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Supporting teens during exam season Joining the Qatar Running Series
GETTING FIT IN QATAR EXERCISE IDEAS FOR KIDS AND ADULTS, SWIMMING LESSONS FOR BABIES AND MORE
SPRING 2020 | ISSUE 13 | BROUGHT TO YOU BY DOHA MUMS | DOHAFAMILY.COM
Contents
Spring 2020 • DohaFamily.com
HEALTH AND WELLNESS 20 Mum’s recipes with the Oketch family Workout bites
31 Fun ways to stay fit: toddlers to teens Exercise ideas all the kids will love
37 Swimming lessons for babies in Doha Teaching tots a life-saving sport
42 Creative ways for adults to get active in Qatar The non-boring guide to getting fit
48 Fitness and safety tips for sporty superstars Learning how to stay safe while having fun
For Kids
FUN
17 Joining the Qatar running series A review of one of Doha’s best-known running events
25 The best of Bali with kids Exploring one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful destinations in Southeast Asia!
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31 37
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FAMILY MATTERS 57 Managing mum guilt Tips to help you defeat the guilt gremlins
62 Doha dad says Why this Doha dad thinks kids are smarter than adults
LIVING IN DOHA 51 Tween talks: Moving to Qatar A tween’s take on life in Doha
60 How to Qatar Navigating the Doha Metro
EDUCATION
53 Supporting teens through exam season Helping your teen cope during stressful times
IN EVERY ISSUE
6 Quick directory 10 News bites 11 What is on this spring 12 Ask the expert 13 Things we love 14 Book bites 59 New arrivals 64 Market place
Contributors KIM WYATT is the Doha Family Magazine Food Contributor. A mum, photographer, writer, stylist and cook, she is passionate about healthy and delicious food for the whole family. Follow her on Instagram: mama_baba_ganoush or Facebook: mama baba ganoush. KATHERINE LATTO is a lawyer and occasional freelance writer from England. She is enjoying discovering Doha with her husband and three young children. LISA GAY is a writer from the US who has so far spent over a decade of her life as an expat. She’s lived in Beijing, where she worked as an editor of a parenting magazine. Now a trailing spouse, she has since started a family in Doha. LAURA POWELL-CORBETT is a banker turned writer from England. Besides writing, she loves discovering Doha, meeting new friends and travelling the world with her three young children in tow. EMMA MORRELL is a British mum who has lived outside of the UK for over 1/3 of her life. She’s a family travel blogger and expat who is passionate about helping families to travel more adventurously and empowering expat women and families.
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Illustrations by Joanne Brooker
Quick Directory
Children’s Activities Evolution Sports Qatar Flute Lessons Future Sport IAID The Gymnastics Academy
4407-6772 5004-0179 3344-2547 4441-1234 See Ad
Catering & Party Services CakEpicurean Minipolis Entertainment Center
See Ad 4437-8421
Food & Beverages Yasmine Palace
4411-1502
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Medical, Wellbeing, Spa Love Coach Svenja Hampel The Westin Doha Hotel
See Ad 6671-1190 4492-1682
64 64 30
Nurseries & Kindergartens Kidzone III Nursery Little Lions English Nursery Montessori Steps Primrose Nursery Starfish Lane Kids Nurseries Tots Corner Nursery Grandma Nursery
5055-6466 4441-3094 3339-6566 4417-6744 4487-5939 4468-8008 See Ad
12 63 13 52 29 14 50
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19 64 13 10 44 64 35
Pets Paws Rescue Qatar
See Ad
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3026-6800 4459-1500 4041-4999 4036-0450 4036-3131 5043-8885 4437-9600
9 68 5 7 67 46 50
Photography Najla Nabil Photography
See Ad
43
Retail Virgin Megastore
4495-9060
15
Special Needs Services & Centres Hibbo Club Step by Step Centre for Special Needs
3307-0183 4475-7225
38 28
Sports & Active Lifestyle MetaFit Pilates (Svenja)
6643-4301 6671-1190
64 64
Tutorial Services Oxford Learning
4491-0777
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Schools ACS International School Doha American School of Doha Arab International Academy Royal Grammar School, Guildford in Qatar Swiss International School Doha The Hamilton International School North Anglia International School
Where values-based teaching provides a broad approach and solid foundations for future learning. • Personalised learning from Nursery to Senior School. • Full British Curriculum leading to GCSE and A Level qualifications. • Large outdoor learning environment with extensive sports facilities. +974 4036 0450 www.rgsgq.com
• A caring and inclusive school where each member of our community is known as an individual.
Um Salal Mohammad Doha, Qatar
Admissions open for children aged 3-15 years Weekly school tours every Tuesday, 8-9am
Editor’s Letter
T
THE PREMIER MAGAZINE FOR FAMILIES IN QATAR
his time of year for me has always symbolised growth and new beginnings. The sun is up for longer, flowers start blooming again, and the winter chill subsides a little. Here in Qatar, it’s also the time when our sports-mania is at its height, with National Sports Day marking our calendars once again. In the spirit of new beginnings, I’m excited to introduce myself as the new editor of Doha Family. I’m also thrilled to unveil to you the newest sections of our magazine: Doha dad says (page 62) and Tween/teen talks (page 51). In this new chapter, we hope to grow with you and see our magazine appeal to more members of our Doha Family. This Sports Day inspired issue will get you in the mood to move, as we’ve broken down all the different ways you can stay active in Qatar, even when the temperature is at its peak. If you’re a parent who wants to move more (page 42) or have bored kids who can’t seem to get off their screens (page 31) this is the issue for you—we even have something for the tots (page 37)! And fitness doesn’t end while you’re away for spring break, so we show you how you can have an active holiday in one of the world’s most beautiful destinations (page 25).
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Issue 13 – Spring 2020 DohaFamily.com Founder
Roxanne Davis
Publisher / Managing Director Anas Outa Bashi
Sales & Marketing Nina Hall
Editor
Tesneem Ayoub
Graphic Design:
The HYPE Marketing Solutions y sporty side
Embracing m
As exam pressure mounts this term for many Doha teens, we share some expert tips on how you can best support them (page 53). And if you’re a mum who wonders if she’s been giving her kids enough of that support, we hope our article on mum guilt puts you at ease (page 57). As always, your voice matters; so please write to me if you have any story ideas, comments or experiences you’d like to share at editor@dohafamily.com.
Tesneem
Editor Doha Family Magazine
Operations Coordinator Prathibha Nair
For advertising or distribution inquiries, please contact Nina Hall at ads@dohafamily.com. Editorial inquiries, suggestions and submissions may be addressed to editor@dohafamily.com. Doha Family Magazine is a free magazine published four times a year by Doha Mums. It is distributed to over 120 locations throughout Qatar with a circulation of over 20,000 copies. Visit dohafamily.com/Find-A-Copy to find the nearest copy. Doha Family does not endorse or assume responsibility for any information, products or services mentioned by advertisers or editorial contributors. Reproduction of any element of this publication without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Copyright 2020 by Doha Mums. Doha Family Magazine is printed by Aspire Printing Press in Doha, Qatar.
READY FOR TOMORROW. NEW CAMPUS OPENING AUGUST 2020 At ACS we prepare our students to be ready. Ready for cultures that cross-over, boundaries that blur and ideas that interconnect. Ready for a world that demands a new kind of learning – and a new kind of citizen. Our new state-of-the-art campus will deliver a truly exceptional learning environment, offering the very best academic programmes and co-curricular opportunities so our students are ready for a tomorrow full of opportunities.
Girls and boys aged 3–18 70 nationalities Conveniently located in Al Kheesa International Baccalaureate (IB) Advanced Placement (AP) NEW US High School Diploma Exceptional facilities including sports and performing arts
Scheduled tours available at the new campus. To find out more call +974 3026 6800, email doha-admissions@acs-schools.com or visit acs-schools.com/acs-doha
The first leg of CIRQUE DU SOLEIL’S “MESSI 10” tour is set to take place in Qatar at the Ali bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena between 27 February and 7 March 2020. The show will tell the story of Lionel Messi’s journey to become one of the world’s greatest footballers and highlight his best plays with jaw-dropping acrobatic performances. messicirque.com/en SIDRA HOSPITAL’S sleep laboratory took in over 450 child patients in 2019 and discovered the underlying causes of sleep issues in many children, according to The Peninsula Newspaper. Sidra’s Sleep Lab includes experts specialised in paediatric sleep medicine whose mission has
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been to find the best way to normalise children’s sleeping patterns depending on the causes of their sleep problems. The NATIONAL MUSEUM OF QATAR was listed on Time Magazine’s website as one of the greatest places to visit for the year 2019. The upscale Mexican restaurant, LA BODEGA NEGRA, has opened its first branch in the Middle East at St. Regis Doha. Mexican food lovers in Qatar can now enjoy a selection of mouth-watering dishes, from classic Mexican staples such as Baja fish tacos to restaurant specialities like wood-fire grilled giant prawns and wagyu ribeye. labodegadoha.com
what’s on this Spring Ride
Volunteer Shop
Savour
Get ready to put your helmet on and get cycling at the Ride of Champions 2020, a cycling event organised by Qatar Foundation taking place 06:30–12:30 on Friday 13 March 2020. Seasoned cyclists and rookie riders alike are welcome to join in and choose between three distances to ride, depending on their ability levels. Kids aged nine and up—escorted by a parent or carer— are also invited to take part in an ability-friendly session between 07:00 and 07:30. qf.org.qa/events
Torba Farmers Market is open to volunteers who can assist with various aspects of the market every Saturday until 25 April 2020. Whether you’re passionate about produce, all about waste reduction, or happy to help a budding generation of young merchants, Torba has a role for you. Kids and teens are also welcome but must be accompanied by an adult if aged 16 and under. For more information on how you can apply, log on to the market’s website. farmersmarket.qa
Metro Street Food gives you and your family the chance to savour a variety of flavours cooked-up by tens of food outlets, and even enjoy a game of minigolf. Organised by QSports and located at DECC Metro Station (South), this quirky outdoor event prides itself on being the first of its kind in West Bay. Just be sure to catch it by 24 April 2020! qsports.qa/metro-fnb
Spring 2020 | Issue 13
The National Museum of Qatar’s Baraha Souq offers visitors the chance to hang out, shop and grab a coffee, all while being immersed in the local culture. You can explore the wide variety of Qatar-made creations sold by the vendors—from art pieces, accessories and clothes, to homeware, dates and tasty dishes—and even watch traditional craftspeople in action. This seasonal souq is open to visitors every Friday and Saturday until 30 May 2020. nmoq.org.qa/ baraha-souq
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ASK THE EXPERT INBOX
SENT
DRAFTS
RE: In workout videos and how-to articles for different exercises, there’s always the disclaimer that we should consult a doctor or fitness instructor before starting any exercise programmes or workout routines. Is this always necessary or can we sometimes skip this step? From:
Greg Evans
Disclaimers are there to protect you and should not be ignored. Most people who choose to disregard these disclaimers do not suffer any consequences. However, some people will learn the hard way when they start exercising. They may not even realise they are putting their health at risk! Usually, disclaimers will be a series of questions similar to this: l Has your doctor ever said that you have a heart condition? l Do you have pains in your chest when performing physical activity? l Have you had chest pain when you were not doing any physical activity? l Do you lose your balance due to dizziness or ever lose consciousness? l Is there a history of coronary disease in your immediate family? l Do you suffer from high or low blood pressure? l Do you suffer from high cholesterol? l Are you pregnant now or have you given birth within the last 6 months? l Have you had surgery recently? l Do you have any chronic illness or physical limitations such as asthma or diabetes? l Do you have any injuries, bone/joint or orthopaedic problems? l Do you take any medications (either prescription or non-prescription) regularly? If you have answered YES to ANY of these questions, then you should consult a doctor before exercising. If the answer is NO to ALL of these questions, then you can start exercise without the need to see a doctor or fitness instructor. Even if you have answered “no” to all of the above questions, you should still proceed with caution when starting any new exercise programme. Exercising incorrectly could lead to serious injuries. Start simple and with minimal equipment. Bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, press-ups and sit-ups are great for toning, simple to do, and safe for all levels. Group exercise classes are a great way to get fit safely as you will have professional coaches on hand to guide you, correct your form and motivate you. Sincerely, Greg Evans Director of coaching Evolution Sports Qatar
Have a question for the experts? Send it to editor@dohafamily.com 12
Things we Kidoozie foam pogo jumper
Love!
