moods or behaviours start interfering with their ability to keep friends, it is probably time to seek help.

How does children’s therapy differ from adult therapy?

Talk therapy which is often used with adults doesn’t work with kids – they get bored sitting still and don’t have so much insight when talking about their past. Child therapy relies on the language of play. To parents, this may look ridiculous, but the fact is that a child will grow more through a difficult experience by sitting with a good therapist and playing a game, than being asked to talk about their feelings.

What is play therapy and how can it benefit a child?

Therapeutic play helps children with social or emotional deficits learn to communicate better, change their behaviour, develop problem-solving skills and relate to others in positive ways. Play therapy can help children with academic and social problems, learning disabilities, behavioural disorders, anxiety, depression, grief or anger. centreminds.com

Lolita Schmalenberg Lifespan Counselling

Social worker and therapist, Lolita Schmalenberg, has worked extensively with children, teens, and families at international schools in Hong Kong and Mainland China.

She is now part of a boutique psychology group practice which offers support for a wide range of topics including addiction, stress, parent and child conflict, marital and other relationship issues.

How does child therapy differ to adult therapy?

Therapy with a child or teen follows the same ethical standards as with adult clients. We consider the unique needs of the child but tend to be a bit more creative in our approach. Depending on their age we will consider the length of a session, often putting in exercise breaks, a game or offering shorter sessions.

How can we expect that Covid might impact a child’s mental health?

Most children and teens have moments of self doubt or uncertainty. Changes in expectations at school, home and with peers are some of the more common reasons a young person may find themselves feeling unsettled or mildly anxious. Pandemic seclusion may coalesce with other factors such as boredom from lack of ‘brick and mortar’ schooling, missing peers, missing extracurricular activities and extended family members.

What role does family life play in children’s mental health?

Family health and functioning plays a major role in a child’s mental wellness. Parental interaction with a child directly impacts the child’s sense of self worth and can lead to permanent and pervasive problems if family relationships are dysfunctional. In our busy world we are seeing more and younger children feeling isolated and lonely. Kids are occupied by ‘things’ but missing time with people that they care about the most. lifespancounselling.com If you or anyone you know needs help, please contact the Hong Kong Samaritans 24-hour hotline, 2896 0000

Growing up, Glen Heyburgh was always compassionate and ready to help others. After fighting his own battles, he decided to study

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dining

Trick or treat

Forget about supermarket candy, donuts are having a moment.

By Charmaine Ng hours watching Youtube videos during the pandemic. Instagram: doughbydesignhk

Flakes & Layers Looking for something a little different? Flakes & Layers offers a hybrid of donuts and millefeuille dubbed Ooonuts. Founded by Hong Kong actress and model Amanda Strang, the pastry concept runs seasonal pop-ups all around town, offering limited-time flavours like Hong Kong-style yin yang and pistachio.

Previous pop-up locations include IFC Mall, Teakha and K11 MUSEA. Follow Flakes & Layers on Instagram to find out where it is headed to next.

Dough Bros Dough Bros may be most known for its cheese-laden sourdough pizza, but its donuts are not to be overlooked. These sugar-dusted, stuffed dough balls have stolen the spotlight with their dense, sweet fillings in three flavours – Nutella, custard and

Amada Strang founder of Flakes & Layers

Dough by Design This newly-launched donut shop was founded by Hong Kong-based personal trainer Dan Yeung, who believes that fitness is all about balance. Dough by

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Design’s creations combine the fluffy and light textures of Tokyo’s donuts with the size and amazing flavours found in the US. Each one of its golden fried rings are handmade by Yeung and his girlfriend, who perfected the craft of donut-making through

dining strawberry jam. Expect a 10 minute wait when ordering in store as the donuts are freshly fried to order. doughbroshk.com

Bakehouse Bakehouse is one of our favourite bakeries in the city. Opened by Gregoire Michaud, who has worked in some of the top hotels in the world (including an eight year stint as the executive pastry chef at Four Seasons Hong Kong), the bakery serves up everything from danishes and tarts to quiches and cookies.

