Mother Baby & Child - June 2017

KID-FRIENDLY DESTINATIONS

Your Summer, Sorted!

MUM HACKS FOR AN EASY LIFESTYLE ISSUE 75| JUNE 2017 | AED 15

PLAYTIME!

20

Things Your Kids Must Do This Summer

Weight Loss Tips for Stay-at-Home Mums Save Money on Home Appliances

How to Help Your Kids Make Friends

YOUR HUSBAND DID WHAT?!’’

Delivery Room Do’s and Don’ts

10

Things Dads of Daughters Know

POSTPARTUM CARE: Choosing the Right Paediatrician

AMAZING SUMMER CAMPS Avoiding summer ‘brain drain’ & making the most of summertime learning Supported by:

Editor’s Note

EDITORIAL EDITOR: Dina Maaty

dina.maaty@cpimediagroup.com

ONLINE EDITOR: Emma Hodgson emma.hodgson@cpimediagroup.com

ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR: Michael Phillips SALES MANAGER: Mathew Tharakan SALES MANAGER: Vanessa Linney mbc.sales@cpimediagroup.com MARKETING Isabelle Mills

marketing@cpimediagroup.com

DISTRIBUTION & SUBSCRIPTIONS Rajeesh Nair rajeesh.nair@cpimediagroup.com

PRODUCTION James Tharian DESIGN Sarah Radwan ONLINE Ramir Toyado PHOTOGRAPHY Maksym Poriechkin FOR OTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE VISIT: motherbabychild.com

FOUNDER

Dominic De Sousa (1959 - 2015)

PRINTED BY

Emirates Printing Press LLC, Dubai Published by

Head Office: Media City, Building 4, Office G-08 Dubai, United Arab Emirates, PO Box 13700 Tel: +971 4 440 9100 Fax: +971 4 447 2409 Email: info@cpimediagroup.com

The world is spinning so fast nowadays it’s often quite difficult to stay up to date with the latest, especially in the ever-dynamic world of children’s toys. I remember spotting a 10-year-old at the movies competing with his father over who could ‘spin’ faster, only to find out later from my baby cousin, and some of my colleagues at work: what they were playing with was a ‘fidget spinner’, a small device you hold at the centre and flick in a rapid spin.

What I find to be rather intriguing about this toy craze is that it’s being marketed as a stress-relieving tool. So, whether you’re an executive who’s struggling with the nine-to-five or a child with lots of energy, this would be your go-to toy. Does this sound right to you, mamas?

That’s what I thought. Would I be exaggerating if I said that these distortions are robbing our children of their most precious years?

Oh, and just in case the fidget spinner didn’t appeal to girls, they’ve invented yet another distraction for them. The ‘squishy’ is an addictive, colourful little toy made from foam-like material that you can, well, squish. They even have apple-shaped ones that make a crunching sound when squashed and cheese-shaped squishies that smell like cheddar.

The real question is: why are we trying to distract our children?

Spinning and squishing: how much value are such toy crazes adding to our little ones’ lives? This summer, try to make sure your child’s time spent indoors is contributing to their development rather than just keeping them busy; empty stress relievers may offer temporary fun, but are they a welcome distraction?

EDITOR’S PICKS

FOR BABY

Publication licensed by Dubai Production City, DCCA © Copyright 2017 CPI Media Group FZLLC. All rights reserved.

While the publishers have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information in this magazine, they will not be held responsible for any errors therein. cpimediagroup.com

MAMA'S TEA TIME! Tchaba Designer Tea

BEABA Mini Thermometer available on justkidding-me.com MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | JUNE 2017 | 03

J Un 2017

Family-­­Friendly Travel Destinations

82

e Competitions

90

30

Mini Style Stars

04 | JUNE 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

in this issue

Things to Do ...........................................................

Mummy & Baby ................................................... 08

Toddler & Child .................................................... 14 Older Child & Tween .......................................... 18 Parenting ................................................................

20 fun things your kids can do this summer..... 22 Does motherhood ever get easier?....................... 26

How to help your child make friends this summer............................................... 34 The best summer camps for your child.............. 36

Indoor fun for the family...................................... 38

Dads-to-be in the delivery room......................... 40 Top 10 things dads of daughters know................ 44 Best daddy in the world......................................... 48 Education ...............................................................

Fun ways to stop summer brain drain................ 54 Teacher Profiles.................................................... 58 Is technology good for your little ones?............. 60

Pre-writing activities for preschoolers.............. 64

Good Living .........................................................

Tips on saving money and energy at home...... 66

Ramadan and eid offers and deals..................... 68 Kid-friendly summer recipes............................... 70 Weight loss tips for stay-at-home mums.......... 74 There should be an app for that ....................... 76

Health ...................................................................

18 things paediatricians want you to know..... 82

Choosing the right paediatrician for your child......................................................... 86 Eating healthy while on vacation with kids.... 88

Also available at

We asked our readers: “What’s your biggest fear as a mother?”

Star Lett

er

“Since I’m a first-time mum, I’m in touch with my son’s doctor almost every day and Google is my best friend. My constant fear has nothing to do with health, it’s more about me being the right female role model for my son; I want him to grow up and treat women like queens! Cheesy much? My other fear is over the world we’re bringing him into, can’t we all just have a group hug?”

Afnan, Dubai

“Being an introvert myself, my biggest fear is that he won’t be able to stand up for himself or speak up when there’s something wrong. He’s a boisterous 2-year-old now, so I hope and pray his character remains the same as he grows up.”

Rosie, Dubai “My biggest fear would be anything that would hurt my son. I want my child be strong enough to keep his distance from other children who may be a bad influence. I pray for his health and safety, always.”

Noha, Saudi Arabia “The is one of the hardest questions to answer, because as a mum you worry about everything, but my biggest fear is not being able to protect her from the pressures of society, bullying and peer pressure. I just want her to be happy and enjoy life.”

Donne, Dubai

One lucky mama will win AED 500 worth of courses from the newly-launched app, , which connects employers to their helpers on a common platform, providing courses and financial WORTH services for the helpers to grow AED and employers to get better, qualified help and run a healthier home with happier kids.

500

CONTRIBUTORS

Lucy Holmes...................................................................................................................... is Mum to a 7-year-old boy and newborn baby girl. Lucy is a freelance marketing consultant, specialising in the baby and child industry across the region.

KEIRA LANGMAN.....................................................................................

is a UK-based mother-of-one, who started her very own blog ‘Cake Run Mum Repeat’ ( cakerunmumrepeat.com) to give mums a humorous take on the balance between responsibilities, staying beautiful and — very importantly — loving cake.