This pogo jumper is a great tool to get your kids on their feet, strengthen their core muscles and work on their coordination skills. Its soft base makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor play, which is necessary when the sweltering Qatari seasons take going outside completely out of the question. Boasting a suitability age range of “three to 100” and the ability to support weights up to 250 pounds, this toy can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. amazon.com
Savvy Infusion Flip Top Fruit Infuser Water Bottle
What’s a good workout without proper hydration? This infuser allows you to create your own flavoured water at home or on the go, with a sturdy flip-top cap to help prevent leaks and spillages. Designed to accommodate different fruit, vegetable, and herbal combinations, as well as the ability to handle carbonated water, the options you have to keep your fluid intake up are now endless. At the time of writing, you also get a complimentary e-book with infused water recipes with each purchase! amazon.com
Fitness space adventure
This pedometer app uses a space videogame to get kids to walk more. The more kids walk, the more “walking energy” they’ll have to power their spaceships so that they’re able to discover other planets and go on missions to house lost space creatures. Plus, they’ll even have the chance to build their own galaxies! Available on Android and Apple Spring 2020 | Issue 13
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Book Bites
by Samuel Jones, age 10, 5th grade
Title: Complete Children’s Cookbook Genre: Cookbook Author: DK I really enjoyed this cookbook because it shows delicious, family-friendly recipes that anyone can make. The book covers everything from breakfast to soup, salad, light bites, main meals, desserts, and baking. Plus, there’s a handy section that shares tips and tricks to improve your cooking skills. There are step-by-step photographs in case you don’t understand the recipe. On each page, there is an ingredient list, method, and description of the food, as well as how it tastes.
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I love the main meal section because there are so many things to choose from. I made the chilli con carne and my family really enjoyed eating it! I have also made French toast, lamb kebabs, and apple pie. The book has a variety of exceedingly delicious recipes from around the world, including curry. The recipes aren’t too hard and the information is very easy to understand. I would recommend this book for beginners and kids who love food and want to learn how to cook.
Joining the Qatar Running Series
FUN
by Laura Powell-Corbett Doha Family Rating Convenience:3.5/5 (5 am is pretty early!) Safety: 4/5 Facilities: 3.5/5 Overall: 4/5
W
ith a marathon runner in the house who’s brought home several medals from a variety of races, it was only natural that my boys would be interested in running. And more specifically, interested in earning medals of their own. Having spent the summer practising in England at various junior parkrun events, we came back to Qatar ready to take on the challenge of earning a medal. Lucky for us, the challenge was ready and waiting in the form of the Qatar Running Series (QRS). As my husband signed up to complete the 10K, my seven-year-old the 3K Primary Junior race, and my four-year-old the Mini Kids race, it seemed only fair that I also signed up to run the 5K. With a target for each of us in mind, we set out for our respective races, each determined to do our best. And do our best we did. With my husband winning silver in the last 10K of the fall series, myself beating my previous QRS personal best, my seven-year-old
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completing the course in a time faster than he was expecting, and quite simply, the steely determination of my four-year-old as he ran on his own because he was too fast for us all, a family of runners was born.
What is the Qatar Running Series? Technically, the Qatar Running Series is a selection of races grouped into five separate series throughout the year—but it is so much more than that. It’s a community of like-minded runners battling to beat their personal bests. Back in 2009, Ziyad Rihan moved to Qatar with two small children and a thirst for the outdoor lifestyle. Pretty quickly, he found out that there was a distinct lack of running events in Doha. And more so, he felt that his kids had fewer opportunities to embrace a healthy lifestyle. In 2015, Ziyad set up Z Adventures with the aim to organise marathon adventures around the world—and at the insistence of his children—to start a series of events in Qatar to promote long-distance running. 17
Who can take part? The Qatar Running Series is open to anyone who is medically able to run, and all participants who register must agree to a participant waiver on registration. The youngest participants are three-years-old, and there is no upper age restriction. The races are grouped by age as follows: Mini Kids: Primary: Secondary: Open: Masters:
Three to six Seven to 11 12 to 15 16 to 39 40+
That first event was held in November 2015 with 100 participants (plus Ziyad’s two children). Four years on and over 100 events have been organised in Qatar, with the Mini Kids and Junior programmes expanding to between 60–70 children per event.
Whether you’re setting yourself a goal to run within a certain time frame, as far as a particular distance, or to even just finish your run, the friendly atmosphere and camaraderie at the events make pounding the pavement a pleasure.
Ziyad has certainly achieved his aim of promoting running across Qatar and to all age groups. The QRS races are a perfect way to get into running.
What’s included?
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Besides a race bib and custom-designed finishers medals, the Qatar Running Series entry fee also covers several other costs, including water stations at the start/finish line and 1.5km turning point; medical support from Qatar Red Crescent; public liability
FUN insurance; and course marshals. And of course, awards for the top three finishers (male and female, across each category) in the 10K, 5K and 3K races.
Upcoming Events QRS is arranged into five separate series: The Winter Edition The Spring Series The Ramadan Challenge The Summer Sizzler The Fall Edition With a working year running from August to June, the remaining races in 2020 are (at the time of writing) scheduled to take place on the following dates: QRS Winter Edition Race 2: Friday 14 February 2020 QRS Winter Edition Race 3: Friday 21 February 2020 QRS Winter Edition Race 4: Saturday 7 March 2020 QRS Spring Series Race 1: Saturday 28 March 2020 QRS Spring Series Race 2: Friday 3 April 2020 QRS Spring Series Race 3: Friday 10 April 2020 QRS Ramadan Series Race 1: Thursday 23 April 2020 QRS Ramadan Series Race 2: Thursday 30 April 2020 QRS Ramadan Series Race 3: Thursday 7 May 2020 QRS Ramadan Series Race 4: Thursday 14 May 2020 QRS Summer Sizzler Race 1: Friday 12 June 2020 QRS Summer Sizzler Race 2: Friday 19 June 2020 Location: The events will take place at MIA Park and Al Bidda Park, and comprise of distances ranging from 3K to half marathon. All events will take place on accurately measured short courses with multiple laps, and are restricted to a maximum of 180 participants. Parking: Free public parking is available at both locations Contact: Z-adventures.org/qatar-running-series.html Hours: Start times vary depending on the distance of the run. At the time of writing, the scheduled start times are as follows. Please be aware that they are subject to change: Half Marathon: 10K and 5K: 3K: Mini Kids: Spring 2020 | Issue 13
05:00 06:00 06:03 07:00
Please note that the Ramadan Series will take place after Iftar. Ages: Three and up Fees: ADULTS (16+): QAR 110 for each event. JUNIORS (seven to 15): QAR 55 for each event. MINI KIDS (three to six): QAR 35 for each event. Toilets: Available at both locations Dress code: Running attire and trainers
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about embarking on exercise with a medical condition or any other health objectives. 19
HEALTH
Mum’s Recipes With the Oketch Family by Kim Wyatt
HEALTH
F
or award-winning professional athlete and pro trainer Christopher Oketch, health and fitness is a way of life. As a multiple-winner of Qatar’s Strongest Man title and a World Champion Professional Natural Bodybuilder, Christopher follows a strict dietary and training regime to maintain his peak level of fitness. Life for a pro athlete can be demanding and pressured at the best of times, but for Christopher, there is one main priority that keeps his feet firmly on the ground. “The most important element to me is family,” he says. A proud family man, Christopher is married to Australian businesswoman Kimberley, and is father to Rio, aged two, and two older step-children—Paris, aged 23, and Indigo, aged 15. Although it’s a super busy household juggling work, training, and daily school runs, Christopher has a positive approach to family life and says, “there are always challenges, but my wife Kimberley and I work as a team. We empower each other to reach our goals and dreams as a family and as individuals”. Originally from Kenya, Christopher arrived in Qatar to further his athletic career, with a burning ambition to support his big, extended family, including his mother, six brothers, and three sisters. For many Kenyans, Christopher says, working abroad in another country “is a dream” and for him, taking care of his mother and siblings is crucial. From a young age, Christopher was immersed in the world of fitness. His elder brother, William, trained in local gyms and eventually became Mr Kenya. Inspired by what he calls his brother’s “determination and energy”, Christopher became interested in bodybuilding and won the title of Kenya’s Strongest Man, not once, but three times. To maintain his successful and awardwinning career, Christopher keeps a watchful eye on his diet, stating that “training and dieting go hand in hand”.