Three donut flavours – chocolate hazelnut, vanilla custard and raspberry jam – are currently available and offered on a weekly rotation. bakehouse.hk

The Mandarin Cake Shop Donuts can be classy too, as proven at The Mandarin Cake Shop, but you’ll have to get them while they’re hot. Homemade donuts are only available on Wednesdays at the hotel café, with limited options such as the Boston cream and strawberry jam flavours. Luckily, they’re not too expensive at $30 apiece, so everyone can have a taste of royalty without breaking the bank. mandarinoriental.com

Sweet talk with Dan Yeung The co-founder of Dough By Design shares his big donut ambitions Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m a personal trainer (@danyeungfitness) based in Central. I’ve been a PT for over six years and have always loved doughnuts.

I’m a strong believer in balance, so I always encourage my clients to treat themselves to indulgent foods as long as they maintain a healthy balance and don’t skip out on eating other nutritious foods.

As a newly launched brand, what are your goals for Dough by Design?

Currently, we’re still looking to establish our base of consumers and get our name out there. Once we feel like we have built a strong customer base, we will look into doing some pop-ups and events across Hong Kong. Alongside this, we plan to work with some coffee shops to develop a list of stockists and make our donuts accessible to more people.

How did you go from being a personal trainer to making donuts?

I founded Dough By Design with my girlfriend who is an IT headhunter by day. During the lockdown, we learnt how to make donuts by watching YouTube videos. There were a lot of trial and errors to begin with and we experimented with different types of ingredients to get the right texture and flavour that we wanted. We’d go out to buy every single available donut in Hong Kong for inspiration and make batches every weekend.

We distributed our donuts to colleagues and pressed on for feedback until we arrived at the current recipe.

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dining

Ingredients Pasta dough: 120g 00 flour, 1 pc egg, ½ tsp salt

Bolognese sauce: 3 tbsp unsalted butter, ½ pc onion, minced ½ pc carrot, grated, 3 cloves garlic 170g beef, minced, 170g pork, minced 1 cup whole milk, 2 cans whole tomatoes, 400g each Salt to taste

Method Making the pasta 1. Mix all ingredients in a stand mixer on medium speed until smooth, add more flour if necessary, about 8-10 minutes.

2. Wrap dough with plastic and rest for 30 minutes.

(Immediately after the dough is formed the gluten matrix remains very tough and difficult to work with, resting the dough allows the gluten strands to relax.)

3. After 30 minutes, divide dough into four. With the palm of your hand, flatten one piece of dough into ½ inch thickness or until it can pass through the pasta machine at the widest setting.

4. Pass dough 3 times through the machine at the widest setting. Adding more flour after each interval.

Make sure to align only in one direction.

5. Continue passing the dough at gradually thinner settings until the desired thickness has been reached.

Cooking pasta 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

2. Add pasta, stir gently with a wooden spoon, chopsticks, or a cooking fork, and cook until 3. noodles are just set with a definite bite, about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Drain, toss with sauce, and serve.

4. Return mixture to saucepan and cook on high heat until mixture has thickened and reaches 93C. 5. Add vanilla extract, allow custard to cool in mixing bowl until room temperature before storing in the fridge, cover the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation on top.

Cream Puff Ingredients Choux pastry: 60g flour, 2 pcs egg, 50g unsalted butter 1g salt, 2g sugar, 100ml water

Pastry cream: 20g AP flour, 20g cornstarch, 3pcs egg yolk, 300ml milk, 50g sugar ¼ tsp salt, ½ tsp vanilla extract

Making Pastry Cream 1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk yolks, sugar, flour, cornstarch and salt together until fully combined.

2. In a small non-reactive saucepan, bring milk to a boil.

3. Slowly temper boiled milk into egg yolk mixture, drizzle in while continuously whisking to combine.

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Method Making the choux pastry 1. Preheat the oven at 200C. 2. Bring butter, water, sugar and salt to boil in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring once or twice. When mixture reaches full boil (butter should be fully melted), immediately remove saucepan from heat and stir in flour with heat proof spatula or wooden spoon until combined and mixture clears sides of pan.

Return the saucepan to low heat and cook, stirring constantly, using smearing motion, for 3 minutes, until mixture is slightly shiny with wet-sand appearance and tiny beads of fat appear on the bottom of the saucepan.

3. Off heat, continue beating the mixture until it is no longer hot to the touch. Gradually incorporate beaten eggs, 1 tablespoon at a time, only continue incorporating when eggs have been fully absorbed.