Kamal Dasani ................................................................................................................... is mum to twin girls and the owner of online store and blog ‘TherapyBox Australia’ (

therapyboxaustralia.com)

As a senior occupational, vision and applied behaviour analysis therapist, she provides developmental advice and resources to parents, therapists, teachers and carers.

Tasneem Rajkotwala ................................................................................

is a Dubai-based food blogger. As a busy mum herself, she creates easy-to-prepare treats and mouth-watering seasonal dishes which celebrate the joy of cooking at home on her blog ( thoughtsoverchai.net) for mums who have their hands full.

06 | JUNE 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

English Language Learning Summer Camp 2017 Help your child get ahead with an English Language Learning Camp this summer!

Our summer camp is for students aged 4 to 16 who want to develop their native English language skills as well as those for whom English is a foreign language. Its focus is improving English learning skills by developing students’ proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing.

AED

Held a

5 diffe t r locati ent ons across D

2,350 per student, including all course materials

ubai a nd Abu D habi

Register now to book your place using this link: goo.gl/cKEhZ3

Phone +971 4 403 5066

www.academyplus.ae ellprogram@academyplus.ae

THERE ARE NEW DiAPERS IN THE MARKET

Did you know that during the day, a baby will produce an average 150 ml of urine per diaper and that at night they can pee around 3 – 4 times per diaper? That’s why overnight dryness is essential, and with babies spending around half of their time asleep, their overnight diaper needs to work even harder to ensure that they stay dry and comfortable and their sleep is not disrupted.

Mamas, Pampers has unveiled its new Baby-Dry diapers which include extra-absorb channels designed for babies to be comfortable so they can enjoy a good quality sleep and wake up happy giving you cuddle attacks in the morning.

The new Fine Baby Diaper also has some features which you may want to try: an improved liquid absorption capacity contributes to baby’s comfort and keeping their skin healthy. This feature also helps you save on diaper usage, decreasing the frequency of changes. It’s available in all sizes. More cuddles? We think so too!

pampersarabia.com

finebabyworld.com

WHAT’S THE IMPORTANCE OF

BABY’S SLEEPiNG POSiTiON?

Mamas, have you heard of ‘Flat Head Syndrome’? It affects many infants, especially after recommendations to place sleeping babies on their backs to prevent cot death have started. Torticollis can also lead to Flat Head Syndrome. This condition is caused by a tight or shortened muscle in one side of your baby’s neck causing the head to tilt or turn to one side, resulting in the infant resting their head in the same position on a continual basis.

ClevaMama® items, available at Mothercare, Mumzworld, Toys R Us and Spinney’s, use technology which is scientifically-proven to help reduce this syndrome. clevamama.com

08 | JUNE 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Summer Camp

49p9er waeeked

with Transportation

150 aed pick & drop

Enroll Now! 04-388-3008

3-10

years old

Archery Etiquette Classes Aquatic Zumba Science Lab Little Chef Table Tennis Basketball Soccer Boxing Air Hockey Access to Splash Slides & Pads Indoor / Outdoor Games Arts & Crafts Kids Meal...and a lot more......

June 25th till August 31st

9:00 am - 2:30 pm (Sunday - Thursday)

www.splashnparty.ae

info@splashnparty.ae

THINGS TO DO

OH, BABY! IT’S TIME FOR A CAKE SMASH Celebrate baby's first birthday with their first cake smash! No pre-mixes here, just homemade cakes using fresh ingredients customised for baby's special day. You can even customise the ingredients – dairy-free, gluten-free, just name it and they’ll do it.

Order a customised cake for your table and guests, and a smallersized duplicate for the cake smash. Price on request sugarmoo.com

SUMMER

AND YOUR

BABY’S

SKiN AED 175

Lovingly launched by Lorie Collins based on her own real-world need for quality skincare products that would calm and nourish her newborn's sensitive skin, Lil 'O' Blossom is the result of her own exhaustive research on existing natural and organic products: calming, naturally-luxurious and gentle formulations that truly nurture tender skin while protecting and helping prevent skin irritation.

liloblossom.com

baby’s closet

AED 97

AED 195

AED 59 Babyshop AED 67

Baby Gap AED 65

AED 110

AED 145 Okaidi Obaibi AED 119

AED 69 OshKosh B’gosh AED 62

12 | JUNE 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

ZIPPY AED 89

AED 69

The Ramadan Night Market is Back!

Whether you celebrate Ramadan or not, you can shop, eat and have fun at Dubai’s Ramadan Night Market. Soak in the souq-like feel within the comfort of a mall environment and check out amazing deals on clothing, jewellery, accessories, health, beauty, perfumes, home appliances, electronics, toys, baby items and more.

Shop till you drop while your kids are busy having fun at their very own kids’ play area. From face painting and sand art to bouncy castles, nail art and a mini basketball court plus wall climbing, a kiddie train, balloon twisting and a soft play area, the Market features a variety of play options for children.

June 1 – 10, Dubai World Trade Centre. 8:00 pm to 2:00 am every night. Kids ages five and above AED 5, ages five and under FREE

EVIE

W

R

ramadannightmarket.com

Childhood Favourites for Breakfast

Forget omelettes and orange juice, kids are all about a good fajita when it comes to breakfast: just ask the folks at CLAW BBQ. Located in Souq al Bahar only a bridge away from The Dubai Mall, the colourful diner-style venue is all about good vibes – and that’s why the kids simply love it.

The go-to restaurant for American comfort food and messy good times has launched a weekend breakfast. Think an insane collection of chicken ‘n’ waffles, classic childhood cereals, pancakes and more. With a full house of early-riser families, and sleepy mothers accompanied by kids who wanted to have their big breakfast, you just got to love kiddie power!

Fried bananas and chocolate-smothered toast? Now you finally have a reason to leave your bed on weekends.

The CLAW BBQ breakfast is available from 8 am to 12 pm every Friday and 8 am to 2 pm every Saturday.

CLAWBBQ

14 | JUNE 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

THINGS TO DO

THIS SUMMER, IT’S ALL ABOUT

THE KIDS Families looking to spend quality time together this summer can book the new Family Getaway Package by Holiday Inn Resort®. Guests who book from now until the end of the month for stays between June 1 and August 31 can enjoy special privileges including best flexible room rates, a yummy buffet breakfast for two adults and accompanying kids in addition to complimentary tickets to a local attraction for two adults and two kids.

Available at Holiday Inn hotels and resorts across Asia, the Middle East and Africa; Kids Eat Free is available for kids ages 12 and under. holidayinn.com

GO ON A CULINARY

‘DINNERTIME STORY’ WITH THE TINY CHEF

‘Le Petit Chef’ (the tiny chef) is a one-of-a-kind dining experience incorporating 3D projection mapping. The experience includes a six-course set menu, and puts on a thrilling show with a mini chef who accompanies guests throughout dinner.

