Raising Children in Vietnam: Experiences and Advice from Japanese Expats

Raising Kids in Vietnam: Worries Are Normal

If you've been assigned to Ho Chi Minh City and are bringing your children along, parenting abroad is naturally a big concern. Questions like "Can I raise my kids the same way as in Japan?", "What about schools?", and "Will food and healthcare be okay?" are perfectly natural.

This article shares real-life experiences and advice about raising children in Vietnam, based on stories from Japanese families living in HCMC.

The Good Things About Parenting in Vietnam

Surprisingly, many families raising children in HCMC say that "in some ways, it's actually easier than in Japan."

A child-friendly society

Vietnamese people are very warm toward children. Strangers on the street regularly smile at kids and strike up conversation. Restaurants are tolerant of families with children, and many parents feel less pressure about others' reactions compared to Japan.

Domestic helpers

In HCMC, hiring a domestic helper for cleaning, laundry, and some cooking is common. This frees up more time to spend with your children, which is a huge benefit.

Exposure to nature and multicultural life

Attending the Japanese School or an international school gives children the chance to interact with kids from many countries. Vietnam's vibrant culture and nature also broaden your child's horizons.

Common Challenges and How to Handle Them

Of course, there are challenges too. Here's how experienced expat families have dealt with them.

Maintaining Japanese language skills

If your child attends an international school, their exposure to Japanese may decrease.

• Use the supplementary Japanese school program
• Speak Japanese at home
• Use Japanese correspondence education materials
• Keep up friendships with other Japanese children

Meals and nutrition

When it comes to your child's meals, finding the same ingredients available in Japan is a common concern.

• HCMC has many Japanese restaurants, so you can enjoy Japanese food when eating out
• With the Farmi app, you can order Japanese rice, dashi stock, furikake, frozen foods, and other favorites delivered to your door
• Ingredients for making bento lunches can also be ordered through the app

Healthcare concerns

Sudden fevers or injuries are the most worrying situations when living overseas with children.

• HCMC has hospitals and clinics with Japanese-language support
• Check in advance which medical facilities are covered by your travel or corporate insurance
• Keep the contact details of a Japanese-speaking hospital with pediatrics somewhere easily accessible

Parenting Tips by Age Group

The things to watch for when raising children in HCMC vary by age.

Ages 0 to 3 (pre-kindergarten)

• Babysitters and nannies are available, helping share the childcare load
• Japanese mothers' parenting circles provide a chance to connect with families who have children of similar ages
• Diapers and baby food are available locally, but if you prefer Japanese brands, use Farmi or online shopping

Ages 4 to 6 (kindergarten)

• Japanese kindergartens in HCMC offer a Japanese-language environment
• Some families choose international kindergartens, where children naturally pick up English
• Spots may fill up depending on timing, so inquire early

Elementary school and above

• The Japanese School in HCMC follows the Japanese curriculum and textbooks
• After-school activities like piano, swimming, and soccer are available in HCMC
• If preparing for junior high entrance exams, tutoring services are also an option

Advice from Experienced Expat Families

Here's some frequently shared advice from families who've raised children in HCMC.

• Don't aim for perfection: You can't recreate the exact same environment as Japan. Focus on "experiences you can only have here" and things become easier
• Find people you can rely on: Whether it's a helper, mom friends, or neighbors, building a support network early is invaluable
• Trust your child's adaptability: Children adjust to new environments faster than adults expect. After the first few months, most kids start to enjoy themselves
• Cherish family time: Make a conscious effort to create family time in Vietnam that you were too busy for back in Japan

Enjoy Raising Your Kids in HCMC

Parenting in Vietnam may feel overwhelming at first, but once you settle in, most families feel glad they came. For your children, the experience of living abroad becomes a priceless life asset.

For daily meal prep, download the Farmi app stocked with Japanese ingredients. You can cook your child's favorite dishes in HCMC just like you would at home.

Note: This article and some images were created with the help of AI (artificial intelligence) and reviewed by our editorial team before publication.