Spring 2020 | Issue 13
He describes his strict regimen as follows: “If I’m preparing for a bodybuilding competition, my diet is very boring and consists of mainly egg whites, grilled chicken breast, broccoli and rice with no oil or salt. It’s really no fun at all! But the rest of the time I really eat anything and everything!” Keeping fit and healthy is something Christopher says has been instilled in him from a very young age: “I train, train, train, all the time and sometimes I even pull my wife’s car around the compound! Of course, my style of training is not for everyone!” But it’s not just a gruelling exercise and training schedule that defines keeping active for Christopher. Fun, physical activities are important for the whole family, and they often take son Rio to Al Bidda Park or the Corniche. When Doha’s temperatures are low, the family loves to make the most of the great outdoors and venture outside as much as possible. “In the cooler months, Doha has some of the most amazing parks to discover and it’s a great way to spend time as a family,” says Christopher. It’s obvious that this multicultural family has a passion for food that is both healthy and delicious. Luckily for Christopher, he describes his wife Kimberley as “a whizz in the kitchen”, and says that his family eat the home-cooked meals she prepares. So how would Kimberley describe her own cooking style? “Quick and easy, quite Australian, with fresh and healthy Thai food, stir-fries, and homemade soups,” she says, “I love visiting the vegetable market. Sometimes we have roast
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HEALTH dinners, which are easy to prepare. We also eat lots of salads, grilled meats, and make green juices. We don’t eat any takeaway at all!” Kimberley also loves to be spontaneous in the kitchen and doesn’t usually follow recipes preferring to “just throw it all together”. Christopher’s Kenyan roots have also influenced the family’s style of eating, with plenty of natural and fresh produce on the daily menu: “We grew up without prepackaged food. Our staple food was ugali— a type of porridge made from polenta/maize flour which we would eat with fresh vegetables. Maybe once a week we would eat fish and on special occasions, chicken or beef. Homemade chapati was cooked only on special occasions.” What are this family’s favourite kitchen staples?
“Eggs, rice cakes, salads, berries, lots of celery for juicing, polenta, chicken, and water being our drink of choice,” says Kimberly. Christopher adds, “our young son Rio loves rice, chicken and broccoli, and he’s obsessed with berries, fruits, and rice cakes with the Australian classic sandwich spread, Vegemite. I know Kimberley always packs a great variety of food for Rio’s lunchbox including carrot sticks, hummus, chicken, apple, mini meatballs and sultanas”. Snacks in the Oketch household often include nuts, banana bread, and homemade soups. For this family, an active lifestyle combined with simple, wholesome food is a medal-winning recipe!
Beetroot dip Makes approx. 1 ½ cups
For a tasty and healthy snack, this colourful dip pairs perfectly with sliced Method vegetables such as carrot and celery, 1 . Preheat oven to 180°C or (160°C for fan ovens). or even crackers. If needed, use rubber 2. Wash and dry beetroots. Trim any leaves. Place beetroots with two tablespoons of olive oil into hand gloves to reduce any beetroot a large bowl and toss well to coat. 3. Wrap each beetroot loosely in foil then place in stains. Ingredients l 650g (about three beetroots) washed, dried and trimmed l 80ml extra virgin oil l 2 cloves garlic, crushed l 280g Greek-style yoghurt l ½ teaspoon lemon juice (optional) l Salt and pepper to taste
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an ovenproof dish. 4. Roast for 1 ½ hours or until tender. Remove from oven. Unwrap beetroots and cool to room temperature. 5. Using a small knife, peel outer skin from beetroots. Coarsely grate beetroots and place in a colander to drain off excess liquid. Combine beetroots, remaining two tablespoons oil, garlic, yoghurt, and lemon juice in a large bowl, and then season to taste. 6. Serve with vegetable sticks, crackers, or rice crackers.
HEALTH
Banana Bread Serves eight
Bananas are an excellent source of fuel for the muscles. In this recipe, classic banana bread has been given a healthy high fibre makeover with the addition of oats. Ingredients l 225g plain flour l 2 teaspoons baking powder l 1 teaspoon cinnamon l 110g firmly packed soft brown sugar l 200g plain oats l 60g finely chopped pitted dried dates l 60g finely chopped walnuts l 2 eggs l 80ml sunflower oil or light olive oil l 80ml reduced-fat milk
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l 1 teaspoon vanilla flavouring l 2 large (about 450g) very ripe bananas, mashed
Method 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C for fan ovens). 2. Spray a 7cm deep, 10 x 21cm (base measurement) non-stick loaf tin with olive oil. 3. Sift the flour, baking powder and cinnamon into a large bowl. Add the sugar, oats, dates, and walnuts. Stir to combine. 4. Whisk together the eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla. Stir through the mashed banana. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. 5. Spoon into prepared tin and smooth surface with back of spoon. Place into the middle of the oven and bake for 50–55 minutes or until golden and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. 6. Stand in the tin for 5 minutes before turning onto a wire rack to cool. 7. Cut into slices and serve toasted with a drizzle of honey. 23
FUN
The Best of
Bali with Kids by Emma Morrell
Spring 2020 | Issue 13
25
FUN
F
ifteen years ago, Bali stole my heart. Despite being a travel addict and having years of living abroad, two gap years, and countless crazy holidays under my belt, I had never been to Southeast Asia. It turned out to be a turning point for me—I would never travel in the same way again. We had been keen but nervous to return to Bali with the kids. What if it had changed too much since we were there? What if we had? Could a place we had once loved so much give us a family holiday that changed how we travelled, yet again? The answer was a resounding yes.
homestays to luxurious hotels and resorts. It has fabulous Indonesian food as well as Western dishes to suit younger (read: pickier) palates. Bali is truly beautiful with its stunning beaches, lush paddy fields, and even some volcanoes—but make sure you check for details beforehand, as Mount Agung is still active! Also, consider the incredible weather; it’s tropical and hot year-round. Add that to the fact that it is incredibly affordable without compromising on quality and suddenly, you have yourself a fabulous destination to consider.
Is Bali a family-friendly destination?
What to do in Bali
I had never previously considered Bali through the eyes of a parent, so we did our research. With an abundance of information available online and the added bonus of being able to speak to like-minded family travellers here, in Doha, who had also been to Bali, our minds were put at ease. It turns out that Bali boasts many family-friendly accommodation options to suit all budgets, from simple
It’s not just the beauty and great food that should take you to Bali because let’s face it, we all know that kids couldn’t care less! There’s so much to do for families with children of all ages, that it’s hard to know where to start. One thing we adored about Bali was how everything was outdoors. You only need to spend one summer in Doha to forever appreciate the joy of a place that offers
Planning your trip
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When to go
Resources
The rainy season runs from November to March. Dry season is April to October (though showers can—and do—still happen). July and August, Easter Holidays, and Christmas / New Year are considered high season. Consequently, April, May, June, September, and October are great times to visit if you have the time. Research when other countries in the region have holidays because the southern and northern hemispheres’ academic years are very different! Travelling out of high season also reduces the environmental impact on the island which is also showing signs of struggle due to the sheer numbers of people visiting each year.
A Google search will bring up more resources than you ever dreamed of—such is the popularity of Bali in the travel community! Here are some of my favourites: • thehoneycombers.com/bali • travelmadmum.com/bali-with-kids • worldtravelfamily.com/visiting-bali-withkids • mumonthemove.com/where-to-stay-inbali-with-kids-3 • littlebalilove.com • rollingalongwithkids.com/start • instagram.com/balikidsdayout
FUN so many outdoor activities. We loved visiting some of the many beaches around and the kids were thrilled to hire surfboards and learn to surf (at ages two and four!). Had they been older, we could have put them in proper lessons and or let them do activities like jetskiing and paragliding. We noticed families with older kids also booking white water rafting tours, quad bike adventures and paintball excursions. It was great to see that the whole family was considered in most situations—so things like yoga classes, arts and crafts lessons, and cooking schools were catered to all ages. We also loved exploring temples. I once thought that this would be boring for kids, but that wasn’t the case, especially when the temple ruins are open for exploring and are home to (literally) cartloads of monkeys and other wildlife. To balance out the adult-focused activities, we were also grateful to find more kid-friendly options like a trampoline park, a trick-eye museum, lunch in a “pirate ship”, and one of the best water parks we have ever visited.
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If none of that suits your family, some of the things we wanted to do but ran out of time to try, include: Bali Safari Marine Park, Lollypop Playland, Bali Zoo, Elephant Cave in Goa Gajah, swimming with sharks, butterfly farms, hot springs, snorkelling, Bali Bird Park, spice farms, Bali Treetop Adventure Park, glass-bottomed boat trips, Balinese culture classes, fishing and dolphin trips, and more shopping than you could ever imagine. And if all that leaves you stressed out, then head to one of the countless spas for some downtime.
Top areas to go in Bali
The main places people head to are Kuta, Nusa Dua and Ubud. They are all very different from each other: Kuta is busy, vibrant, and full of life. It is also where all the shopping is, but it’s not our favourite area because we found it to be too touristy.
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FUN Nusa Dua is more relaxed and laid back—it’s where many of the big resorts are and they take care of their beaches more than elsewhere on the island. The flip side is that it masks the real impact the rubbish washed ashore from across the world has on Bali. Ubud is, again, completely different. Located inland, it has grown considerably over the years. It is much busier, but the advantage is that it has more accommodation options, restaurants, as well as activities catered to all tastes and ages.
Other areas to visit
If you want to avoid driving too far but also want to get away from some of the crowds of tourists, Sanur and Uluwatu are good options. Lots of people also enjoy Seminyak and Canggu just north of Kuta. For island life, head to Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida or Nusa Ceningan. Alternatives to Ubud include Sidemen or Munduk. To really get off the beaten track, Amed, Lovina, and Pemuteran are popular choices.