Taking place at Dubai’s World Trade Center (DWTC) throughout the Holy Month, Dinnertime Story will be featured over two showings on Thursday nights and another two on Friday nights. As food is prepared in the kitchen, guests witness the dish’s journey on the plate with an exciting performance from Le Petit Chef himself, recounting the tale of Marco Polo’s travels to different countries and presenting the native flavors of these lands through the meal.

Dinner is priced at AED 450 per person and World Trade Club members can enjoy a 30 per cent discount. The first show starts at 8 pm and the second at 11 pm. dinnertimestory.com

16 | JUNE 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Girly Birthdays at ‘BE BAR’

Nothing says girly fun more than pampering parties for your little princess and her friends, and pampering is what they do best at Be Bar! A Be Bar party includes a signature blow dry and polish change for the whole girl squad in the most girlish of surroundings.

Be Bar parties start at AED 1,500 for one hour, inclusive of hair, nails and exclusive use of the salon.

04 321 2348

Save on

YourTrip to the UK

Virgin Atlantic has introduced a fun ‘Brexit Calculator’ game to help families in the UAE work out how much they could save on a trip to the UK. With an exchange rate of 10 dirhams to just over two British pounds, there has never been a better time to book a trip to the UK and take advantage of the savings. Using the new Brexit Calculator, you and the kids can choose from a range of popular tourist activities in the UK, and calculate once you’ve saved enough money to pay for a flight to London: Items include traditional activities such as an afternoon tea, watching a football match and more.

brexitcalculator.com

18 | JUNE 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Must haves for

the perfect

FASHION STROLLERS FURNITURE ACCESSORIES CAR SEATS

HOLIDAY TRAVEL

Naif

Ludi

Stokke®

Mifold

Protecting Sunscreen 100ml

Pop Up Beach Swimming Pool

Flexi Bath®

Booster Seat

Uppababy

Babybjorn

JustEssentials

Beaba

G-Luxe Stroller

Baby Carrier Miracle

Travel Bouncer

Babycook Transport Bag

Deryan Air Traveller

Joolz

Babydan

Nuna

Uni2 Earth Nursery Bag

Gate To Go

Sena Travel Cot JustKiddingMe

• QATAR • UAE • KSA VISIT US IN STORE AND ONLINE FOR MORE TRAVEL MUST HAVES!

@Justkidding_me Justkidding-me www.justkidding-me.com Al Safa 1, Dubai +971 4 346 6050

Gold & Diamond Park, Dubai +971 4 341 3922 JustKidding Outlet, Wafi Mall, Dubai +971 4 704 8311

Town Square, Al Forsan Village, Abu Dhabi +971 2 556 9935 Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi (Inside House of Fraser)

+971 800 5878

The Gate Mall, Doha +974 4 407 7174 Localizer Mall, Riyadh +966 11 217 0956

THINGS TO DO

A Family Pampering Experience The hustle and bustle of Dubai can make it challenging for families to spend quality time together.

Mothers, with their busy lifestyle, always look forward to the weekends when they can enjoy and have fun with the kids.

En Vogue Beauty Center has three branches spread across Dubai.

Whether you’re after a snip for the kids or eyelash extensions for the mama – it’s all you need to refresh and rejuvenate. The salon also offers a Family Membership Package: with a one-time fee, a couple and two children can enjoy unlimited salon and spa services for one full year, in addition to exclusive benefits such as free products, huge discounts and more.

04 450 1055

Sanitise Your Kids’ Devices PhoneSoap? It sounds like a weird soap for your phone, but it’s more than that. The new portable device is available in three different sizes to accommodate phones, tablets, keys, headphones and other items.

We’re attached to these devices and mothers use them as distraction toys for their children to play with. With the constant use of these gadgets, PhoneSoap removes all impurities from the surface of your item within a few minutes while simultaneously charging it.

phonesoapme.com

20 | JUNE 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

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GS

20 FUN THINGS Your Kids Can Do This Summer

1 2 3

Plant their own indoor garden. An educational experience in its own right, planting a garden is also so much fun. Worried about the Dubai heat? Try mygreenchapter.com for three-step ‘indoor grow’ kits.

Play dress-up. Collect some funny props from a deals-filled market or look into your own wardrobe for quirky clothing and accessories. Get creative with styling and have a garden or superhero party.

Take music lessons. Did you know your kids may be ready for music lessons way sooner than you think? Dubai-based centre Music Together offers classes for kids ages zero to five. Check them out on: musictogethersolmido.com

4

Hold a car wash. Let’s face it, even us adults are fascinated by the car wash (lots of bubbles and splashes – hello!). Kids love cars, water and messy play so ask them to give it a good scrub with a pot of water and sponge. Just be mindful of cars parked nearby.

5

Browse the web. Screen time can be bad for the kids, but did you know that controlled surfing can increase children’s communication skills and mental sharpness? Half an hour is more than enough, but make sure you’re next to them to monitor their browsing.

22 | JUNE 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

6

Visit a museum. There are so many museums around the UAE, we wouldn’t even know where to begin. They can climb a military vehicle at The Emirates National Auto Museum or visit galleries, exhibits, the planetarium, theatre or nature centre at Children’s City.

7 8 9

Get messy with chalk. Chalk may be a school thing, but did you know it can also be great fun for the kids’ summer? Cover a corner in their room with chalkboard paint and let their imagination run loose.

Cook with you. Children love helping in the kitchen. Make an experience out of it and pick recipes where they can create.

Why can’t they draw their siblings on the cupcakes or build matchstick figures with baby carrots?

10

Play stuck-in-the-car games.

Road trip? This means long hours on the road with not much to do. Give the kids a map and make them co-pilots or let them count things you pass including red lights or white cars.

Baby can swim! Once baby can hold their head up, they’re ready! Want to see what happens at an infant swimming class? Check out babysplashdubai.com for the 2017 summer term baby and toddler classes.

11

Make homemade pizza. This is an old one, but it never gets old. Making some pizza at a kids’ brunch is loads of fun, but homemade pizza is even more fun to make together.

12

Make an indoor sandbox. Mix four cups of rice with three tablespoons of rubbing alcohol and a few drops of food colouring and let dry overnight. Result: a sandbox minus the heat.

13

String beads into jewellery. This one’s fun for little girls! They’ll love wearing their own creations to school and sharing ideas with friends.

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | JUNE 2017 | 23

PARENTING

14 15 16 17 creative.

Make a bird house. You know how Dubai birds are always looking for places to nest? Let the kids grab used, washed popsicle sticks and get

Create stamped t-shirts. Your kids can make a flower garden by dipping bell peppers in paint then stamping a white t-shirt with them. You can try different ‘food stamps’.