4. Fill choux paste into a piping bag with round tip, pipe paste into 1 1/4- to 1 1/2-inch mounds on a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1

Cooking the Bolognese Sauce 1. Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat; add onion, carrot, and garlic and saute until softened but not browned, about 6 minutes.

2. Add minced meat and ½ teaspoon salt.

Crumble meat with the edge of a wooden spoon to break apart into tiny pieces. Cook to crumble meat until it loses its raw color but has not yet browned, about 3 minutes.

3. Add milk and bring to simmer until milk evaporates and only clear fat remains (10-15 minutes).

4. Add wine and bring to simmer until wine evaporates (10-15 minutes).

5. Add tomatoes and their juice and bring to a simmer; reduce heat to low, continues to simmer with an occasional bubble or two at the surface, until liquid has evaporated (about 3 hours).

6. Adjust seasonings with extra salt to taste and serve. (Can be refrigerated in an airtight container for several days or frozen for several months. Warm over low heat before serving).

to 1 1/4 inches apart. You should be able to fit about 24 mounds on the baking sheet.

5. Bake in a preheated oven for 15 minutes, then turn the oven down to 180°C and continue baking for approximately 10 minutes or until the puffs have fully risen.

6. Pull the tray out of the oven, when puffs are cool enough to handle, cut 3/4-inch slit into the side of each puff to release steam. Allow them to cool completely.

Selina Kong is the founder of The Big Things and The Big Things Kitchen, an indoor children’s playground and restaurant located at The Mills, Tsuen Wan. Kong is a huge advocate for healthy eating and loves cooking with her two daughters Scarlett and Kayla in her spare time. thebigthings.com & thebigthingskitchen.com

Dining news

dining NEWS

Chill out at Treasure Island

Cookie craze

Set on the picturesque Pui O beach, Treasure Island Beach Club is easily one of the most relaxing hangouts on South Lantau.

The al fresco restaurant and bar offers family favourite dishes alongside a range of vegetarian and vegan choices. Open Friday afternoons, as well as weekends and

Cookie Vission has announced the launch of its first pop-up shop at K11 Musea and fans of the gooey, lava-centred creation are in for a treat.

This October and November, the dessert shop will bring five signature flavours and two exclusive flavours to the K11 Musea pop-up, including Portuguese Egg Tart, Funfetti Cheesecake and Hong Kong Milk Tea Creme Brulee. To celebrate the opening, Cookie Vission is giving away a free limited edition cookie to its first 25 customers on the first day of each month.

The pop-up will be open daily from October 1 to November 30, 12pm to 9pm. cookievission. com

public holidays, guests can enjoy live DJ performances while watching the sun set over the beach. You can also rent out water sports equipment from the Beach Club or make it into a staycation at one of its cabana rooms or all-inclusive private camp rentals. treasureislandhk.com

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schools

Canadian International School of Hong Kong

CDNIS introduces a new Transition Years Programme.

Nicole Slater reports Perched on the edge of Wong Chuk Hang with stunning views over the water, the Canadian International School of Hong Kong (CDNIS) is perfectly positioned to prepare its students to become citizens of the world. Since opening in 1991, the school boasts an ever-growing campus which is constantly adapting to stay ahead of the game with recent additions such

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as the installation of solar panels throughout and an updated Early Years Environment.

As students across Hong Kong acclimatise to life back in the classroom, CDNIS has a fresh offering for the new academic year with their Transition Years Programme for Grade 6’s through to Grade 8’s. Nathalie Millette, Upper School Vice Principal for the Transition Years,

shares more about what we can expect from the new programme.

Transition Years Programme This term brings with it a new middle school-like programme for Grade 6-8’s. The programme will guide students through the transition from middle to high school. “Coming

schools from a traditional elementary school model to high school - the school wanted to better support the unique needs of grade 6 to 8 learners. Teachers knew there was an issue, but didn’t have the framework to provide these needs,” says Millette. With specialised teachers in that age group, students can benefit from unique learning strategies and connect with their teachers on a more personal level. The Transition Years Programme also allows students to share their voice amongst the community. “In previous years the student council received no representatives from the middle school-age students, now the younger students can have a more distinct voice in the school.” Millette states along with a Transition Years Council, there will be a student newspaper and activities unique to the year group.