Where to stay
When it comes to accommodation in Bali, there really is something for everyone. In every accommodation type, you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice! As a top tourist destination, Bali boasts some incredible luxury hotels. Many big names are there as well as lots of amazing
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FUN boutique hotels. Most have incredible pools and high-end spas, but not all offer family friendly rooms or kids’ clubs, so it’s worth researching your options before booking. If a hotel isn’t your style, consider what most people go for: a villa. You can book yours through the usual booking sites. They are usually finished to a high standard and often come with a private pool and staff who are on hand to cook you breakfast (usually included in the package) and any other meals you may want (probably not included). They can also help you make additional arrangements such as booking taxis, arranging tours, and making restaurant reservations. If you want to try something a bit more unusual, Bali has that too—from tree-house hotels and glamping to yachts and eco-lodges!
What / where to eat
Bali really is a great place to explore some of the best of Southeast Asia’s cuisine. While it may not be as iconic as Thailand’s, don’t underestimate the food scene in Bali. There are quite a few internationally renowned restaurants dotted around the island, but for us, it was randomly finding a local café or restaurant with delicious local dishes that really won each day. Just wandering around and seeing what you find at the right time of day is a good strategy to find a great place to eat. There are a few local delicacies that everyone should at least try including chicken satay (we renamed them
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chicken lollipops to get the kids to eat them!), bebek bengil (which literally translates to “dirty duck”), or bebek betutu (smoked duck). We also really liked nasi campur (a plate combining several typical Balinese dishes) and nasi/mie goreng (fried rice/noodles). We were very grateful that, despite travelling with two small picky eaters, we were also able to find places serving western food to balance out trying new dishes with tried and tested old ones.
Getting there and around
Qatar Airways offers three flights daily to Denpasar. There are multiple low-cost airlines in Southeast Asia that offer competitive flights from elsewhere in the region if you happen to be adding Bali to a longer itinerary. While you can hire a driver in Bali, most people use taxis or book a one-off driver. Most hotels and villas will arrange airport transfers and transport between towns (for a fee). Traffic jams in Bali are common and short trips can end up taking much longer than planned, so research local public holidays and festivals, and make use of local knowledge when you can because Google Maps does not always know best! Taxis can be hailed from the street or found at taxi ranks. Grab and Gojek (Southeast Asia’s answers to Uber) are also widely-used, though not as commonly as ride-share services would be used elsewhere in the world; there have been some complaints of fee change requests, a lack of designated pick up points in areas such as the airport, and so on.
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HEALTH
Fun ways to stay fit: toddlers to teens by Lisa Gay
I
t’s not easy to stay active in a place like Qatar. The weather keeps most of us scurrying for cover, while near-constant road construction makes the journey to dedicated gyms and play areas daunting. Sometimes, you just want to curl up in front of the telly and promise yourself that tomorrow will be different. But don’t give up—being active, even in the height of summer, is very doable. Qatar is pushing to make sports accessible for everyone: young and old, male and female, expat and local. With plenty of local options to keep fit and healthy, here are some ideas to keep you and your family moving throughout the year, whether you have tiny tots or towering teens.
Movement Classes
Age range: 18m to two years Toddlers benefit from regular physical activity. Movement classes can familiarise them with the basics: hopSpring 2020 | Issue 13
ping, skipping, and dancing. Gymboree Play & Music (4020-6413) offers plenty of classes for your toddler to explore movement in a safe environment, but if your schedule is tight, they hold open “Playgym” sessions for families to use outside of regular classes. Aspire Active (4413-6430) also organise movement sensory classes for babies and toddlers to enjoy with their caregivers.
Swimming
Age range: Six months and up Swimming is not only a blast on a hot summer’s day—it’s literally a lifesaving skill. Introduce them to this activity early and often. Almost every swimming school offers a mum & baby swimming programme; (3300-3839), which offers ballet classes and hip-hop; 31
HEALTH Swim Academy (6661-4139) holds family swimming experiences in convenient locations like The Grand Hyatt and The Westin. For more competitive swimmers, the H2O Swim Club (5564-1475) comes highly recommended.
Trampolining
Age range: 18 months and up We’re not gonna lie—trampolining is so much fun, it doesn’t feel like you’re getting a workout (though you totally are!). It’s one of those family activities that works for just about any age group. At Bounce (44086500), a special Junior Jumpers programme is available for children who can walk unassisted, while teenagers can challenge their ninja skills inside a dedicated obstacle course. Another option is the newly opened Trampo Qatar (4499-8888) at Aspire.
Team Sports
Age range: Three years and up Once your children reach school-age, consider enrolling them in a team sport. It’s great for both physical and emotional development, with the added benefit of encouraging them to socialise outside the classroom. Try a multi-sport centre like Evolution Sports (4407-6772) or QSports (40176791), as they have a wide variety of teams to choose from. There are also dedicated single-sport organisations that offer programmes for children, like the Doha Rugby Football Centre (doharfc.org) or Warriors Cricket Club (4464-9507). Qatar Foundation has also recently launched autism football sessions (4454-0772) for children and adults with those specific needs. For the youngest children, consider something like Aspire Active’s “Little Athletes” that introduces them to the fundamentals of a diversity of sports. And yet another option is to enrol your littlest one in Doha Rugby Football Centre’s Rugby Tots, which is a dedicated league for toddlers ages three to four. 32
Horse Riding
Age range: Three years and up The Arabian horse is a key cultural symbol of the Middle East. Get to know these beautiful creatures— and get in touch with local culture—by learning to ride them. Al Samriya Riding School (5070-9521) is located in a charming stone stable next to the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum. While serious lessons do not typically start until six or seven years of age, Al Samriya offers a “tots” class that gives very young children a safe introduction to horse riding.
Bowling
Age range: Four years and up We really can’t think of a better way to spend time as a family than heading to a bowling alley. Qatar Bowling Center (4432-9178), next to Al Bidda Park, is a huge venue that hosts bowling leagues as well as big family groups. Other, perhaps more kid-friendly options, include Gondolania Bowling Center (4403-9800) and Megapolis Entertainment Center (4437-8444).
Dance
Age range: Four years and up Not all children thrive in teambased sports. Your child may be more interested in expressing themselves through dance. There are many studios offering dance lessons for children. Some popular options include Sophie McDonald Dance Company (5540-0419), with ballet, jazz and contemporary dance for multiple skill levels; Music & Arts Atelier
and AIMAC Qatar (4416-1983), with a wide range of options from Western-style forms to classical Indian dance, even Bollywood.
problem-solving skills to help them to scale up a wall. Esqalar (3388-2179) offers introductory and academy programs for children at the Aspire Zone.
Yoga
Cycling
Mindfulness is having a bit of a moment, and it can help your children find a sense of calm and relaxation. It’s particularly helpful for stressed out, anxious teens. Yama Yoga (6617-5802) has dedicated yoga classes divided up between kids, tweens, and teens, as each age group has different needs. If you are an experienced yogi, then we highly recommend turning to YouTube for both kid-friendly yoga videos as well as AcroYoga routines that will have you and your child working together to achieve fun—and often silly—poses.
Learning to ride a bike is considered a developmental milestone in many countries and in theory, most children are able to ride a bicycle around the age of five. That said, there are not too many safe places in Doha to practice outside of compounds. However, there are a couple of parks that do allow children to ride bicycles, including Al Bidda, Museum of Islamic Art, and Dahl Al Hamam parks. For family cycling outings, Aspire Park has several kilometres of bike lanes, as does Al Bidda. Another option for groups is the 13-kilometre cycling path that parallels the Ras Abu Abboud Expressway. Safely separated from the actual road, the fairly level track runs from Ras Abu Abboud bridge to Hamad International Airport.
Age range: Four years and up
Climbing
Age range: Four years and up Rock climbing is a physically demanding sport, but it’s also a cerebral one. Not only will kids gain strength and flexibility, but they’ll also engage their Spring 2020 | Issue 13
Age range: Five years and up
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Workout Planner Monthly Goal
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HEALTH
Martial Arts
Age range: Five years and up Martial arts are wonderful for teaching children discipline and boosting their confidence levels—but also, it just looks cool. There are plenty of martial arts academies in Doha that teach everything from Thai kickboxing to karate to wrestling. A few kid-friendly dojos include Royal Martial Arts (3335-1117), the Korea Taekwondo Center (4465-9066), and SFQ Sports Academy (6622-2962).
Tennis
Age range: Five years and up Khalifa Tennis and Squash Complex (4440-9666) has tennis courts for hire, sobooking ahead to secure a court is a must. They also organise coaching sessions for both children and adults. Alternatively, Al Bidda Park has tennis courts that are free to use. While you can book a court on the spot (depending on availability), it’s best to call ahead at 4428-7777 to claim a space.
Watersports
Age range: Six years and up Learn to conquer the seas with Regatta Sailing Academy (3363-2515). They offer sailing courses for both children and adults at their base in Katara. Over at The Pearl-Qatar, Blue Pearl Experience (6660-2830) offers kayaking, paddleboarding and kitesurfing sessions. For active family days out, Aquasports (6696-3494) organises a variety of experiences exploring Qatar’s coastline, including their highly rated mangrove kayaking tours.
Running
Age range: Six years and up If your child has boundless energy, get them on track with Doha Athletic Club (6605-1263), a running club headed by Olympic medallist Liz McColgan. If they aren’t ready for a regular running regimen, then play 36
running games like tag or red-light green-light in a nearby park to get them (and you) off to a great start. That said, your child—like most adults— may not be terribly enthusiastic about running. It’s worth pushing it, however, as running is a great way to promote a strong, healthy heart. Make it more exciting by gearing up for fun events like Color Runs—Doha hosts one every January that includes a one-kilometre kids’ run. While this year’s event has already passed, you can get your family ready for the next one by running in some of Doha’s more scenic running routes, including The Corniche and Oxygen Park, or by participating in Qatar Running series, which has kids’ races throughout the year.
A final note on family fitness
E
ven if your child is not particularly sporty, you can encourage them to be more active by engaging their sense of fun and playfulness. Sometimes, just chasing them around in the park or grabbing a football for a few kicks can be enough. Store badminton rackets, footballs, frisbees, kickballs, hacky sacks, and skateboards, so your kids (and their friends) can take them to play in available green spaces. Learning to appreciate physical activity does not come naturally to everyone, but finding the types of sports and fitness activities that suit your family will pay health dividends long into the future.