Make colourful smoothies. Kids love blending things, so head to the kitchen and make a healthy smoothie or two.

You can even convince them that veggies can taste good with some crazy straws for added fun.

Swim around the pool. This can be as much of a learning experience as you wish for it to be. Practice some strokes or floats and see who can make the biggest splash.

18 19 20

Run, run, run! If you have toddlers, they’ll love running around in any open space. For older kids, see who can run the fastest. Giggles are guaranteed and you don’t need to worry about the sun if it’s early morning or at sunset.

Put on a show. We know how much kids just LOVE to entertain. Whether it’s a magic or puppet show, ask them to get on your mini stage and perform.

Have a ‘summer magic’ box. Ask your child to create their very own box, using their favourite materials. They can then drop anything that inspires them during the summer in there – from flower petals to stickers and cotton balls, everything can be magic!

24 | JUNE 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

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PARENTING

THE EARLY YEARS DOES MOTHERHOOD EVER GET EASIER? Lucy Holmes

Motherhood it’s the best ‘hood’ right?

Well, yes, but with this great responsibility comes great stress…

When I was pregnant, all I could think of was my pregnancy and birth later down the line. Other than shopping for baby gear, I didn’t consider or think about what being a mum would entail, and how I would cope once the little bundle of joy came home.

26 | JUNE 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

There’s nothing that can prepare you for the enormous changes which are about to come into your life, brain and body when you bring home the baby; it’s a delightful, yet often very stressful time as you navigate your new world.

You must ‘learn’ to be a mum and this is a role you must quickly adapt to ‘on the job’, no training involved! Think of it as a crash course for an exciting promotion, except you don’t get a salary, unless you count cuddles as a currency.

So, I’ve put together a top-ten from other mums to help guide you on this challenging, yet rewarding journey ahead.

READ UP

Buy or download some baby books; there’s a vast range out there and, whether you’re a fan of Gina Ford or The Baby Whisperer, it’ll help you get some advice on routines, how much sleep babies need at every age and learn all about settling and feeding.

ENLIST THE HELP OF OTHERS

Perhaps you already have a maid or nanny, so she can help. If she’s not experienced in baby care, perhaps consider signing her up for a training course. If you don’t have help and would like to hire someone, it’s advisable to do so before the baby arrives.

Alternatively, ask the grandparents to visit; those first few days and weeks are tough and if you can have another pair of hands, it’ll make a huge difference.

KEEP SOCIAL

Keep social in every sense of the word! Join a Facebook group to get to know other early-years mums. Try to go to coffee mornings; meeting other mums can help you realise you’re not alone and getting advice from each other creates a fantastic support network.

SLEEP FOR ALL!

It’s so important to focus on ‘sleep for all’ as I call it; ensuring everybody gets the right amount of sleep is not easy as mum is usually the one who suffers the most. However, if you’ve managed number two in the list, which is asking for help, you can take advantage of this and get some rest. If you haven’t got help, make sure you nap when you can and do try and sleep when baby sleeps.

BUY IN BULK

These days, thanks to online shopping, a bulk buy has never been more convenient – especially one that delivers said bulky items to your door! Nappies, breast pads, wipes, cotton wool and bottles: these items are essentials used daily, so get organised and ordering.

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | JUNE 2017 | 27

PARENTING

LEARN TO SAY: “NO!”

You want to be sociable, but don’t over-stretch yourself; remember, you’ve just given birth to a human being and when you’re navigating the early days of motherhood, dealing with sleepless nights and wiping up puke, you can’t always accept invites or host visitors.

It’s perfectly ok sometimes to just close the door, get cosy, put on the Netflix and spend the day dreamily gazing at your little one.

PREPARE YOUR WARDROBE

You may be lucky and fit right back into your pre-maternity wardrobe, but if you’re like most mums, chances are you’ll be needing some new comfy clothes to wear. If you’re breastfeeding, research and buy nursing bras, clothes and a cover.

ACCEPT THAT YOU’LL HAVE BLUE MOMENTS…

Pregnancy hormones are lovely, aren’t they? Well, after birth they quickly leave your body and often this, plus the exhaustion, can leave you feeling blue. The baby blues can come and go quite quickly, but a lot of mums suffer from post-natal depression. If you ever feel very low, tell your loved ones and reach out for help as soon as possible.

GET ON WITH THE FIRSTS: GO MAMMA!

The first drive, trip out, coffee morning, the first time you breastfeed in public, even the first time you do a nappy change outside of the house: these firsts can feel monumental and terrifying.

However, the sooner you get on with tackling these the better, since you’ll quickly learn they aren’t as scary as you thought they’d be and you’ll feel rightly proud of yourself.

BE GENTLE WITH EACH OTHER

The best piece of advice I was given when I had my first was from my dear dad. He said: “Be gentle with each other”. He was referring to hubby and me. It’s probably going to be tough; you may fight and argue due to stress and exhaustion, but remember to be loving, kind and gentle.

Teamwork makes the dream work. Right?

28 | JUNE 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

PARENTING

1

MiNYiLE ST RS STA

2

Childrensalon.com

3

1 GUCCI AED 460 2 FENDI AED 1,495 3 KARL LAGERFELD KIDS AED 253 4 LITTLE MARC JACOBS AED 271 5 STELLA MCCARTNEY AED 446 6 MINNA PARIKKA AED 1,012

11

12

Gap Kids 7 AED 125 8 AED 125 9 AED 125

4

5

STREET STYLE 13

Okaidi Obaibi 10 AED 109 14 AED 109

6

14

F&F

11 AED 69 12 AED 79 13 AED 69

7

8

10

Courcelles

15 Billieblush 16 Karl Lagerfeld Kids 26 BOSS Boys 27 DKNY Kids 28 DKNY Kids

OshKosh B'gosh 17 AED 135 18 AED 65 19 AED 81

9

30 | JUNE 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

ZIPPY

20 AED 109 21 AED 99 22 AED 59

15 16

17

20

19

18

23

Babyshop 23 AED 77 24 AED 35 25 AED 37

24

21

22

30 29

Philipp Plein

31

29 AED 1,200 30 AED 1,550 31 AED 2000 32 AED 930 33 AED 4,400

25

32

26 33 28

34 River Island Kids

27

34 AED 249

PARENTING

ZIPPY AED 99 each

AED 50

Desigual Kids AED 209

Chloé Kids AED 195

COÉGA AED 55

Ban.do AED 120

AED 139

Okaidi Obaibi AED 89 each

Chloé Kids AED 600 each

AED 69

Chloé Kids at Courcelles

Babyshop AED 139 Little Marc Jacobs at Courcelles

32 | JUNE 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

AED 39

Dubai Mall +971 4 325 3913 Dubai Marina Mall +971 4 399 7042 YAS Mall +971 2 565 1856 Al-Wahda Mall +971 2 447 0225

www.liwastores.com

PARENTING

HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD MAKE FRIENDS THIS SUMMER School’s out and classmates may be travelling or still in town, but summer is the time to make some new friends whether it’s at the pool, summer camp or playdate. Making friends is important for children’s development and self-confidence as it’s a mutual choice relationship where they feel protected, loved and get to have fun.

