<![CDATA[Need advice: Short Term Stay in Florida - Should we??]]>Dear fellow parents


My spouse will be on a 5 month course in Florida. I'm trying to decide if i should join him, together with the kiddos. My boy is currently 3 and my girl is 1. I'm a FTWM. I'm not sure how i'm going to cope there. It would be my first time having to be with the kids 24/7 for 5 months :scared: My boy would have to stop Berries. I would have to be a SAHM. Some friends encouraged me to join my spouse as it would be a good experience for the kids. Some asked what i'm gona do with them there 🤷 Should i follow? Or should i just bring them along for a holiday there for 2 weeks while my spouse is having his term break? 😄

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/54787/need-advice-short-term-stay-in-florida-should-weRSS for NodeMon, 27 Apr 2026 23:54:39 GMTMon, 22 Apr 2013 03:44:51 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Need advice: Short Term Stay in Florida - Should we?? on Wed, 03 Jul 2013 05:20:47 GMT]]>envy…envy…

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1028679https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1028679Wed, 03 Jul 2013 05:20:47 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Need advice: Short Term Stay in Florida - Should we?? on Wed, 03 Jul 2013 02:28:24 GMT]]>

Funz:
Gonna be such an adventure. Enjoy the experience.

Thank you! It's a precious opportunity. Will be taking loads & loads of photos to document this trip!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1028539https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1028539Wed, 03 Jul 2013 02:28:24 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Need advice: Short Term Stay in Florida - Should we?? on Wed, 03 Jul 2013 02:25:36 GMT]]>

3Boys:
Congrats! Keep your wits about you and you'll have a great time.

Thank you! So paiseh i don't even have a luggage. How to start packing i also don't know. Hope hope hope have enough cash to go Disneyland as well 😂

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1028536https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1028536Wed, 03 Jul 2013 02:25:36 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Need advice: Short Term Stay in Florida - Should we?? on Wed, 03 Jul 2013 02:20:04 GMT]]>Gonna be such an adventure. Enjoy the experience.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1028531https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1028531Wed, 03 Jul 2013 02:20:04 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Need advice: Short Term Stay in Florida - Should we?? on Wed, 03 Jul 2013 02:18:06 GMT]]>

kylene:
Hi,


Not sure if I can help but I'm currently in Sydney with my spouse and 2 kids for a year. We've been here about 3 months. I was working part time in Sg. I send my 5 year old to a local Kindy and my 1 year old is home with me.

The weekdays are tough for me but I love the weekends when we explore new places together as a family. I've learnt to cook simple meals . In Sg, I didnt cook much, my mother and mil used to cook for us.

The best part about this is the weather lol. It's cool here , but not too cold. And we escaped the haze!

I think it'll be an enjoyable experience for u overall.
My elder boy attends childcare & my girl infantcare. Am working full time now and the thought of having to be at home with both...very daunting. But yes i will stay positive, keep an open mind. Who knows i can tahan staying home 😄 I do cook but one dinner a day is nothing compared to having to prepare 3 meals a day! Tao hin liao.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1028528https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1028528Wed, 03 Jul 2013 02:18:06 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Need advice: Short Term Stay in Florida - Should we?? on Wed, 03 Jul 2013 01:25:35 GMT]]>

butterwaffles:
I wish to thank all for the wonderful advices! My unpaid leave has been approved and i will be dragging my kiddos along to join my spouse at florida. We will be taking korean air & delta airways. I am not a seasoned traveller & this is the first time on the plane for my kids so feeling abit apprehensive. Realised formula milk is not readily available there either ^^ Im hoping i will not go crazy staying home with the kids during the day. Hopefully we'll be able to get a suitable apartment with some kind of facilities. Visas are done as well but have yet to purchase insurance. Anyone here happened to take korean air before?