HEALTH
SWIMMING LESSONS FOR BABIES IN DOHA by Katherine Latto
W
ater safety is a serious issue wherever you are in the world. Living in Doha, it is even more critical, with beaches on our doorstep and swimming pools in most compounds and at many villas. Swimming is taught in schools and is an important skill for children to learn, primarily to reduce the risk of drowning. Gemma Hughes, Legacy Swim Academy Aquatics Manager, is passionate about water safety. “Drowning is still the highest worldwide cause of death in children under the age of four years old. Young children can drown in as little as an inch orb quickly and silently,” she says. According to Hughes, learning how to swim should not be optional. She considers swimming a
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vital skill that every child should learn, ”not all children will love swimming, but they should all learn how to behave and be safe in and around the water as a priority”. Swimming is, of course, great fun, whether you are at the beach or in a pool. Everyone loves splashing around in the water, and once you can swim, you can take boat trips, go kayaking and enjoy lots of other water sports. There are many other reasons why you should teach your baby to swim • Bonding with your child: Spending precious time together • Physical development: Gross and fine motor 37
HEALTH
When can they start? skills, coordination, muscle strength, respiratory development, balance, flexibility and immunity • Psychological and cognitive development: Confidence, as well as improved sleeping and eating patterns, communication skills
Getting the ball rolling
When you are ready to start swimming lessons, get prepared. Research the swimming academies and instructors providing individual lessons and ask them about the style of their sessions. You can decide what suits your child because you know your baby best. For example, are they sensitive to the cold? Would
There is conflicting advice about when to start swimming with your baby. For many sports, children need to wait until they have developed important listening skills and are able to follow instructions. But swimming lessons are rather different because the baby is always in the water with their parents as well as their instructor. Legacy Swim Academy offers classes in Doha for babies aged three months to four years old. At the time of writing, the academy has 179 babies registered for courses and more than 80 on their waiting list. Other course providers recommend waiting longer until your baby can support their own head easily and offer lessons from six months old. Parents are key to the “learning to swim� process, and it is never too early to start your child on that journey. As soon as your baby is born, you can help them feel safe and secure in the water by making bath time relaxing and fun. Singing songs and blowing bubbles can help a baby enjoy their time in the water, and these techniques are also used in baby swimming lessons. The earlier you start, the easier it is for your baby to be confident in the water and with confidence, they are more likely to start swimming at an early age.
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HEALTH an indoor pool be more suitable? Would they prefer a small or big group lesson, or perhaps an individual lesson? Find a swimming coach you trust and with whom you are happy. Happy, relaxed parents in the pool help to ensure that their babies are also relaxed and happy in the water. Fortunately, you can choose from a number of qualified instructors in Qatar. Legacy Swim Academy coaches are all STA certified and have a specific preschool parent and child qualification recognised by this British organisation. Elite Swim Academy coaches follow the AUST-SWIM Learn-to-Swim methodology. Firas Khachai is a swimming coach for Qatar Swimming Association (Qatar Olympic Committee) with over seven years’ experience of teaching swimming here in Doha. He has qualifications from FINA, ILSF and ASCA. When you find a swim coach, make sure you check their individual qualifications. Being prepared for the lesson itself can also help you and your baby get the most out of the experience. Take a bag containing a swimming costume/shorts, a swim nappy, footwear for the poolside, a towel, toiletries, extra clothing and a healthy drink and snack. You can also take a few items to keep your baby warm
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like hooded swim towels and fluffy dressing gowns. The pool should be warm and shallow enough for you to be able to stand easily while holding your baby
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HEALTH easy, but the reward really is worth the effort”. And the rewards don’t just stop with the little ones, according to her, “as swimming coaches, it is so rewarding for us to see the results of class dedication, term by term, as the babies progress”.
in the water. Professional swimming coaches also use fun educational toys to entertain the babies and encourage them to learn.
Generally, parents are also involved throughout the classes following the teacher’s instructions, doing the exercises, and playing games with the babies. Practising the skills you are learning in the classes is a great idea. You will be able to repeat the games from the class in-between lessons and on a regular basis, which will help your baby’s progress. Many swimming coaches emphasise that repetition is very important. Danielle Jones has been taking her baby daughter to swimming lessons at Legacy Swim Academy since she was four months old. “We have been learning how to enter the water correctly and safely, back floating— getting used to water in her ears—and learning a cue to hold her breath (this is done with water pours over her face, it starts with little splashes, so they get used to the cue, and you build it up until they can hold their breath). My daughter is now on to full underwater submersions. These are all life-saving techniques that we can teach from a young age,” she says. Babies progress at their own pace, mastering new skills as they go. For example, at Legacy, the Junior Starfish programme is followed. This consists of: Starfish 1 – Introduction to Water confidence and breath control Starfish 2 – Safe submersion (aided) Starfish 3 – Self submersion Starfish 4 – Self submersion with solo movement Starfish 5 – Self submersion with movement and rotation. When a baby has completed Starfish 5, they are considered a “Starfish Superstar” and graduate to the Learn to Swim Programme, no longer requiring a parent in the pool.
Going to classes on a regular basis means faster progress and better results for your baby. As Hughes says, “some weeks, baby might be tired and hungry or just generally grumpy—not all lessons will feel like an achievement. But dedication to weekly lessons is when we see the most progress. We appreciate [that] getting to a weekly lesson with a little one is not always
If your baby is anxious or scared of the water, don’t worry. Swimming coaches are experienced in helping babies learn new skills by recognising any anxieties and slowly encouraging babies to be relaxed in the water. The slow and steady approach is more appropriate than forcing a child to do something they are reluctant to do.
TOP TIPS • Water safety: Make sure that babies and children are always supervised near water, at the beach, the pool, or even playing at a water table in your garden. • Begin at birth: Make bath time fun and help your baby relax in the water. • Get to know your baby: Are they confident in the water or worried by it getting on their face? Do they get anxious if you are in a big swimming pool or when swimming with lots of other babies? • Research swimming instructors in Doha: Use the Doha Family listing below to get started. Don’t forget to check their qualifications. • Practise, practise, practise!
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HEALTH
WHERE TO GO Elite Swim Academy
Firas Khachai (individual coach)
Ages: Six months to four years of age (infants’ programme) Fees: Contact Elite Locations: Hamad Aquatic Centre, Aspire Zone
Ages: Various Fees: Contact Firas Locations: Various
Contact:
Telephone: 3327-4909 Email: firaskachaii@gmail.com
Website: eliteswimacademyqatar.com Telephone: 6699-3325 Facebook: facebook.com/eliteswimacademy Instagram: @eliteswimacademy
Evo
Ages: Six months and up (parent and baby groups) Fees: Contact Evo Locations: Doha College Al Waab, Doha College West Bay and Park House English School Abu Hamour
Contact: Website: evosportsqatar.com Facebook: facebook.com/evosportsqatar Twitter: @evosportsqatar Instagram: @evosportsqatar
Finnatic
Ages: Three months to three years Tadpoles–Three to 12 months Turtle Tots– 12 to 24 months Croc s–Two to three years Fees: QR 489 for the eight-week term (10% discount for DRFC members) Locations: Doha Rugby Club, Al Waab
Contact:
Email: finnaticswim@gmail.com Spring 2020 | Issue 13
Contact:
Hamilton
Ages: Six months to three years (adult and child Lessons) Aquababies group– Children ages nine months and under Aquatots– Ages ten to 20 months Aquasplash– Ages 21 to 36 months Fees: Contact Hamilton Locations: Doha English Speaking School, Madinat Khalifa
Contact:
Website: hamiltonaquatics.qa Telephone: Giovanni 5585-9232 Facebook: facebook.com/hamiltonaquaticsdoha Instagram: @hamilton_aquatics_doha
Legacy Swimming Academy
Ages: 16 weeks to four years of age Fees: QR 1020 per 12-week term (plus QR 50 registration fee) Locations: Grand Hyatt Hotel, Al Aziziya Hotel and Wyndham West Bay Hotel
Contact:
Website: swim.legacysports.me Facebook: facebook.com/legacydoha Twitter: @legacy_doha Instagram: @legacyswimacademy 41
EDUCATION
Creative ways for adults to get active in Qatar By Laura Powell-Corbett
A
s I watched my children playing, I realised that this year my goal is not to get fit, but to get more active. And more importantly, to have fun while being active. It is recommended that adults do a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, but no one wants to spend 30 minutes a day doing something they hate! So here are some fun, creative, ways you can keep active in Qatar.
Learn something new
Getting active can be seen as a solitary pursuit—think a lonely figure in the gym. Instead of taking yourself down to the gym and spending hours on the elliptical, why not take up a new sport? Join a team and learn something new, all while having fun and getting active!
Doha Netball
The only netball league in Doha, this unofficial club is run by the Doha Netball Committee. This committee is made up of a group of netball-loving volunteers who are committed to providing fun and friendly netball 42
competitions here in Doha. Doha Netball Committee hosts both a social and a competitive league, as well as a regular Thursday training session for those who want to brush up on (or even learn) some netball skills. With each game lasting an hour, your active minutes will soon rack up. Location: Doha Rugby Club Sessions: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday Phone (WhatsApp only): +44 78 4622-3957 Website: facebook.com/dohanetball
Doha Rugby Club
Whether you are a newbie to rugby, a seasoned veteran, a first-team player or even a ladies player, there is a team at the rugby club for you. With regular training and fixtures for each team, those active minutes will soon clock up. All players need a playing membership, and the membership year runs from 1 September 2019 to 31 August 2020. The non-refundable membership fee reduces twice during the year, depending on the time of application. Fees start at QR 1800 for a single playing membership for the year, with family
HEALTH memberships also available. For more details on the fee structure, please contact admin@doharfc.com The club closes during Ramadan to allow for essential maintenance to take place. Location: Doha Rugby Club Sessions: Daily dependent on team Cost: Membership starts from QR 1800 per year Website: doharfc.com
Dragon Boat Racing
Originating from Hong Kong, dragon boat racing is a fast paced canoe race, with a crew of ten or 20 paddling to the beat of a drum. Whether you’re new to Dragon Boating or a seasoned paddler, there is a team for you. Angry Dragons Qatar and Doha Dragons Qatar are both open to new team members—what are you waiting for?