Understand your child’s friendship style

Children have different styles when it comes to socialising. Some may enjoy being in groups, while others prefer one-on-one interaction. Never force your child to pick either one, but rather know what they prefer and embrace it.

You can also tailor the activities you choose for them accordingly. For example, an outdoor trip would be more suitable for an extroverted child, while a summer camp with lots of indoor projects in twos would be more suitable for a child who’s more on the shy side.

34 | JUNE 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Have a conversation

You learn a lot about your child by talking to them; you also get to teach your child the right skills during conversation. Discuss friendships with your child and observe: are they just talking or also listening? Are they cutting you off? Did they walk away mid-conversation? These are all signs which may point to a need for improvement in the social arena.

“We can help our kids make friends by encouraging them to be open and warm towards other children. Teach them to smile, make eye contact and use the other child's name when they say ‘hello’. We can build their confidence by practicing these skills at home,” says Dr Sarah Rasmi, family psychologist and parenting expert at Play:Date.

Get them out there

The only way to make sure your child is making friends over the summer is to put them in situations where they can. Summer is the perfect opportunity for the kids to participate in activities with peers they may have a lot in common with: from camps and clubs to afternoon markets, you’ll never run out of options.

Remember, they don’t always have to be organised activities. Other great places for spontaneous friendships include the zoo, waterparks and theme parks.

Keep playdates short and sweet

You can start by inviting two of their friends from school over along with two other prospective pals. Your child’s teacher can help you get in touch with other parents. One or two hours is plenty of time in kid world. While the playdate may be cut short, it’s better than keeping them together forever and having it eventually deteriorate into squabbles.

For dates at other children’s homes, keep a schedule to develop familiarity. Try to arrange regular playdates with the same children they’re enjoying spending time with. If you find they’re eventually able to run off and play on their own, encourage this independence by leaving them for longer periods of time without you.

“Playdates can take a friendship to the next level.

Organise an activity that both children like. Getting to know the other child's parents can deepen their relationship – you might even make a new friend yourself!

Social applications, like Play:Date, are a great way to network with other families in your community,” explains Dr Sarah.

Help them make friends (literally)

Don’t just leave the kids by themselves and hope for things to turn out the way you’d want them to. Your guidance can help them feel more relaxed. However, beware of too much interference which can make them feel uncomfortable.

Keep your role limited to suggesting games or overseeing creative projects.

Embrace kids’ trends and fads

From Pokémon to Shopkins, kids will become obsessed with certain characters, series or games at every age. Rather than fighting them and dismissing such trends as nonsense, try to understand things from their perspective and help them enjoy in their free time. Cultural phenomena will give children topics to talk about and the opportunity to share.

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | JUNE 2017 | 35

THE BEST FOR YOUR CHILD There are many benefits to attending summer camp: Not only will your child get the opportunity to make new friends, but they’ll also gain confidence and independence while being away from you, in a new environment. Not to mention, summer camps can help prevent summer learning regression; depending on the camp, your child may be using math, science, history, writing or even geography. Check out our list of what’s on offer mamas: Kid’s Island & Cocoon Nursery July 2 – August 30 | Jumeirah

Kid’s Island & Cocoon Nursery are setting sail on a summer camp journey of a lifetime. The children can join them daily or weekly as they become intrepid explorers marching through the pages of treasured storybooks. They’ll create inspired artwork to give life to the characters and themes of the stories, turn play dough into castles and spend time galloping around the Nursery on their pool noodle horses.

The highlight? The fun the children will have while making memories with their new friends!

Mum, let your child escape the heat this summer and become a Storybook Explorer! The journey will begin at Cocoon Nursery, located in Jumeirah 3, and will be led by their team of enthusiastic teachers. Explorers aged 12 months to four years+ are welcome to embark on this adventure.

Remember to pack a snack and healthy imagination for them on the day!

Sun-Thurs, 8 am to 1:30 pm, AED 170 per day/AED 850 per week. Discounts available: 10% sibling discount/ 20% EPC discount applicable/ Prepay four weeks in advance and receive a 15% discount.

T&Cs apply

The camp is open to children from 12 months to 4+ years old.

For more information and to register: 04 394 9394/0156 info@cocoonnursery.com KidsIslandandCocoonNursery Orange Wheels July 2 – August 31 | Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi The fun and frolic takes place from July 2 to August 31. From science and artrelated activities to music, Zumba and percussion sessions, this is one camp that has it all.

The weekly price from Sunday to Thursday including snacks is AED 700 from 10 – 3 pm; the camp is for ages four and above for drop-offs.

02 667 4411 36 | JUNE 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

cocoonnursery.com

Kings’ School June 25 – August 31 All three Kings' campuses (Umm Suqeim, Al Barsha and Nad Al Sheba) Where else could the kids spend the morning building and programming robots and the afternoon kayaking and practicing archery skills?

The leaders in education have teamed up with the experts in adventure to bring you an awesome summer camp with a range of activities like no other. This summer will be the one year anniversary of the Kings’ & Ecoventure school holiday camps. After the huge success of their spring camp, which was sold out at all three Kings’ schools, they’ll be operating throughout the entire summer holiday period.

With very experienced Kings’ teachers and Ecoventure instructors who lead, entertain and educate campers throughout each day, their camp offers a wide range of activities including rock climbing, pool games, LEGO® robotics, coding, trampolining, sports, baking, arts & crafts, STEM challenges, fun science, kid fit, progressive dodge ball, obstacle courses, dance, yoga and much more.

If you want your kids to be entertained, engage in a wide range of activities and develop a whole range of skills while having fun then log on to: ecoventureme.com/holidaycamps for sign up information.

Aga Khan Early Learning Centre (AKELC) July 2 – August 24 | Oud Metha

Are you looking for a summer camp with some variety? With summer camp themes including travel, about Dubai, fairy tales, under the sea, camping, outer space and dress up, Aga Khan offers a range of activities including storytelling, circle time, Arabic classes, sports and physical activities, sensory play, painting and playdough, arts, crafts, music, movement, jolly phonics and much more.