Congrats! Keep your wits about you and you'll have a great time.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1028487https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1028487Wed, 03 Jul 2013 01:25:35 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Need advice: Short Term Stay in Florida - Should we?? on Wed, 03 Jul 2013 00:19:22 GMT]]>丈夫丈夫，一丈之内才是夫。。 Go go go.... :evil:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1028418https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1028418Wed, 03 Jul 2013 00:19:22 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Need advice: Short Term Stay in Florida - Should we?? on Tue, 02 Jul 2013 23:22:14 GMT]]>Hi,


Not sure if I can help but I’m currently in Sydney with my spouse and 2 kids for a year. We’ve been here about 3 months. I was working part time in Sg. I send my 5 year old to a local Kindy and my 1 year old is home with me.

The weekdays are tough for me but I love the weekends when we explore new places together as a family. I’ve learnt to cook simple meals . In Sg, I didnt cook much, my mother and mil used to cook for us.

The best part about this is the weather lol. It’s cool here , but not too cold. And we escaped the haze!

I think it’ll be an enjoyable experience for u overall.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1028388https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1028388Tue, 02 Jul 2013 23:22:14 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Need advice: Short Term Stay in Florida - Should we?? on Tue, 02 Jul 2013 05:44:39 GMT]]>I wish to thank all for the wonderful advices! My unpaid leave has been approved and i will be dragging my kiddos along to join my spouse at florida. We will be taking korean air & delta airways. I am not a seasoned traveller & this is the first time on the plane for my kids so feeling abit apprehensive. Realised formula milk is not readily available there either ^^ Im hoping i will not go crazy staying home with the kids during the day. Hopefully we’ll be able to get a suitable apartment with some kind of facilities. Visas are done as well but have yet to purchase insurance. Anyone here happened to take korean air before?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1027930https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1027930Tue, 02 Jul 2013 05:44:39 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Need advice: Short Term Stay in Florida - Should we?? on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:50:03 GMT]]>Just to add, as I said, going will be a great experience, but do go prepared. I don’t mean bringing loads of things from home (and some Singaporeans do!), but be prepared for a different pace of life, different activities, not earning etc. Although I have followed my husband through many moves with kids from newborn to teens and found all the experiences enriching (I won’t say all enjoyable), I do know some women who found the switch from FTWM to SAHM coupled with going overseas hard to take. Some even went into depression as they were unprepared for the feeling of dependency (not earning), no maid, no family support, differences in lifestyle, food etc.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/992019https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/992019Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:50:03 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Need advice: Short Term Stay in Florida - Should we?? on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 08:48:54 GMT]]>:rahrah: :rahrah: Go! Go! Go!


My daughter was one when I followed my husband to UK. We spent about 10 months there while I was on no-pay-leave. I was a FTWM too, and had never spend much time alone with my daughter - I was very simple-minded and didn't think too much. Just thought it would be such a great break from the routine in Singapore. It was a novel experience - in so many ways!

A few examples.... in SG, we are always busy with our own work, too caught up in a pre-set routine. And then we have colleagues, friends, parents and in-laws hovering all around us. UK was a most refreshing break to our marriage, where we mostly focused on us! My daughter is now five, and although she might not have day-to-day memory of UK, that precious stint provided a great opportunity for us to bond and we are very close. I also found a new perspective in motherhood and learned to enjoy and appreciate different things. It was an enriching experience to each one of us in its own ways. Go! Go! Go! :rahrah: :rahrah:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/991950https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/991950Tue, 23 Apr 2013 08:48:54 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Need advice: Short Term Stay in Florida - Should we?? on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 07:54:09 GMT]]>

keroppi:
Actually it does get confusing when it's night time and there are no cars on the street. You turn into a lane and then see headlights in your direction. Happened to me quite a number of times when picking up my DD from her violin class or when I head out to get groceries in the evening (in winter, it gets dark very early).