Angry Dragons Qatar Location: Katara Cultural Village Sessions: Tuesday 19:00– 20:30 (Porto Arabia), Friday 07:00—09:00, Saturday 15:00—17:00 Website: angrydragonsqatar.com
Doha Dragons Qatar Location: Katara Cultural Village by the St Regis hotel Sessions: Tuesday 16:15–6:00, Friday 06:30–09:00, Saturday 17:00–18:30 (newbie sessions are also on Friday 06:30–09:00 Website: facebook.com/dohadragons
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Squash Coaching: ATA Sports Back in 2003, Forbes ranked squash as the healthiest sport, taking into account the number of calories burnt, cardio endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and injury risk. Played indoors, making it an ideal sport to take up during Qatar’s long summer months, squash is a fastpaced racket sport that enables you to use your whole body and mind as you hit the ball around the court with friends. Abdulla Al Tamimi, Qatar’s top-ranked squash player, is the driving force behind ATA Sports. His mission is to bring a love of squash to Doha’s community and encourage more players to join the sport with a team of experienced coaches, male and female. Bespoke pricing packages are available for group and individual lessons. Location: Aspire Academy Sessions: Arranged at your convenience Cost: Starting from QR 250 Phone: 3141-0600 or 3141-0070 Website atasports.net
Try a class
For some people, the thought of exercising alone is enough to turn them off, so they need the motivation of others to carry on. With a variety of classes available in Doha, there is sure to be one that tickles your fancy. Here are a few to give you a taste of the options out there.
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HEALTH Phone: 7783-9559 Website: evosportsqatar.com/evo-fit-classes
MetaFit Doha Many people say they don’t have time to exercise— clearly, they haven`t considered MetaFit Doha. Classes involve a high-intensity workout, designed by a former marine, that sees you push yourself with a series of body-weight exercises in an interval-style training session. Short, intensive, and rewarding—the guys down at MetaFit promise to set your metabolism on fire. Prices start at QR 50 for one session, QR 500 for 12 sessions (with a three month expiry) or QR 550 for unlimited classes for a month. And—you guessed it—your first class is free! Location: Doha Rugby Club Sessions: 08:00 and 17:00 Sunday to Thursday Cost: Sessions start from QR 50 with various membership packages available Phone: 6643-4301 Website: facebook.com/metafitdoha
Royal Martial Arts
Evo Fit With classes open to all levels of abilities aged 16 and above, from Bootcamp and Boxfit, to Circuits and HIIT classes, there is sure to be a class to keep you pumped as you get a good workout. There are several membership packages available, from a pay-per-class option costing QR 65 per session to an annual membership one at QR 5395 with no registration, contract, or hidden fees. Also, the first class is free! Location: Doha College West Bay Campus and Doha College Al Waab campus. Sessions: Sunday to Thursday Cost: Starting at QR 65 per class with different membership plans available 44
Different to your normal martial arts classes, Royal Martial Arts classes mix up several martial arts styles with gymnastics. Students get to try their hands at more complex kicks, flashy tricks, and flips, giving them a very broad introduction to martial arts. Not only that, but classes are pumped up with music and fun team challenges—getting active has never been more fun! Yep, the first class is free. Location: Al Mana Hills, Aspire Zone and Al Rayyan Village, Al Messilla Sessions: Daily Cost: Payable monthly starting from QR 200 Phone: 3335-1117 Website: martialarts.qa
Join a running club
Sometimes you don’t want to join a class, you just want to get together with a group of like-minded people and get active together. You might not like running monotonous laps on your own, but joining a running club could change your mind on the sport .
HEALTH
Doha Bay Running Club
Al Adaid Desert Challenge
This is an informal free group for runners living in Qatar. With regularly scheduled runs ranging from walking for 5km to running up to 35km as part of marathon training, there’s something for everyone. The club uses various running routes across Doha. Website: facebook.com/groups/ dohabayrunningclub
This is the most anticipated off-road running and cycling event—one day, eight dunes, and fortytwo kilometres. This year’s event takes place on 28 February 2020 with online registration available until the 26th. Website: aladaid.qa
Doha Moms Run This Town This is the Doha Chapter of Moms Run This Town, a women’s only running club. With regular runs on Wednesday mornings at Aspire Park, this group proudly claims that although they’re probably not the fastest, they’re definitely the funnest! Website: facebook.com/groups/dohamrtt
TriClub TriClub Doha is the largest triathlon club in Qatar, encouraging juniors (ages seven and up) and adults of all abilities to have fun, participate, and enjoy all that triathlon and multi-sport has to offer. Annual membership costs QR 450 and includes professionally coached training sessions, a personal 12-month timing chip, free entry into club races, and a 30% discount to the Qatar Foundation Series. Website: triclubdoha.com/en Once you have your running buddies, why not get racing?
Ooredoo Marathon Starting the year right with the running event of Qatar’s year, every January, the Ooredoo Marathon welcomes both professionals and amateurs to race across the corniche. Boasting 1K, 3K, 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and fullmarathon races, there’s sure to be something you’d want to try. Website: ooredoo.qa/portal/ooredooqatar/ marathon-home
Qatar Running Series A selection of races grouped into five separate series across the year. Website: z-adventures.org/qatar-running-series.html Spring 2020 | Issue 13
Get a motivator
Sometimes you need a push; you might not like the gym, but you like the feeling when you’ve finished a particularly gruelling workout. In that case, maybe hiring a personal trainer is more your style. There are a plethora of options, such as StrongBox Qatar, Pete Collins Training and 101 Fitness (where you head to their gym). You can even hire freelance personal trainers who are able to come to you at your gym. Another person is often the motivation you need to keep going. Websites: strongboxqatar.com/pt petecollinsfitness.com 101personaltraining.com
Be your own motivator
And of course, with most apartments and compounds coming equipped with a gym, you can definitely be your own motivator and take yourself down to the gym. Not sure what to do? There are multiple workout tutorials available for free on YouTube, with fitness videos from experts such as The Body Coach, Jillian Michaels, Fitness Blender, and PopSugar Fitness, to name a few. Whatever you choose to do, get moving and have fun!
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health professional before starting an exercise programme and regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives. 45
THE BEST EDUCATION FOR YOUR CHILD High quality, innovative and exciting international curriculum preparing our students for the best international universities. World-class campus and facilities, including Qatar’s largest school-based theatre, two swimming pools, professional standard football pitch and excellent ICT and science labs. Music and the arts are celebrated in our school, giving every child the opportunity to embrace their creativity and develop their confidence. Part of International Schools Partnership, a global group of 42 schools, which includes Park House English School, one of Doha’s oldest and most respected schools.
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HEALTH
By Katherine Latto
Fitness and safety tips for sporty superstars T
here’s nothing better than hanging out with friends and having fun—chasing each other in the playground, running together in the park, or racing around on your bikes. And keeping active isn’t just fun, it’s good for you as well! Did you know that medical experts around the world recommend that kids and teenagers exercise at least an hour a day, five days a week? And there are lots of different ways you can do it, depending on what you enjoy. You might like taking lessons each week for your team sport of choice or swimming laps in the pool. Maybe smashing your serve on the tennis court is what gets you going or you prefer spending time perfecting your kata at karate class instead. Whether you’re dribbling the ball on the school football team, tackling and scoring tries at the rugby club, or shooting hoops with your mates, check out these fitness tips that will help keep you safe and strong, whatever sport you choose!
1. Eat before exercise (nutrition)
I’m sure you’re already dreaming of that post-match burger, but before you start exercising, it’s important to make sure you have enough fuel to fire you 48
through your fitness session. If you want to perform and build strength, it’s essential to eat a variety of foods to make sure you have a balanced diet. This means that each day, you need carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fruits and vegetables. You should eat regular meals and have a healthy snack at least 30 minutes before exercise. If you have a long training session or a sports tournament, don’t forget to take a snack with you. Fresh orange slices are deliciously refreshing (especially in the heat!), and bananas are great for instant energy—they’re also the favourite snack for many world-class athletes.
2. Drink plenty of water (hydration)
You need to drink plenty of water because as soon as you start running around, you will begin to feel thirsty. Also, in Qatar’s hot climate, you need to be careful to make sure you are well-hydrated before exercising. A glass of milk (containing protein, B-vitamins, iodine and calcium) or fruit juice (containing vitamins and minerals) are both ideal pre-sports drinks. Energy drinks aren’t generally a good idea as they contain a lot of caffeine and are often loaded with sugar. Without a doubt, water is the best drink for hydration, and you need to be drinking one to two litres (around six to
eight glasses) of water a day. If you don’t drink enough water, you are unlikely to perform at your best, and you risk running out of energy, getting a headache, or feeling sick. You need to sip water regularly as you work out, so don’t forget your water bottle. If you drink enough before, during, and after exercise, you will feel, perform, and recover better.
-UP SIMPLE WARM LUDE EXERCISES INC
HEALTH
pains. Any exercise that slows down your heart rate is a good start, such as jogging or brisk walking. After that, it is important to stretch properly to avoid injuries. Your Walking coach will show you a stretching Jogging ps routine for you to follow. A few Star jum jacks basic stretches include: Jumping les Reaching for the sky– stand up Arm circ ees tall (on your tiptoes for this one) High kn with your arms above your head, elbows touching your 3. Warm-up and cool-down ears and reach as high as you Avoiding injury is key to getting fit and staying strong. can. All athletes warm-up, cool-down, and take care when Side stretches– stand up working out to prevent doing damage to their bodies. tall, with your arms straight above your head, elbows There’s a reason that footballers on the bench jump touching your ears, join your hands and slowly stretch, around on the sidelines during a match! leaning to the right and then to the left. You should warm-up for around five minutes before Touch your toes– stand up tall with your arms straight playing sports. Yes, that’s right—the school PE teachers above your head, bend forward from the hips and know what they’re talking about when they send keep your legs straight. Now try to touch your toes! you for a few laps around the football pitch before a match! As well as preventing injury, a proper warm-up 4. Wear the correct kit Whatever sport you play, you need to use appropriate improves performance—and we all want to win! After exercise you should cool-down to help your protective equipment and think about safety to body recover and prevent stiff muscles, aches, and minimise your risk of injury. What you need will
Spring 2020 | Issue 13
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depend on your chosen activity or exercise. You will need a pair of trainers for most sports and depending on the type of pitch, special boots for sports like football and rugby. This is to protect your feet, support your ankles, and to stop you from slipping over. Protective equipment is needed for other sports, and your coach will tell you what you need. For example, you’ll need a helmet and pads if you’re batting on the cricket pitch, shin pads if you’re playing football, and a gum shield if you are playing rugby or hockey. When you’re cycling, scooting, or skateboarding, make sure you wear a helmet.
