Making friends as adults in Hong Kong is no easy task, let alone when you have kids! But finding your mum or dad squad is the best way to get through the ups and downs of parenthood. We’ve put together a useful guide on how to meet people and make friends as parents in Hong Kong.
There is nothing more life-changing than becoming a new parent. The sleepless nights, the crying babies, the endless diaper changes; how do we get through this new life stage? With the help of other parents, of course! Whether you’ve lived in Hong Kong for a while or just moved here, here are some tips on making friends in the 852!
One of the best ways to meet other parents is to take the kids to one of the many indoor playrooms, outdoor playgrounds or picnic spots in Hong Kong. You’re bound to bump into and have conversations with other parents as you sit on the bench and watch the littles play! You’ll notice the same faces frequenting your regular spots and your kids may even make the introductions on your behalf.
Join Facebook Groups Specifically For Parents Making Friends
It’s easy to find Facebook groups for mums and dads based on where you live, your country of origin or areas of interest. Many groups are private and parents are willing to offer advice and have discussions regarding homes, children, buying, selling, helpers, pets, schools and any other topics that are useful for new families. Hong Kong Moms and Hong Kong Breastfeeding Facebook groups are good places to start, but there are also location-specific Facebook groups such as Discovery Bay Mums and Dads or Sai Kung Mummies and nationality-specific groups such as German Mums In HK and Russian Mums In Hong Kong.
If you’ve lived in Hong Kong for a while, chances are you know at least a handful of people. Don’t be afraid to drop them a message on social media to say hello and set a coffee date! Even if it’s a distant connection, the worst that could happen is they don’t remember you and don’t respond, but if they do, it might just be the start of a lifelong friendship.
Sharing your parenthood journey on Instagram is a wonderful way to connect with like-minded mamas and papas. Who knows, your IG story about your kiddo smirking after painting the walls with crayons may prompt other parents to relate and reply to it! Similarly, you can also follow other mums on Instagram and strike up a conversation when they post something that you relate to.
Volunteer At Schools, Nonprofits And Charities
We know that taking care of the kids keeps you busy enough. But if you can find the time, volunteering at NGOs and charity organisations is not only meaningful but also gives you an opportunity to connect with other parents who share similar interests. You can also ask about the parent committee at your child’s school and volunteer to help out at bake sales, sports days and other special events where you’ll surely meet other parents.
We’ve all heard some good (and not-so-good) stories when it comes to dating apps. But Bumble is one of the few apps where people have met and formed genuine, long-term connections! It has a BFF section which is a friend-finding mode that connects people from all walks of life, including parents. Simply create a profile, add some fun photos and make sure you answer a couple of prompts that show your personality!
Join A Workout Class
Whether you’re into yoga, pilates, spinning or HIIT, there’s definitely a workout class for you out there! Put on your favourite activewear, work up a sweat and don’t forget to strike up a conversation with your fellow gym-goers before or after. If you’re a new mom, there are postnatal fitness classes where you’ll definitely connect with other new moms.
Another great social media platform to meet people is Meetup. Browse around the website or type in your activity of choice and your neighbourhood, and you’ll find a list of groups or events that are happening around you. You can even create your own group or organise an event so if you don’t find anything you like, you can always start your own!
Search For Cultural And Spiritual Groups
If you practice spirituality, joining a group that emphasizes community and celebrates special occasions together is a great way to meet new people. Find your nearestcultural society or religious organisation and you might just create your supportive network of mums and dads.
Being a parent shouldn’t deter you from keeping in touch with your interests, you’re your own person after all! Whether you’re into calligraphy, glassmaking, pottery or even leather crafting, there are many workshops and creative classes that’ll only take up an hour of your day. If you want to try something new, look for beginner-level workshops at Klook and HK Ticketing; you can learn a brand new skill and meet new people along the way!
Editor’s Note: Making Friends In Hong Kong: How To Meet New People As Parents was updated in January 2023 by Najuka Redkar.
Main image courtesy of Getty, image 1 courtesy of Getty, image 2 courtesy of Getty, image 3 courtesy of Getty, image 4 courtesy of Getty, image 5 courtesy of Getty, image 6 courtesy of Getty.
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