Haha, yah happened to me too. But I love their parking spaces, big and spacious, just zoom head in, makes sense especially when you are doing grocery shopping.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/991311https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/991311Mon, 22 Apr 2013 07:54:09 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Need advice: Short Term Stay in Florida - Should we?? on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 07:49:52 GMT]]>Since you don’t have to quit and have a job waiting for you, I say go for it. Experience what it is like living in another country. So exciting.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/991309https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/991309Mon, 22 Apr 2013 07:49:52 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Need advice: Short Term Stay in Florida - Should we?? on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 07:19:56 GMT]]>I say you go girl! :rahrah:


Given similar opportunities I'd surely go!
I have 4 but yes yes yes, die die will go!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/991297https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/991297Mon, 22 Apr 2013 07:19:56 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Need advice: Short Term Stay in Florida - Should we?? on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 07:13:54 GMT]]>Actually it does get confusing when it’s night time and there are no cars on the street. You turn into a lane and then see headlights in your direction. Happened to me quite a number of times when picking up my DD from her violin class or when I head out to get groceries in the evening (in winter, it gets dark very early).

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/991292https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/991292Mon, 22 Apr 2013 07:13:54 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Need advice: Short Term Stay in Florida - Should we?? on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 07:02:39 GMT]]>

butterwaffles:
ngl2010:

Go because of yourself. Not because of your kids. They won't remember but you will remember. Since you can keep your job, this is a rare opportunity.


Was wondering if it would be fatal to miss 5 months of berries & 'schoolwork', sorry if this sounds silly. Noob mummy here. As for myself...i'm dying to go heh. :lovesite:

Errrr....this shouldn't even be a consideration. If you can skip 5 months of work, they can skip 5 months of berries.

Don't worry too much about the driving, switching sides is a lot easier than most people think, just need to take it easy the first few times you do it. Plus, roads in the US are broader, and may I say the drivers are more patient and polite than in Singapore. I'd say it'd be harder for a US citizen to adjust to SG driving than the reverse....and most of the expat mums here manage it, don't they?

Enjoy!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/991287https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/991287Mon, 22 Apr 2013 07:02:39 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Need advice: Short Term Stay in Florida - Should we?? on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 06:55:19 GMT]]>

butterwaffles:
ngl2010:

Go because of yourself. Not because of your kids. They won't remember but you will remember. Since you can keep your job, this is a rare opportunity.


Was wondering if it would be fatal to miss 5 months of berries & 'schoolwork', sorry if this sounds silly. Noob mummy here.

Sorry to say this, but it does sound silly. At 3yo, what your kids misses can easily be caught up again. You can even bring the materials and do some stuff overseas if you want. My kids missed 1 semester in P2/P4 when changing between systems and didn't have any issues catching up.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/991283https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/991283Mon, 22 Apr 2013 06:55:19 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Need advice: Short Term Stay in Florida - Should we?? on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 06:52:13 GMT]]>

butterwaffles:
slmkhoo:

Go. Your kids may not remember much, but you will have lots of good memories as a family. As you say you haven't had experienceas a SAHM, try it (get tips first) - it's worth it! I have been a SAHM all my kids' lives (older girl is 16yo) and we have travelled and lived in many countries since they were born. It can be tough but the family bonding and common memories makes it worthwhile.


:udawoman: How do you do it? Just the weekend leaves me shagged out. You are really capable & adaptable! Here i am...just 5 months and i'm already thinking and thinking don't know i can survive there or not, without work.

Being a SAHM is hard work too!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/991282https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/991282Mon, 22 Apr 2013 06:52:13 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Need advice: Short Term Stay in Florida - Should we?? on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 06:51:11 GMT]]>

butterwaffles:
Yes i do drive! Will need to build up the confidence thou. I hardly drive in sg as i find myself too slow. I can't keep up. Every car moves so fast! If i follow my spouse, i'll have to do the legwork :slapshead: Accomodation, car, insurance....wow. And it's only 5 months. How people migrate i can't imagine the amount of research.