Fresh look Along with the new programme, CDNIS has introduced a new space on the eighth floor for Grade 6 students. Home to a common

area and surrounding lockers, students can experience a high school environment without the pressure of actually being in high school. Folding doors and whiteboard walls allow teachers to integrate classes and keep students attention through a range of teaching styles and strategies. By providing each year group with a designated floor, CDNIS allows students to bond with their peers in an independent and safe environment.

Interdisciplinary opportunities The Transition Years Programme allows teachers to combine subjects and offer a more rounded learning experience. The interdisciplinary classes pair up English with Humanities and Science with Maths in grades 6 and 7. This strategy means fewer teachers for students to work with, more comfortable routines and the ability to adapt skills from one class to another. “The interdisciplinary classes allow students to investigate complex questions to which they don’t have a right or wrong answer, just like in real life,” says Millette.

Upper School Vice Principal Nathalie Millette

Classroom learning at CDNIS

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schools

Increased physical activities for transition years pupils

A French education Following the Canadian system, French is now taught a year earlier from Grade 6. This gives students the opportunity to learn a third language alongside English and Mandarin from a younger age. “It’s a really great thing for the kids, 99 percent are brand new to learning French so everyone is starting out on the same level. Students need to take risks and make mistakes as part of the overall learning process. French can help them to learn this since so few have experience with this language. They start simply by learning to introduce themselves, so it is achievable for all,” says Millette. With dynamic and enthusiastic teachers, students will be able

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to engage with the language in a positive way and have the opportunity to take the course as part of their higher level education.

Increased physical activity CDNIS’s six day class cycle means that no one week looks the same and classes are not disrupted by public holidays or training days. The school has increased physical education to four hours per cycle for the transition years pupils, “there is so much research on the academic and mental health benefits of physical activity, students are able to focus more in class when they’ve been active,” states Millette. With a field,

gymnasium and 25-metre heated swimming pool, the dynamic PE department more than caters to students’ sporting interests.

Best of both worlds With 1,800 students, CDNIS is undoubtedly a big school and it is not unusual for a student to see their entire schooling on the CDNIS campus. On average, fifty percent of graduates have been enrolled since Grade 1.

Whilst the student numbers are large, it doesn’t necessarily feel like a big school.

What it does feel like is a wonderful blend of its environment. The main school atrium feels a little like a Canadian mountain lodge

schools with its high ceilings and vast wooden beams. And the large mural by the sports pitch celebrating the CDNIS Timberwolves is undeniably North American.

The Asian influence is also celebrated in the Chinese Cultural Centre, a wonderful tribute to the school’s setting and an excellent resource for Mandarin with classrooms, a library, gallery and performance area. Mandarin is taught from Early Years with French brought in at Grade 6.

Current strategic plans are well on their way to fruition so expect to hear more about further enterprising projects that propel CDNIS to soar even further ahead of the international school arena in the coming years. A school of this size and standing is rightly ambitious, operating not just from a local viewpoint but also a global one.

Canadian International School of Hong Kong is located at 36 Nam Long Shan Road, Wong Chuk Hang. cdnis.edu.hk Music lessons at CDNIS

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Momma, What is Coronavirus?

book club

Sai Kung hairdresser Jacquiline Hamilton releases Covid-19 storybook for children. By Nicole Slater Sai Kung resident and owner of Aphrodite Hair Salon, Jacquiline Hamilton has released her second book, Momma, What is Coronavirus?.

The light-hearted storybook provides a platform for parents and carers to discuss the current pandemic with children in a non-threatening manner.

Like many families in Hong Kong, Hamilton and her twin boys have spent much of 2020 quarantining at home and practising social distancing. After struggling to explain the situation to her boys, Hamilton came up with the idea to write a book. “Coronavirus changed our world in an instant. It has caused so much pain, anxiety and fear. As parents, we need to be mindful of how we act. If we are stressed and scared, our children will pick up on that,” she says.

Earlier this year, Hamilton endured a two-week stay at the Fo Tan quarantine facility after a client at her salon tested positive for Covid-19. At the time, she struggled to explain to her boys why she had to be away from them for such a long time.

