I agree with Kashismum,
What is it about Hong Kong that makes really sane people do insane things. I'm sorry but I feel traipsing half way across HK to go to somewhere like the Rumpus Rooms is a waste of time. Really by the time you have either driven there/ used other means of transport then negotiated a vey difficult road/path area then spent a while there and then had to get out of that area again its really just too much. Why on earth would anyone pay $120 dollars to go and sit in a padded cell with slobber covered toys ( they may have been given a cursory wiping - I'm a microbiologist by trade and I know how ineffective that is)
This whole "just drop in " attitude also stinks. Every time I ever went there was either helpers there with kids. ( too big an age range - my child was nearly bashed into several times by one other unruly toddler who's helper did nothing to stop him) or a couple of other mums, some I had brief chats with..but this whole meeting new people thing is just not going to work in that sort of environ.
Lets get real, there are many many other brilliant places in HK that cost nothing to do...probably many much nearer to where you live than the Rumpus Rooms is. Think about it, when you yourself were young did you have to go to expensive "playrooms" to have a fulfilled and happy childhood? probably NO....lets get real HK mums...think about it. Be creative and do fun things with your child...walks, playgrounds in pretty places,free art at home (invite a few friends around), beach fun...collect shells and sticks do art on the beach...but really is it worth shelling out money on something that has absolutely no value for your child.You're probably more likely to meet happy like minded new friends doing activities that stimulate you and your child. What do you achieve by going to the rumpus rooms, well maybe an overstimulated child ( any educationalist will tell you too much choice does not mean your child is making good choices with things to play) Also the rather batty Circle time/song time. Tanya what are your teaching credentials...none I suspect. I agree the business plan is bizarre.......its basically anyone can come with any age child...and just drop in... HU???? Its sound so uncommittal but that is just what it is... a half hearted attempt to purloin money from the pockets of people who just want to do the best by their child, but actually what is the actual gain. Lets get real. People who run shows like the Rumpus rooms and other such ideas in HK are not in it for YOU they are in it for themselves.
Do YOU really need to go somewhere like there, don't fall into the HK trap of feeling like you have to do things like the Rumpus Rooms...your child will develop just nicely under your guidance...trust yourself. Also I suspect many threads posted on here are from Tanya, the owner of Rumpus rooms, herself under different guises trying to play up her business ( Keryn and Eos????...theyre far too positive and are actually advertising the rumpus rooms...read the threads!!).... by all means HK mums go along and see...But remember your child deserves the best. Save the money for when they are older and give them the fun of the great outdoors and other free things in HK,the old addage "the best things in life are free" certainly counts in this instance.