5. Listen to your coach
Sports coaches are experts, and if you want to be the best, you need to take their advice. Tell them about 50
any medical conditions before you start and tell them if you feel too hot, exhausted, faint, or have any pain at all when you exercise. Follow instructions and stick to the training schedule by turning up regularly to practice sessions. If you’re picked for a team, make sure you are match or competition ready and not injured before the big day.
6. Have fun!
Exercise has so many health benefits for everyone. Getting fit means that you will build a stronger heart, bones, and healthier muscles. It can even help you to achieve better grades, feel less stressed out, and have better quality sleep. But don’t forget that playing sports is a great way of hanging out with your friends and having fun—so have fun!
LIVING IN DOHA
Tween talks: Moving to Qatar By Amatullah Hashi, aged 11
M
oving from the home that you have always lived into a country that you hardly know is tough and overwhelming. You have to start a whole new life, make new friends, and live in a new home. My parents thought that moving to Doha would be a great opportunity for us and without a delay, booked five plane tickets to the city. I wasn’t too sure about this “great” opportunity at first... Back in London, hardly anyone looked like me. By the time I started wearing a hijab, I was the black sheep in my year and some kids hated me for it. I tried holding my head as high as I could, but I was always put down because of my religion and race. Not everyone was kind but—as my dad always told me—there are always bullies in every school. With no one helping me, I learnt to stand up for myself knowing that in our world, there were girls like me who were treated badly because of their race or religion. Spring 2020 | Issue 13
When I reached Qatar, I was gobsmacked—It was like I was in a dream! It was such a dramatic change, and I would not be surprised if I had fainted on the floor 51
LIVING IN DOHA right then. I gasped and gaped at the plethora of luxurious displays like the Lamp Bear. Towering like a huge giant over me, the Lamp Bear stood impressively while I gawked, frozen and unable to move. DESS (Doha English Speaking School) was the first school I went to in Qatar. My parents were immediately pleased that it offered one of the best primary school educations in Doha. When I reached there, I scampered and looked around, hoping to find my new class. After a few minutes, it became clear to me that I was lost. Utterly and completely LOST! I felt like crying when all the other kids found their friends and dashed off. So, I sat on a bench alone, helpless. I sat on that bench trying to quickly think about what I’d do then a kind woman finally approached me. After a while, I adjusted to my new school. It wasn’t easy, as I was the only hijabi in grade four. But I still made some great friends and enemies as well. Unfortunately, one of the girls had always had a problem with me; from the first day of school to the last. I’m still not sure what provoked her to dislike me, but she definitely made plain her feelings towards me. For some reason, every time I made new friends, she would get angrier. In grade five, things got a little bit better between us as she was in a different class, but I still disliked her. Since I was a bit older, I decided to simply ignore her hurtful behaviour. I also learnt an important thing as well: No matter how different you are, never let anyone bring you down. They’re not superior to you, and neither are you to them! The quote that I love, said by Haruki Murakami, that I always keep in mind, is: “When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That is what the storm is all about.” Before I end this article, I just want to say that Qatar has given me so many opportunities and confidence. If I had stayed in London, I would have been the meek and shy old me. Qatar has given me and strength and I really think that Qatar is where the phrase “home sweet home” comes from. This is an 11-year-old who thinks that Qatar is the place to be. 52
EDUCATION
SPONSORED BY ACS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, DOHA
Supporting teens through exam season By LISA GAY
Spring 2020 | Issue 13
53
EDUCATION
E
xam season is coming—and with it, a lot of stress, headaches and perhaps a few tears. As a parent, it can be bewildering to watch your teen prepare for something so critical to their future. It’s hard to know how to give them help or support, so we spoke with Nickeisha Thomas, the high school guidance counsellor at ACS International School, Doha, and student, Melanie Meijer, for tips on keeping your teen on track for success.
1. Prepare a study space
Your teen likely already has a favourite study space. Before the start of revisions, make sure it’s clean and stocked with all the materials they’ll need. Invite them
to make it their own—a shopping trip to Daiso or Hema may yield exciting new possibilities for sprucing up their study area. If your teen prefers to study in a common area, you will need to keep tabs on things like noise and activity levels. Keep little siblings from playing nearby and ask other family members to keep the volume down on the television. That said, some do find background noise helpful, so gauge their preferences and act accordingly.
2. Make a schedule
Your child needs to take the initiative by drafting a schedule that outlines their revision sessions. Once they have a proposed schedule, review it with them to ensure that it is realistic. For example, few students can concentrate for more than a few hours at a time, so make sure they pencil-in appropriate breaks. Melanie finds building small rewards into her study schedule motivating and effective at limiting procrastination. Alternatively, if you notice that they are not following their study plan, avoid nagging them. Instead, Nickeisha recommends offering to take another look at their schedule. Help your child discover why their studies have not gone according to plan and review options to improve. “Discussion will be an important sign that you are thinking of their whole wellbeing,” Nickeisha adds.
3. Suggest a new study style
Rote learning has its place, but many students benefit from exploring more dynamic ways to grasp new concepts. Consider buying a whiteboard for a more visual style of revision, or encourage them to record lectures on their smartphone for playback at home. Melanie says she finds practice tests useful, while her twin brother prefers to rewrite classroom notes. No one method works for everyone, so it might take some experimentation for your child to discover what clicks for them.
4. Encourage healthy routines
Decision fatigue isn’t just for busy execs—life can seem suddenly overwhelming in the face of a giant to-do list. Ensure that mealtimes are set at the same time every day so your teen can anticipate the evening ahead. It’s also important to ensure that they get seven to eight hours of sleep every night, as deep 54
EDUCATION sleep reinforces learning and improves memory recall. Melanie notices that many of her peers stay up until midnight trying to get on top of their revisions, which is ultimately counterproductive. Remove any temptation to aimlessly scroll through social media apps at night by asking them to leave their phone in another room. You can also consider leaving your phone as well in a show of solidarity (it’s a good habit to cultivate anyway!).
5. Give them space
Your role is to support, not direct. “It is possible for a parent to do too much!” Nickeisha tells us. You might wonder whether your teen can manage it all on their own, but for future success, they need to have the ability to act independently. If you are worried, have a discussion upfront and review their study schedule. But ultimately, step back and give them space to execute their plan.
6. Pencil-in fun
We mean active fun—passively sitting in front of the television or flicking around on a smartphone doesn’t count! Exercise is a great stress reliever and releases feel-good hormones, which are huge plusses during revision time. Try booking them a boxing or yoga class, or plan a bowling session with family friends. Alternatively, a low-key night spent playing cards or games is a great way to relax after intense study sessions. Melanie’s parents take the initiative to plan family board-game nights. “They know I need to take a break every now and then, even though sometimes I don’t!” she says. Remind your child to take a balanced approach to exam revision. If you’ve noticed that they’ve become too wrapped up in their studies, encourage them to make time for friends and family or unwind with a favourite hobby. You can initiate this discussion by asking about a close friend or inquiring whether, for Spring 2020 | Issue 13
55
EDUCATION instance, they’ve drawn anything or read something interesting lately.
7. Don’t add stress
Constant pushing or nagging by well-meaning parents can aggravate an already stressed child. Questions like “did you study?” or “did you do well on the mock exam?” can cause your child to become resentful and shut down. “These questions are going on in our mind already!” says Melanie. Phrase things in a way that relieves, rather than heightens, anxiety. “Parents tend to stress and get worried about their child’s success … but that stress just adds stress!” explains Nickeisha. Teens need to know that, whatever the result, you still love them and are proud of their efforts. You might think this is an obvious point, but it’s one worth repeating.
8. Watch for signs
You know your child—if you feel that they are unusually stressed or anxious, say something. Approach your child, noting any peculiar habits or behaviours you’ve seen during revision time. Perhaps they’ll open up; perhaps they won’t. But if they do share their anxieties, then you can gently guide them through these difficult feelings. You can help them figure out whether their fears are realistic or their worries are likely to happen— you might even help them come up with a plan to prevent unwanted outcomes. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from teachers or other school staff. If your child is
suffering from severe bouts of anxiety or depression, then the staff can often make referrals. Nickeisha says that ACS connects students needing support to professional therapists from Hamad’s CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) and Sidra Medicine.
A FINAL NOTE It’s all too easy for students to lose perspective, so parents need to help them learn to cope with feelings of stress and anxiety. A good piece of advice, shared by Melanie, is this: “If you have a feeling that an exam went bad—whether it did or not— don’t take that mindset into the next exam!” The ability to stay positive and keep going, despite doubts, is an essential life skill that your teens can learn. 56
FAMILY MATTERS
Managing mum guilt By Laura Powell-Corbett
G
uilt. That little niggle that appears and worms its way into your brain, taking up valuable headspace. Guilt over whether you’re parenting the right way; whether your children are content, fulfilled, academically stretched, safe, warm, loved, not active enough or too active. Oh! And did I mention the constant checking whether they’re even happy? Then there’s the guilt over working or not working. Ruminating over whether you’re setting the right example—the “right” kind of work-life balance.Guilt over being on social media, or not on social media. Whether you’re on your phone too much and too digitally aware, or not enough. Every little thing, every big thing, seems to come with a side helping of guilt.Add onto that being an expat, which brings up a host of questions that are all riddled with guilt. “Should we stay or should we go?” “Am I damaging the children by moving away from their family?” “Are they going to get over leaving, their friends leaving, and being so far away?” “Do they even know their culture?” Spring 2020 | Issue 13
And last, but certainly not least: “ARE WE DOING THE RIGHT THING!?” It’s time to stop and breathe before the guilt becomes all-consuming. It’s time to shift the focus to your mental health and wellbeing. You can’t pour from an empty cup, after all.
