FTWM moving to Singapore in Feb 2012

[SearchingforSun]

Hi all,

My family and I are moving to Singapore in February 2012. We are Aussies who have lived in Scotland for nearly six years and are desperate for some sun and to be closer to family! I am currently on maternity leave and my company have given me a great job opportunity so we have decided to make the move. My husband is going to give up work and look after our daughter who will be 8 months old.

I am so happy to be going back to work knowing my husband with be with our daughter (if we stayed in the UK she would be in childcare fulltime), but I think my main worry is about meeting new friends and especially since I will be the one working outside the home.

It would be great to hear from folks in the same situation and other FTWMs! Also, any opinions on the best districts to live with a family? We were thinking east coast (15) or around Orchard Road (10,11) but any other suggestions would be most welcome.

Well, I look forward to hearing for folks and seeing more posts on this forum!

Cheers

[Brooklynjenn]

Not a full time working mom (stay at home mom), but I have two children and recently made the move myself. We chose Holland Village, and I also really liked River Valley. They are both very walkable and have lots of activities for young children. For example, on Dempsey Hill there is an indoor play space that caters to little ones. Dempsey is close to the Botanic Gardens (no housing but neighborhoods surround it). There is another great play space called Fidgets nearby too, and one called Amazonia in Great World City near River Valley. You can tell where the children are concentrated by where the play facilities are located. Tanglin Mall has a New Mother's Support Group, and I highly recommend their guide to Singapore. My kids are 4 and 6, and I found the guide enormously helpful. It would be even more so if my kids were young like yours, because it lists places that have facilities that cater to children and places to go that are easy with a stroller, have high chairs, have changing tables, etc. There is all sorts of practical advice for Singapore in there too, like how to hire a helper, where to get the ERP cards, taxi information, doctor information, etc. That is the part I found really useful, it was a great orientation to the area.

[SearchingforSun]

Hi Brooklynjenn,

Thanks for the information! You have been really helpful and Im off to the property websites for a renewed search.

The note on the Tanglin Mothers Support Group is fantastic. Exactly the kind of information needed for negotiating a new area with children. I will definitely check that out.

I really appreciate your help.

Cheers

[Brooklynjenn]

You are welcome. Let me know if you have any questions. The search is fresh in my mind. I think I saw about 60 condos, if you want a second opinion about ones that I've seen happy to share, Ugh, it is hard! Good luck!

[mumfromOz]

Another place to consider is the Tanglin area - it's close to lots of amenities and not far from Orchard. Very convenient and lots of taxis/buses available

[Lizum]

I'm moving out in March with my husband and 3YO son. I'll be working fulltime and my husband will carry on fulltime caring for our son, so I'm just starting to go through the same things! Have you come across any groups for stay-at-home-dads?

[woozel]

Hi

My husband and I are both working and we live on the East Coast. The advantage to us of living out this way is that we love the East Coast Park, and most weekends are out biking / running / sitting by the beach. With a family of three kids - this suits us. It is quick for us to get into work, and there is lots to do out this way.

So it all depends on what you are looking for and where your office is situated - it is good to live close to work to get the short commutes - especially when you want to get home to the family!

[sundaymorningstaple]

There are a couple of SAHM regulars on this board. The board search function located below the profile link at the upper right side of this page may help you to locate them.

[SearchingforSun]

Hi Folks,

I havent replied on this for a while, but we are now in Singapore. Absolutely loving it! We found a great new condo off RV Road. We really would have liked to live on the east coast but it was just too far from the MRT for my family and we wanted to be a bit closer to transport. My work will pay for public transport but not a car allowance. Downside is that it is a bit further from work as I dont work in the city centre. But the condo has a great pool and we move in next week.

My hubby is really enjoying his time with our daughter but it is a change and takes some getting used to. I think it will be better when we are settled.

Hey Lizum - The only group we have found is the SMB (Secret Mens Business) through Anza. We havent had a good look though as was waiting until we are settled.

[SearchingforSun]

I pressed reply too soon!!! I wanted to give a shout out to the folks on this thread for their great advice!!! Many thanks. It really gave us some perspective when we were househunting.

Lizum- Dont hesitate to give us a post if you need some advice or want to catch up.

Cheers SFS

[Hepworth1]

Hello SearchingforSun ... I am also working full time and my husband is looking after our two children ... I was wondering if your husband has tried the ANZAC secret men's club or any other male/dad forums? And also whether you are meeting any other working mums?

[Hepworth1]

Hi, sorry I meant to ask Lizum too ... Anything you are able to share much appreciated....

[SearchingforSun]

Hi Hepworth 1,

Thanks for your note. Sorry for the delay in response.

My husband hasnt tried SMB as we havent had someone to look after our daughter and its not really something you take your kids along to. However, we have a helper starting this week so that will free up some time for him to try it out.

My hubby has started a meet up group just recently for Stay at Home Dads if your hubby wants to take a look. We found that there really isnt a lot of activities for SAHDs, so wanted to start something.

I havent met many expat working mums. All my close friends that I have met in Singapre are SAHM. As I am working fulltime it is difficult to find the time to socialise outside the condo, but I think once our helper gets established this will free us up to do more evening things and actually have a date night occassionally!

If you want to catch up for a drink or a play date give me a shout and I can send my email address.

Cheers