As well as a wealth of international kindergartens in Shanghai, our kids will never run out of things to do after school here. There is a variety of playgroups, singing, music and dance classes, as well as a host of other extra-curricular activities for infants and toddlers in Shanghai. There are playgroups which offer daytime fun for children whose parents have chosen not to put them into full-time day-care.

It’s not only children, but also expat parents in China who need a support network of their own. It can be a daunting experience to either arrive in Shanghai with children, or to give birth and start a family away from the comfort of home, and the support of friends and family. As well as scheduled fun activities for kids, there are also a range of communities, support groups and helpful parents. So what are the most popular parent groups and classes for parents with young children in Shanghai?

1) Singing Speckled Frogs
Singing Speckled Frogs is a popular group that holds entertaining playgroups at various locations in Shanghai, at least twice a week. Aimed at the 0–3 age range, it encourages dancing, singing-along as well as body and hand movements to the music. SSF, as it is commonly referred to, has been going for several years and is very popular with parents and those who want to get to meet new people.

Price: 60 RMB per session
Contact: vjkransom@yahoo.com

2) Jitterbugs
Jitterbugs offers quick-changing musical fun for a 45 minute session in both Puxi and Pudong playgroups. Using toys and instruments such as rattles, mats, sheets and more, the energetic teachers encourage the kids to follow along to the fun sound-track which has been specially designed for such an event, guiding the children to dance and play. Jitterbugs divides groups depending roughly on the child’s age of 1, 2 or 3.

Locations: various
Price: 60 RMB per session; 250 RMB for five sessions
Website: www.jitteerbugsinshanghai.com

3) Peas n Pods
Peas n Pods is an international community of parents and children in Shanghai. Founded in 2000, it was created to help new expats to the city and has now grown into a much-loved community which offers groups and events, such as bring and buy sales and holiday celebrations.

The groups of parents (mostly moms) and kids meet up on Tuesdays as well as the second, third and fourth Friday of every month at various locations.

Price: 30 RMB per session
Website: http://www.peasandpods.org

4) Bumps & Babes
Bumps & Babes is a detailed website packed with information and resources for parents and parents-to-be in Shanghai. Giving advice about baby-care, parent life and more, the website is a portal which enthusiastically encourages the participation of its readership. There are various categories of the website which all aim to give useful advice and tips in all aspects of parenting and what it means to be an ‘expat parent’. There are regular events and talks in both Puxi and Pudong as well as a website notice board which allows parents to network and make long-lasting friendships and connections with other parents.

Website: www.bumpsbabes.com

5) Shanghai Mamas
Shanghai Mamas is not a specific playgroup, but a resource for parents in Shanghai to network with other friendly and helpful parents. Their website has some information, yet they mainly communicate via their Yahoo group. Many new and old parents in the city have found Shanghai Mamas to be a vital resource for helping out with advice or tips on being an expat parent in China.

Website: www.shanghaimamas.org

6) Shanghai Chosen Families
Shanghai Chosen Families is a group which helps support special needs children and their parents, by offering education, guidance and general advice. The children’s issues range from autism, ADHD, dyslexia and learning difficulties. They meet up at least twice a week in order to offer a personal forum in which parents can share and discuss their experiences and thoughts.

Website: www.communitycenter.cn/shanghaichosenfamilies.asp

7) Shanghai Doula
A doula is someone similar to a midwife – but rather a person who provides the mother with on-going emotional support, guidance and advice. Shanghai Doula started in 2003 and offers breastfeeding advice and classes, baby care and education, support and more for their clients at hospitals around Shanghai. Post-birth home visits and on-going counselling are also offered, giving new mothers and pregnant mothers in Shanghai help with errands and ayi training.

Website: www.shanghaidoulas.com

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Keywords: kids’ playgroups Shanghai motherhood in Shanghai kids’ activities Shanghai children groups in Shanghai