Aga Khan Early Learning Centre (AKELC) is a nursery and preschool, accredited by the UK-based National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) which follows the British curriculum (EYFS) in a bilingual setting (English and Arabic).

They provide a range of fun activities in a purpose-built facility with spacious classrooms and hallways with lots of natural light, an indoor gym, a well-resourced library and two outdoor areas. Fresh food is served for breakfast and snacks every day.

Starting at AED 690 per week

For more information and to register: 04 336 7676

info@akelcdubai.org

akelcdubai.org

akelcdubai

Julia Donaldson Storytelling Theatre June 25 – 29 / July 2 – 6 | Al Quoz

This summer school is highly recommended for young children ages five to nine, where they’ll be able to nurture and stimulate their passion for storytelling, develop literacy skills and build confidence through exploring drama and movement games, and crafts.

Your child will be taught and cared for by qualified teachers with a wealth of experience teaching children of all ages and abilities in a cosy, purpose-built 70-seater theatre, the perfect venue to tread the boards and discover the wonderful world of storytelling and creative arts live on stage.

050 9861 761

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | JUNE 2017 | 37

PARENTING

Masterminds Nursery

July 2 – August 24 | Jumeirah

This camp includes some of the most engaging activities for kids. From violin and music to swimming, math, a science lab and languages, they’ll get to learn while having fun in a safe environment. They even have special classes including Encyclopaedic Knowledge, Great Art Masterpieces and Glee Club.

Lunch and snacks included

Sun – Thurs from 9 am to 1 pm, AED 1,050 per week. Open to children 18 months to four years old.

Splash 'n' Party June 25 – August 31 | Jumeirah

Looking for a ‘fun in the sun’ summer camp? Splash ‘n’ Party’s camp includes activities which are sure to keep the kids entertained while learning: from archery, etiquette and aquatic Zumba classes to Science Lab, Little Chef, basketball, soccer, boxing and much more, there’s pretty much nothing they don’t have.

Even the kids’ meals are taken care of!

056 4430 695

Splash ‘n’ Party combines aquatic, health and recreational activities to create a fun-filled, unique experience for kids. The park is designed to cater to the entire family for kids to enjoy a vibrant, friendly and nurturing environment in which they can play, exercise and learn. Adhering to the highest in health and safety regulations, the park ensures parents and adults are able to relax and enjoy, providing purposefully-designed restaurants and juice bar areas. Offering an enriching, well-balanced programme of activities, along with water slides, splash pads and water guns, the park also includes art and craft entertainment along with extensive event production services for birthday parties and special occasions. Party packages include kids’ themes, balloon decorating, catering and customised entertainment to mention a few.

Camp timings are from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm. AED 499 / AED 150 per day 04 388 3008

splashnparty.ae

Academy Plus July 2 – August 24 | Dubai, Abu Dhabi

Help your child get ahead with an English Language Learning Camp this summer!

The GEMS Academy Plus summer camp is for students ages four to 16 who want to develop their native English language skills as well as those for whom English is a foreign language. Its focus is improving English learning skills by developing students’ proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing.

Delivered by our professional and highly qualified GEMS teachers, the English Language Learning camp aims to: • Build students’ English language confidence • Increase access to the standard school curriculum 38 | JUNE 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

• Increase opportunities for a wider range of academic activities • Complement in-school academic progress • Broaden students’ vocabulary

Teaching approach:

• No more than 14 students per class • Teaching tailored to age and English proficiency level • Individual and collaborative learning opportunities • Continual assessments using internationally-recognised methods • Showcase at the end of every block for parents to see child’s progress • Certificate awarded upon completion

Locations:

• AKNS (GEMS Al Khaleej National School, Garhoud) • GIS (GEMS International School, Al Khail) • NSG (GEMS , Al Barsha National School) • WIS (GEMS, Wellington International , Sheikh Zayed Road) • CIA (GEMS Cambridge International, Abu Dhabi)

The camp runs in blocks of two weeks from 9 am to 12 pm, Sunday through Thursday.

No two blocks are the same, so students can enrol for one, two, three or four blocks and benefit from progression throughout the summer.

04 403 5064 academyplus.ae

DRAFT Summer Camp

At Hummingbird Pre-School, DIFC and Business Bay | 1 June till 31 August 2017

Staying in Dubai over the summer break and looking to escape the heat?

We have a program of activities designed with a learning outcome in mind. Sports, dance, music, arts and crafts, messy play activities and much, much more!

Ensure that your little ones are stimulated, engaged and developing, even during the summer months!

Register to avoid disappointment: info@hummingbird.ae or 800-HUMMIN (486 646)

PARENTING

Temperatures may be rising, but the fun never stops with so many things to do in the UAE! From a creative garage and funky playlands to colourful learning beehives, there’s so much to explore to keep busy this summer while having a blast.

INDOOR FU Y L I M N FOR THE FA The BEEhive

Why we love it: The BEEhive is themed around many independent hives, each with different interactive activities covering Science, Music, Art and Crafts among others.

Why we love it: The indoor theme park is for the young and young at heart; it spans two levels of the Mall.

Indoor Fun

What can the kids do? Children 1 – 12 years old get to explore, learn, break out of their social shell and uncover their hidden talents while acquiring new skills.

Where and how much? Ground floor, Blue Bay Tower, Business Bay. Play Rates start from just AED 45 per hour while a full day is AED 95. Monthly and annual membership packages are also available

SEGA Republic

What can the kids do? In addition to 14 high-adrenaline motion-simulated rides, SEGA also houses an indoor rope course and one of the largest selections of arcade and gaming machines in the world. They can also enjoy the spacious soft play area featuring customised activities to keep them entertained for hours.

Where and how much?

2nd floor, The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai. Passes from AED 125, individual attractions from AED 15

04 431 0347

04 448 8484

Cloud 7

Why we love it: Cloud 7 is packed with fun, interactive activities for creative little ones aged three and upwards.

What can the kids do? At the Creative Station, kids can choose from different activities including candle making, ceramic painting, soap making, cake decorating and more. There’s also a Creative Garage, Building Block Assembly and an Interactive Digital Lab.

Where and how much? AED 100 for two hours of access and one creative activity. 2nd Floor, Level Kids, City Walk 04 510 8317

40 | JUNE 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Fabyland

Why we love it: It’s full on Arcade and Skill game fun.

Both children and adults can gather up the tickets they’ve won and use them to collect gifts and prizes at the end of the day.

What can the kids do? It’s a world of adventure complete with arcade games, a soft play area, bumper car rides, indoor climbing and much more.