If you stay outside the big congested cities, you will find that driving is fairly easy. Cars won't go as fast and people are more patient. Parking spaces in the US are big too. You will have to get used to driving on the 'other side' though. I hardly drive in Singapore but had to drive overseas (UK and Australia) as public transport where we lived was non-existent. You will find that coping with 2 young kids means that you will be less efficient, but you won't be in such a hurry either. And you won't feel as alone or odd (that's how I felt in Singapore because most families seemed to have maids or grannies or both) as many other women are coping with kids single-handed too.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/991280https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/991280Mon, 22 Apr 2013 06:51:11 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Need advice: Short Term Stay in Florida - Should we?? on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 06:13:19 GMT]]>

butterwaffles:
ngl2010:

Go because of yourself. Not because of your kids. They won't remember but you will remember. Since you can keep your job, this is a rare opportunity.


Was wondering if it would be fatal to miss 5 months of berries & 'schoolwork', sorry if this sounds silly. Noob mummy here. As for myself...i'm dying to go heh. :lovesite:

huh? then we die liao. my son never attended berries. 3 yrs old nia...let him hv fun. but u r right about the legwork. must have a lot of things to prepare...

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/991258https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/991258Mon, 22 Apr 2013 06:13:19 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Need advice: Short Term Stay in Florida - Should we?? on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 06:09:30 GMT]]>

butterwaffles:
ngl2010:

Go because of yourself. Not because of your kids. They won't remember but you will remember. Since you can keep your job, this is a rare opportunity.


Was wondering if it would be fatal to miss 5 months of berries & 'schoolwork', sorry if this sounds silly. Noob mummy here. As for myself...i'm dying to go heh. :lovesite:

Your kids are still 3 and 1. Missing 5 months of berries & 'schoolwork' is ok lah. We are not talking about Primary School here...

You can even bond better with the kids when you are there.

You will be driving on the other side of the road and the cars there are bigger and faster. Please drive carefully. If you are not confident with your driving skills, it is better if you don't drive. Depending on your area, public transport can be very difficult or almost non-existent but you can always go with your husband for groceries, etc, right?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/991256https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/991256Mon, 22 Apr 2013 06:09:30 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Need advice: Short Term Stay in Florida - Should we?? on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 05:47:20 GMT]]>

ngl2010:
Go because of yourself. Not because of your kids. They won't remember but you will remember. Since you can keep your job, this is a rare opportunity.

Was wondering if it would be fatal to miss 5 months of berries & 'schoolwork', sorry if this sounds silly. Noob mummy here. As for myself...i'm dying to go heh. :lovesite:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/991232https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/991232Mon, 22 Apr 2013 05:47:20 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Need advice: Short Term Stay in Florida - Should we?? on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 05:44:29 GMT]]>

keroppi:
Do you drive? It's easier to get around if you do.


As for doc's visit, its not the same as Singapore. You need to make an appointment beforehand and you probably need to get health insurance for the entire family (and just make co-payment on every visit).

Florida is good, at least the weather is tropical so don't have to worry about autumn/winter wear.

Yes, your kids will be too young to remember but if you take lots of photos, they could show them the kodak moments when they are older.

Just go lah. Take a break from work.
Yes i do drive! Will need to build up the confidence thou. I hardly drive in sg as i find myself too slow. I can't keep up. Every car moves so fast! If i follow my spouse, i'll have to do the legwork :slapshead: Accomodation, car, insurance....wow. And it's only 5 months. How people migrate i can't imagine the amount of research.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/991229https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/991229Mon, 22 Apr 2013 05:44:29 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Need advice: Short Term Stay in Florida - Should we?? on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 05:19:15 GMT]]>

slmkhoo:
Go. Your kids may not remember much, but you will have lots of good memories as a family. As you say you haven't had experienceas a SAHM, try it (get tips first) - it's worth it! I have been a SAHM all my kids' lives (older girl is 16yo) and we have travelled and lived in many countries since they were born. It can be tough but the family bonding and common memories makes it worthwhile.

:udawoman: How do you do it? Just the weekend leaves me shagged out. You are really capable & adaptable! Here i am...just 5 months and i'm already thinking and thinking don't know i can survive there or not, without work.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/991199https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/991199Mon, 22 Apr 2013 05:19:15 GMT