Momma, What is Coronavirus? explains the impact of the current pandemic in a relatable, educational manner. The story is colourfully illustrated by fellow Hongkonger Sidra Mehmood. “This is our daily life right now and we need to help our children to feel relaxed. My boys are definitely feeling calmer after gaining some understanding of the situation,” she says.

Hamilton, who published her first book The Sai Kung Police Officers last year, funded her latest book with the help of a Kickstarter campaign. “The campaign helped me raise awareness and I managed to successfully reach my goal of $15,000.”

Momma, What is Coronavirus? is available to purchase at Bookazine, Kidnapped, Amazon and Aphrodite Hair Salon.

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marketplace

marketplace

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To advertise, email talk@hongkongliving.com or call 2776 2772.

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Dim sum mum

Oh baby, let’s stay(cation) together Staycations are the new vacation, as told by Becky Love I have an image of 2020 in my mind. It looks a bit like me circa 2010, waking up with a red wine hangover in the same clothes as the night before, searching for my phone with one eye open wondering what the heck happened last night. Because seriously, what on earth is this mess that you have served us, 2020? Who would have thought that as the clock ticked over on New Year’s Day, as we set our intentions and threw our arms in the air screaming ‘best year yet” that this is what we would get?

Did you predict this? Yeah, you.

Because I sure didn’t. I don’t think any of us did.

And for a while there, I was a little bummed by it. Firstly, it was my son’s very first year on planet Earth. I had plans for him. Plans that had to be put on hold due to closures, distancing, rules. I felt upset for him and guilty that I had brought him into this world only to let him down. But then I came to my senses. I thought, hang on – I’m here, aren’t I? We’re all here, my family and I. We are healthy, lucky, together.

So, what is a family to do when they can’t jump on a plane and vacation during a pandemic? How does a family break away from the same routine, day in and day out?

They staycation, baby – and that’s exactly what we did.

Ours was in no way planned, which is the first wonderful thing about a staycation.

There’s no need to book flights, hotels, airport transfers. You call, you book, you’re off. It just so happened, one evening after a beer or two my husband returned home, jumped on the phone and booked us in without discussing it with me first. This surprise was certainly very welcome and I made a mental note to let him out for beers more often.

We arrived at the Grand Hyatt via a ferry and taxi ride, heavily sanitized, with smiles hidden underneath our frequently changed face masks. Not exactly ‘grand’, nor glamorous - but I think ‘glam’ went out the window as soon as

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face masks and humidity combined to create the most hideous version of myself, daily.

We took the lift up twenty-six floors and with our one-year old in the carrier, sweaty faces and luggage in arms we swung open the door to our room. Wow. If you’ve never seen Victoria Harbour from twenty-six floors up, you need to get onto that. It’s the next best thing to being on a plane, because you literally feel like you’re up in the clouds. “This is a pretty good

start” I thought as I collapsed onto the bed (one-year old now out of carrier, by the way).

As this was just an overnight stay for us, we wanted to do something extremely important whilst we were away and we wanted to do it well. Something that was close to our hearts… or should I say, in this case, a little further down to our stomachs. Yeah. Something close to our stomachs – and that was eat. We popped down to the restaurant for a late lunch, heck, okay, it was a second lunch, then sat out by the ‘closed’ but still very pretty swimming pool for a sunset drink.

As those with a one-year old will know, time seems to go faster with one of them hanging around. You’re so busy getting them organized, fed, happy, entertained, safe etcetera that you blink and it’s bedtime. So rather than head back down to the restaurant, we decided to order room service. Always fine by me because it means I can eat like a sloth in my hotel robe after a fast but long day. To our surprise, this turned out to be the highlight of our staycation.

As our little one missed his afternoon nap due to his over-excitement of the events taking place, he was overly tired and ready to sleep. Yes! We popped him in his cot, set up our room service meals at the table and finally had what felt like a mummy daddy date night. Although we didn’t look too crash hot, had to eat very quietly and speak in code and whispers, what we did have was an uninterrupted million-dollar view of the Harbour and the best company you could ask for. And to top it off, of course – a sleeping baby.

So, if you’re missing those frequent vacations or just feeling a bit of cabin fever – perhaps consider a family staycation.

Not only is it a great way to reset but it will remind you why you love this city. For us, Hong Kong became a good friend again, not just an acquaintance.

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