single mom relocation questions

[singlemom]

Hi,

I'm considering relocating to SG with my 6 month old based on some job invitations I've received. Would like to make an exploratory 2-3 week trip in early December. I have the following concerns:

(1) Where would it be possible to find daycare for a portion of each day? Is it an option to hire a nanny just for the duration of our stay?
(2) I have a few friends we could stay with, but would rather not impose... would it be possible to find a sublet or "suite-type" accomodation somewhere central? Where do people recommend?
(3) Are there playgrounds and/or community centers where I might interact with other ex-pat parents?

Any/all comments/feedback/suggestions would be very much appreciated. Thank you in advance!

Caroline

[k1w1]

Hi,

For a small child (under 18 months) your childcare options are limited. Most day care centres are only open to kids over this age. There are a few infant care centres, but they tend to be booked up and very expensive. I don't think you would want to leave your baby in a place like this all day either. Working hours in Singapore tend to be very long. Most people with kids get maids here. They tend to be from the Phillipines, Indonesia or Sri Lanka. Some marvelous gems - some horrendous stories. Much like childcare centres, they have to be picked very carefully. These women live in with you, and are paid anything between $350-600. The government takes a "levy" from you of $300 a month, and you are liable for additional things. Most people figure that a maid will cost about $800-1000 a month.

You can get studio apartments. There are no "good" or "bad" neighbourhoods here, per se. Most expats tend to live centrally though. I don't, and there are expats arriving out here every week so I guess there are people all over.

There are heaps of playgroups and centres with other families. I know a few working mums who meet up at weekends with their kids.

Hope that helps.

[sillingw]

(1) Where would it be possible to find daycare for a portion of each day? Is it an option to hire a nanny just for the duration of our stay?

either of these will be hard - kid too young and you cannot legally hire a maid - maybe a nanny service is available, but would be tough to validate and find a really trustworthy nanny.

(2) I have a few friends we could stay with, but would rather not impose... would it be possible to find a sublet or "suite-type" accomodation somewhere central? Where do people recommend?

Look at Serviced Apartments, Frasers and wilby are good ones, they are fully furnished, will rent out for 2-3 weeks and some even provide baby sitting services that would be very helphull, get their phone numbers and give them a call. I understand the reluctance to impose, but Freinds would be a great option and I for one welcome overseas visitors that I know well.

(3) Are there playgrounds and/or community centers where I might interact with other ex-pat parents?

Why don't you arrange something thru this forum, when you get your dates sorted out, I'm sure a well thought out title and subject will get some resonses from other mums.

Any/all comments/feedback/suggestions would be very much appreciated. Thank you in advance!

[kcliew]

Hi, when are you expected to re-locate to SG ?

Hi,

I'm considering relocating to SG with my 6 month old based on some job invitations I've received. Would like to make an exploratory 2-3 week trip in early December. I have the following concerns:

(1) Where would it be possible to find daycare for a portion of each day? Is it an option to hire a nanny just for the duration of our stay?
(2) I have a few friends we could stay with, but would rather not impose... would it be possible to find a sublet or "suite-type" accomodation somewhere central? Where do people recommend?
(3) Are there playgrounds and/or community centers where I might interact with other ex-pat parents?

Any/all comments/feedback/suggestions would be very much appreciated. Thank you in advance!

Caroline