Expat family life Bonn baby and toddler groups have openings
Bonn · “Bonn Baby and Toddler” was established for English-speaking parents who want to share the experience of parenting abroad. New groups will begin in September.
It can be quite a challenge to arrive in a new country with a small baby in the arms and young toddlers scurrying about. What happens when they get sick? How will you find a good doctor who speaks English and what if you can’t find the same medicines you used back home? What kind of baby foods and supplies are available and how will you keep the little ones entertained and yourself sane? Back in 2013, Julie Hancock identified the need to establish a support network for parents while she was living abroad. She established “Bonn Baby” as a way for English-speaking parents to meet one another and share the experience of parenting abroad.
“Bonn Baby” began as a group for parents of newborns but has expanded since then, now going by the name “Bonn Baby and Toddler.” It consists of a newborn group, a baby group, a morning and afternoon toddler group and a group for expectant mothers. Over 100 families have participated in “Bonn Baby and Toddler” since 2013 and there are plans to establish a weekend group for working parents. Anna Wells is the overall coordinator of the program. She is from Australia and has lived in Bonn for three years.
Wells says there is a wide interest in the program. Participants may be long time expats, trailing spouses, new parents working abroad and even German locals have asked to join because they want to meet English speakers. She has also had a number of parents contact her who are planning a move to Bonn and would like some advice about how things are done in Germany. As well, they want to have the opportunity to meet people soon after they arrive. There are also native English speakers who have married Germans and would like to mix with people who speak their native tongue.
When asked what countries the members come from, Wells gives out an impressive list: US, Mexico, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Vietnam, UK, Sweden, Denmark, Netherlands, Germany, Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland, Russia, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Greece, Macedonia, Italy, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, France, Switzerland, Nigeria, Egypt. Obviously, not all of them are native English speakers but their common language is English. And of course, it’s not just for moms; dads are very welcomed to join.
Each group has a maximum of 8 members who meet every week for 10 weeks. Meetings take place in the home of group members who take turns hosting. Many groups continue to meet on their own initiative after the 10 weeks. New groups start each January, April and September. Wells comments, “As the meetings are held in group member homes, they are relaxed - babies can lay on the floor, crawl around and the toddlers get to play with some new toys while parents chat and enjoy a cup of coffee and a slice of cake!”
When asked if she had any tips for young families who are new to Bonn, Wells responded, “As a parent in a new city where you may not speak the language, your best sources of information are other parents who have been through it. Getting to know other families in a Bonn Baby Group can ease the transition and help you to find out many things that you take for granted knowing in your home country, plus a few things you hadn't even thought of!” For more information about the group and how to join as well as other valuable resources, you can visit their website at: www.bonnbabyandtoddler.com
(Carol Kloeppel)