Where and how much? Deerfields Mall, Abu Dhabi and Dubai Festival City. Entry with AED 3 cards, packages are available 050 743 3984

Funky Monkeys Playland

Why we love it: Funky Monkeys PlayLand is one of the largest indoor (and outdoor) edutainment centres where kids can enjoy a huge soft play area, birthday parties, laser games, arts and crafts, pizza-making, culinary classes, kids’ camps, school trips and more. It’s the perfect venue for a birthday party, family gathering or even an after-school treat for your kids.

What can the kids do? For any event or party, whether at Funky Monkeys or your own venue, they deliver everything from balloon decoration, balloon bending, game hosting and face painting to a photo booth, photo coverage, a juggling show and lots more.

Their facilities include a soft play area, kids’ café, disco, Culinary Room, laser arcade, Princess Room and more.

Where and how much? In the heart of Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road. Rates depend on activity (available on website) funkymonkeysuae.com

04 388 4114

Tee & Putt

Why we love it: Tee & Putt mini golf is home to an 18-hole indoor golf course with a fun glow-in-the-dark twist.

What can the kids do? Kids can play in a full, 18-hole indoor course that features interactive obstacles, targets and creative designs enhanced by glow-in-the-dark lighting making it a challenging experience for players of all ages, from beginner to expert.

Where and how much? WAFI Mall, Dubai. Individual passes are AED 75 per person, children’s passes 45 per person 800 MINI GOLF

It’s a Playdate! Ramadan Offer at Kids HQ

Throughout Ramadan, the kids can enjoy some added fun at Kids HQ with discounted pricing, charity donations and free added extras: For only AED 50 per child, the offer includes two hours of access to the fabulous play area with trampolines, ball pits, climbing structures and much more plus complimentary popcorn, juice, games, entertainment and face-painting.

If you have little preschoolers to keep busy, then the ‘Toddler’s Corner’ geared towards 1 to 3-year-olds is the perfect option. Priced at AED 100 per child and taking place every Sunday, Monday and Tuesday from 9 am to 11 am, classes include Circle Time with Nursery Rhymes, Music and Movements, Yoga, Gym Time, Sensory Play, Messy Art, Basic Learning and a whole lot more – plus an extra hour of free play in the end.

Kids HQ is located on Umm Suqeim Road in Al Barsha 2. A monthly membership costs AED 500 AED for unlimited access 04 379 4233

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | JUNE 2017 | 41

PARENTING

Falcon Kids’ Club

This fully-equipped children’s activity centre spans over 6000 square feet. Designed specifically for children, it features an environment conducive to learning and staying active. With an open plan layout, kids can move freely from one activity to another, while warm, bright colours and eye-catching features create a positive and inviting ambience. The indoor club offers two challenging climbing walls and an arts and crafts area which is ideal for stimulating creativity and inspiring children’s imagination.

Available programmes are for children 18 months to three, 7-11, and 12-15 years old.

Morning sessions are geared towards arts and crafts activities, painting and collage, as well as messy playtime in the sand pit. Afternoon sessions include physical play such as relay races, climbing walls and sandcastle competitions. In the evenings, events are planned for tween-agers and teenagers such as sports activities, Wii and Playstation 3 competitions, movie nights and scavenger hunts.

Where and how much? Fairmont, The Palm. From AED 60 per hour, per child 04 457 3331

READY FOR ‘TRAMP CAMP’ AT BOUNCE? Your kids can finally grab their mates and join the Free-Jumping Revolution at BOUNCE’s ultimate summer ‘Tramp Camp’. Landing at BOUNCE from July 2 to August 31, this camp is the perfect way to beat the heat and get their heart rate going while having fun and making new friends. Available at BOUNCE Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, with prices starting from just AED 180 per day or 145 per day when you book for a week, the Tramp Camp is the place to be this summer. Hosted by the epic BOUNCE crew, kids ages 5 – 14 can look forward to an awesome five-hour, high-octane experience, including a jampacked day of entertainment.

Tramp Campers will kick the day off with the BOUNCE Mini Olympics, where they can get involved in the amazing race, Olympic Run, Capture the Flag and balloon popping. After a short refreshment break, it’s time to take on the WALL, shoot some hoops, flip into the airbag, or just freestyle in the huge BOUNCE free-jump area. Next up is an awesome session of Parkour, where kids will be encouraged to express themselves in their own way and at their own pace. Afterwards, it’s time for a fun jam session, followed by a tasty lunch. Last, but certainly not least, Tramp Campers can look forward to the big finale, the BOUNCE Awards and room games, hosted by BOUNCE’s epic crew!

04 3211 400 42 | JUNE 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

bounce.ae

PARENTING

A READ FOR HUBBY!

DADS-TO-BE iN THE DELIVERY ROOM

DO’S AND DON’TS FOR NEW DADS

looking for e every dad-to-be would be vic ad of e typ the s, ine rating Ah, wisdom from the frontl ir wives to give birth. This Father’s Day, we’re celeb the as my wife as they excitedly wait for ing: what should I be doing bably be ask is y dd da ow kn o als aesthesia, you’ll pro the journey ahead, but we r will be under general an the mo the s les Un th? bir for you. is giving ll, we’ve got the answers We r. he th wi m roo ery liv in the de 44 | JUNE 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

DON’T

forget to pack enough clothes. You may need to be at the hospital for longer than you’d planned, and it’s better to be prepared than sorry. Don’t forget the toothbrush!

PS: Bring some stuff for the mum-to-be as well: a hair holder, juice box, piece of chocolate, slippers or make-up.

DO

take a good nap until all the action starts. You don’t want to be falling asleep as your wife goes into labour, she needs you there for support. Just make sure you don’t take a nap during labour itself.

DON’T

DO

DON’T

DO

DON’T

DO

DON’T

DO

DON’T

DO

completely lose it.

Delivery can be an intense experience, but you don’t want to need an oxygen mask more than the mama herself.

argue! Do exactly as you are told – trust us on this one. Neither your wife, neither any hospital staff, are ready for conflict.

take calls. We know you’re a busy man and we also know the family is dying to know every single detail, but phones ringing during labour? Yikes!

forget the importance of touch. A sign of support, it’s something that will help calm her down as she’s giving birth.

argue! Do exactly as you are told – trust us on this one. Neither your wife, neither any hospital staff, are ready for conflict.

read up on delivery and childbirth as much as you can, watch videos and take classes.

This way, you’ll be prepared for the delivery room experience and won’t panic at the sight of medical tools – or anything else.

stay calm and easy-going.

Mama wants you to stay?

Sure. Mama wants you to take off?

That’s what you’ll be doing…Does she need a back rub? Does she need you to stand back and not touch her while she shouts at you? At the delivery room, everything is possible. put your phone on Silent.

If your wife agrees, you can send an update or two to the family.