Self Care: Take time to help yourself
Self-care; It’s one of the latest buzzwords. Everywhere you turn, someone else is promoting it, which makes it easy to scoff at and overlook. But we really shouldn’t. Although it is now very trendy to drop a bath bomb into a candle-lit bath, pop it on Instagram and caption it with #selfcare, the reality of self-care is actually very different. Self-care is a lot of different things and most importantly, it is different for everyone. Whether you need to take a five-minute break to drink a hot cup of tea in the kitchen, take yourself out for a walk, or even take that candlelit bath, by making sure you are taking time for yourself, you are actually helping stave away the guilt. Polly, mum of one and founder of followyoursunshine.co.uk, a positive mindset life coach, reminds us: “We might be a whizz in the kitchen, have our gym routine down to a tee 57
FAMILY MATTERS and be the best marketing executive on this side of the Atlantic, but if we don’t have a grip on our mindset and mental health, we will never be truly happy.”
Get Active: Release those endorphins
Elle Woods from Legally Blonde makes a valid point when she says: “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands, they just don’t!” Often, the idea of going out and getting active is more daunting than the act itself, especially when you could potentially use it as another stick to beat yourself. But actually, getting out there and moving your body will have a positive effect on your mental health. Whether you run, walk, dance, circuit, or swim, the important thing is for you to move your body. Jaclyn, a mum of three, says that the runs she does when she feels like she has the least amount of energy are the runs she finds most fulfilling and rewarding—mentally and physically.
Time Away: Nurture your relationship
It is all too easy to get lost in being “mum and dad” and forget who you were before the smallest members of your family arrived. Taking the time to get away together, to reconnect and remember who you are as a couple, is massively beneficial to the whole family. Two parents who have a strong relationship that they continually work on often means that they are on the same page when it comes to major parenting decisions. You always need someone who has your back when you’re dealing with the attitude, the tantrums, and the trials that raising children brings. Struggling to find time to get away in the evening or are simply too tired? Lisa, a mum of two, overcomes this by often booking a babysitter on Saturday mornings and having breakfast dates with her husband so they’re more energised. She says that they always come back after those dates refreshed and ready to spend the day together.
Time Together: Family Adventures
Sometimes. we all get lost in the mundane aspects of family life. It can be hard to not be consumed by the school run, office days, and essentially being the kids’ taxi service to and from various extracurricular 58
activities. Even the weekly food shop can feel like a chore. While all those tasks are necessary, they’re not very exciting. So, sometimes you just need to have an adventure with your family to shake you out of that guilty mindset. Emma, a mum of two, uses travel as a way to have exciting adventures with her family. She sees it as a chance to get away from the screens and gain new experiences together. Some of her favourite memories include sleeping in a tent on top of a jeep as she self-safaried around Namibia. But your adventures don’t need to be so far away from home to reconnect. Mary, also a mum of two, enjoys child-led trips out on weekends, whether to the cinema, followed by a family lunch, or a just a picnic at the park.
Comparison is the thief of joy
In this digital age, the advent of technology gives many of us the chance to share our lives online. We have the opportunity to showcase our joyous occasions and proudest moments. It’s this technical miracle that allows so many of us to keep and build relationships with our families back home or abroad. Weekly Skype calls with grandma, Facebook photos for grandpa and Instagram stories to show Auntie Annie our day to day lives—technology brings so many of us much closer together. And yet, when you mindlessly scroll through your Facebook feed, you can’t help but notice how Janet has it all together, or that Suzi is off on holiday again. Or maybe, you watch how Fran has all her children sat smiling at an educational talk. Then, you’re left feeling a bit deflated. Stop! Get off social media, and remind yourself that people tend to only share the highs and shiny moments. The lows that all of us go through often stay offline. As the old saying goes: Comparison is, in fact, the thief of joy. Appreciate the moment and go indulge in a little bit of self-care with that hot cup of tea you’ve been dying to have—minus the guilt.
IN EVERY ISSUE
Welcome to the world, little ones. We’re excited to have you join our Doha Family
1
Ali El Alfy
29 April 19
ariq Maryam F019 12 July 2
Jack Callahan Bennett Callahan 10 December 2019
2 Maggie Grace D 27 Septe orothy Hughes mber 20 19
Alfred Thomas Sy monds 8 November 2019
1 Photo by Manar Hamarneh 2 Photo by Snehal Jatale
Want to announce your newborn’s arrival? Send their name, photo and birthdate to congrats@dohafamily.com Spring 2020 | Issue 13
59
LIVING IN DOHA
How to Qatar: Navigating the Doha Metro By Lisa Gay
G
etting around Doha isn’t easy—especially if you don’t own a car. That’s starting to change, however, with the opening of several metro lines around the capital. Whether you want to commute to the workplace, engage in some retail therapy or embark on a family day out, Doha Metro has you covered.
1 Download the Qatar Rail app:
As of late last year, all three metro lines have opened and are fully operational. View the entire metro network and check train schedules via your smartphone by downloading the Qatar Rail app. You can also figure out how to get around Doha on the metro by using their “Plan My Journey” function.
2 Buy a rail card
Queuing up for single-use tickets is a hassle, especially with kids in tow. Instead, get everyone travel cards for QR 10 each. You will have to add credit to 60
the cards before use. Register cards on the Qatar Rail app, so that even if you or another family member lose one, you can still transfer the remaining balance. You can also top up your travel card via the app with a credit card. Fares are staggeringly cheap at the time of writing, with a flat rate of QR 2 per trip, for both children and adults (kids four and under are free). Children need to be at least nine years old to ride
LIVING IN DOHA
alone, or they may accompany another adult or family member who is at least 16 years of age.
3. Consider Gold Club
A more comfortable rail experience can be had with the Gold Club travel card. While the card is a pricey QR 100, it virtually guarantees that you’ll have a seat regardless of the time of day. It should be noted that both the regular and Gold Club travel cards expire after five years. Again, like the regular travel card, you need to put additional credit on the card before use.
4 Pay attention to metro exits
Doha is a city in flux, and as a result, some exits erely lead to a glorified construction pit. Examine the boards inside the station to make sure that you are exiting close to your destination or consult one of the friendly staff.
5 Catch the Metrolink
While the Doha Metro coverage is decent, the network is still relatively limited. However, you can reach a surprising number of places by using Metrolink. This is a free shuttle bus service that gets you from the station to popular destinations that are just that bit too far to walk. Every station has a map outlining Metrolink routes; you can also check the Qatar Rail or Karwa Bus apps for details (Metrolink buses have the letter M on them). They run during the metro’s normal operating hours.
6. Hop the MetroExpress
For access to and from West Bay QIC and the DECC, use the MetroExpress. It’s a free service for registered users of the MetroExpress app. The six-seater minivans are comfortable, clean and perfect for families. You order one through the app, much like an Uber. Generally, they arrive quickly, although we’ve waited up to five minutes for pickup. There’s no word on whether the service will expand to other stations, but for now, it’s a helpful service for those based in the West Bay area. For everyone else, there’s the option of a folding bike (we’re only partially joking!). Spring 2020 | Issue 13
7. Hail a Karwa cab
A combination of rail and car can often get you around faster than just driving a car alone and can shorten the amount of time spent sitting in traffic. For trips relatively close to the station, hail a cab using the Karwa app, which offers metro commuters discounted fares for trips to/from the metro (within three kilometres) with the promo code RAIL.
8. Tourist travels
If you have family or friends visiting, get them a day pass for QR6 (QR 30 for Gold Club) which nets them unlimited travel on the metro for the entire day. That said, a spare travel card functions much the same, as the daily cap is set at QR6 (QR 30 for Gold Club).
9. Watch out for deals
To promote the services of Doha Metro to the wider community, Qatar Rail often offers free rides to those attending big events in the city, particularly sporting ones. This not only helps users save a small bit of cash but also reduces the amount of traffic on the roads. In any case, you should probably consider this without the free tickets, as no one enjoys being stuck in traffic late at night! 61
FAMILY MATTERS
Doha dad says: It’s a fact that our kids are smarter than us
by Anas OutaBashi
Y
es—our kids are smarter than us, and there is no shame admitting it. Their time is way different than ours was, and our challenge now is to swallow this fact and learn how to deal with it. Our parents never gave us the chance to talk about or share our ideas. It was always “stay still” and “don’t talk when the adults are talking”. But, I believe, that despite their best intentions, this was a mistake on their part. I’m saying this so that we’re not shocked the next time our kids say that they want to be YouTubers, Instagram influencers, or whatever new and strange career choice out there. This is what they grow up seeing on the internet and no matter how ridiculous you think their ideas are, we need to listen to their point of view. Because the world is changing so fast and they’re currently exposed to more things than we ever were at their age. And I speak from personal experience, because, trust me, if you just try and prop62
erly listen to them once, you’ll be really surprised when you hear what comes out of their mouths. Take the time I was really angry because my pool liner was cut and leaking, and all I could think about was how I was going to change the entire liner. But my son—
FAMILY MATTERS who was 11 at the time— was watching me and told me that he had a solution for me that he saw on YouTube. I admit, at first, I was angry. I mean, what could my pre-teen son possibly know about this!? But I calmed down and I sarcastically asked: “What is it, smarty pants?” He answered that there was this new type of tape that you could use to close underwater leaks. I looked at him saying “really? A glue that works underwater?” and he just said “yes” and went on to show me the YouTube video he saw about it. I also learnt that the tape was something you could even order online, which I did, and I was surprised that it actually worked! I was very happy with the results and it also made my son feel really proud of himself, and of course, I was proud of him. From that day on, I started to talk to my kids more and listen to their ideas. Try it—you might actually learn something! I once asked a university professor why our kids seem smarter than us, even though we have more life experience than them. His theory is that every generation inherits their parents’ experiences in their DNA, and he believes that this is how we grow and develop as a human race—getting better with each generation. So, yep! I say learn from your kids! Encourage them to think for themselves and share their ideas. You might find out one day you’re the parent of a great inventor who ends up changing the world.
Spring 2020 | Issue 13
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