Anyone out there with older children?

[EmmaT]

Sorry one last comment then I shall disappear!

Regarding having helper!
Not sure if you know anyone in Singapore and how you are in the uk but it can be hard to not have that support that we are all use to in our home land, family and long time friends.
Having a helper does mean you have an in house child minder if needed, which gives your eldest son some freedom and you and your husband can go out in the evening knowing you can trust someone with your children.
It makes a difference when you are trying to settle.

[fivegomad]

Emma T - all very welcomed, thank you so much.
I LOVE Sentosa and have considered that as an option, but do think it's a bit holiday like for everyday. But will consider it for sure (guessing it's expensive). I think being somewhere where there are other people in similar situation is def our best bet as like your hubby, mine will be in and out all the time travelling around Asia. I'm expecting that though - and at least it'll be for a day or so and not the weeks he does at the mo.
Yes please, I'd love to hear from your teenagers point of view. Anything to help with ours - he's such a lovely lad that I'd hate for it to spoil things.

From what we know and who we've talked to it is pretty much the norm to have a helper, but I've also heard some horror stories about them. Will look and choose carefully. With a child with special needs we will def need some help as we can never leave him alone, and need someone we can trust with him. At the moment my parents live around the corner so it's going to be a huge difference.

Can't even think about telling them at the moment.

Thank you and please keep the info coming. x

[EmmaT]

I shall go in a minute. Ha ha
Sentosa has two parts to it. The tourist end, universal studies, casino etc etc and the resident end.
Residents have to go thru a check point, you just flash your apartment card and that's it.
There are boats moored, and places to eat. Bikes become an option around the little cul de sacs. The area gets some much needed breeze too.
If we went back then that is where we would go.
Kids were able to get the bus to Vivo city. Meet friends for burgers and the cinema.

Think I might just start packing my bag and convince my hubby he needs to be in the Singapore office a lot more.

[EmmaT]

Finally

Sentosa is not expensive if you are looking for a flat. We were at Berth By The Cove!

[EmmaT]

Hi
My daughter who is 17 said she enjoyed Singapore, it was easy to settle at school, as other kids have moved around the world. But she wasn't sure what it would be like to move for the first time, if it is for you. My daughter has moved around all her life.
She says Singapore is a great place to be independent.
She found settling in uk the hardest as most kids have gone thru school together since primary.
My daughter suggests plenty of contact thru the internet with friends when and if you go.

Our son has said nothing! I know he would love to return there and he gets a bit upset when it is mentioned in this household cause he gets his hopes up! He made life long friends there and when we go back to Singapore he meets with them if they are still there.