Otherwise, make sure she has your full – and we mean full – attention.

make eye contact with her and ask if she’d like you to hold her hand.

stay calm and easy-going.

Mama wants you to stay?

Sure. Mama wants you to take off?

That’s what you’ll be doing…Does she need a back rub? Does she need you to stand back and not touch her while she shouts at you? At the delivery room, everything is possible.

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | JUNE 2017 | 45

PARENTING

DON’T

waffle. For some reason, many people are tempted to talk about irrelevant matters when in a hospital.

You may be nervous about the experience, but talking about the room view or weather will not make things any better.

DON’T

yell! This is the time to be supportive; you also need to remember that you’re her advocate with delivery room staff, so you need to communicate her needs in a calm, calculated way.

DO

keep calm and stay focused on the situation. There’s no need to avoid the subject or feel like it would make her uncomfortable to talk about it; the fact that baby is coming is happening so this should be enough news for the hour.

DO

lower your voice. You need to keep your tone soft and attitude as relaxed as you can to help her get through the experience.

She should feel like your presence is adding to her comfort.

DON’T

DO

DON’T

DO

complain.

No whining allowed, please, the mum-to-be is the only person who’s allowed to complain at this point and can you blame her?

think about horror movies. There’ll be blood, lots of it. Do you know that a woman is expected to lose at least half a litre of blood during birth?

DON’T

expect cuteness. This isn’t a disposable nappy advertisement; this is real-life.

Babies don’t look cute when they arrive to the world. They’ll have bruises and swollen or asymmetrical eyes, it’s all okay and perfectly normal.

DON’T

start feeling overwhelmed over what’s yet to come. Not only will it make you panic, but it’ll make the mum-to-be nervous too. Can you imagine what that would feel like while giving birth?

46 | JUNE 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

talk positive, but not too much. The point is to be helpful, but not to the point where she feels uncomfortable or pressured.

keep calm. If delivery room staff isn’t panicking, you shouldn’t be either.

DO

enjoy the first few moments and speak to baby. They already know your voice so it’ll be comforting for them to hear it. Most of these traits will clear up real soon, we promise; babies get cuter by the day.

DO

rejoice, you’re a dad now! Your healthy, happy baby is here, bringing years and years of joy.

Top10 Things Dads of Daughters Know

‘Daddy’s little princess’: what a precious way to describe the father-daughter relationship in all its glory.

A recent survey has shown that 78 per cent of dads recognise that playtime helps build their daughters’ self-confidence and that time spent in her imaginary world is an investment in her real world, while more than a half of the same group wish they could devote more time to playing with their daughters.

“A girl's father is the first man she’ll ever love. This bond can give her the confidence she needs to explore her environment.

It can also influence her romantic relationships. Girls who grow up with warm and respectful fathers will expect to be treated that way by their partners,” says Dr Sarah Rasmi, family psychologist and parenting expert at Play:Date.

The survey, conducted by children’s toy retailer Mattel, has revealed that how to braid hair and play with dolls, plus what objects in the house make a great pop star microphone are just some of the things dads of daughters will know. A study of 7,300 dads with daughters under the age of 18 has revealed the top things fathers with a little girl will have mastered: 1. How to give the perfect cuddle 2. How to make her feel special

3. How to dance with her on your feet 4. Girls like making a mess too

5. How to play with dolls 6. Glitter can get everywhere 7. Girls play football too

8. What a 'pirouette' is 9. How to make everything better 10. How to dance

Knowing how make a pair of fairy wings and the importance of colour coordination also featured on the list. Dads of daughters will know how to stop a nightmare, how to make her feel like the most special person in the world and how important it is to shatter stereotypes.

72%

of dads know it's important to show their daughters that being kind and brave is more important than being pretty, and when it comes to empowering their daughter.

62%

of dads tell their daughters that they can be anything.

So, this is what dads of daughter know, but what should they know?

73%

are thinking that encouraging their daughter’s confidence is one of the most important life lessons they can teach.

65%

are trying to teach her practical skills.

Your daughter wants to be loved! She’ll make mistakes and even distance herself from you at times, but no one else on earth can take your special place in her heart. Happy Father’s Day to all the wonderful dads out there.

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | JUNE 2017 | 47

N i Y D D A D T S E B WO RLD THE

PARENTING

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48 | JUNE 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

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Laura Buckwell MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | JUNE 2017 | 49

EDUCATION Featured PRINCIPAL

Tammy Tusek Collegiate American School What are your principles and values when it comes to running the school?

A student spends most of their weekdays at school, so it must an inviting knowledge hub to meet the needs of its student body, yet also academically rigorous to challenge students and arm them with 22nd century skills which would help them in competitive markets.

As the

school leader, I highly prioritise being available on campus and becoming an active participant in learning, teaching and activities so that I’m aware of the school’s different facets. We practice an opendoor policy, allowing any stakeholder to come and discuss their specific needs regardless of their role in school.

What inspires you when it comes to managing and improving the school environment, and encouraging students?

Students: they inspire me every day. You’ll often find me engaged with students, discussing their feedback on initiatives, the future or congratulating them for their efforts working on a project or competition.

I’m particularly synergised when I see the spark of mastering a concept or connection during the learning process.

What do you think is the best way to deal with a student discipline incident and the communication process with the parents?

One of the Collegiate American School’s values is integrity. Students are coached to be honest about every incident that takes place. They need to understand that integrity is key and that all humans make mistakes, but must reflect on them and accept the consequences if warranted. Students are often asked what consequence they feel is appropriate 50 | JUNE 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

for their actions. Depending on the severity of the incident, multiple options are available to communicate to the parents. I personally try and rely on the student to inform their parents in my presence, in addition to following up, as it adds to the student’s ownership of their behaviour. A student should leave a situation with dignity and reflect over their future actions.

What aspect of your school are you most proud of?

During the past two years, Collegiate American School has gained great momentum in terms of student achievement. We’ve been validated in our practices by multiple inspection and accreditation agencies. Our American curriculum spans global citizenship and is enhanced with technology for our learners.

Our inclusive practices make it a safe learning environment for all. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme has provided another level of opportunity for our Secondary students. The school’s success, as commended in inspection notes, speaks of the tremendous progress it has made in a short period of time. Next year is exciting, we have our first graduating class of a dynamic group of students.

What are your thoughts on technology-based learning vs. more time outdoors?

Collegiate American School has brought in Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) to its offerings this year and students have responded very positively. Our technology classes include programming, robotics and virtual/augmented reality, among others.

Technology is vital to the skills needed for the future, but a balanced approach needs to be deployed and taught. Our curriculum provides opportunities to learn through technology in alternative areas such as the organic garden or experiential learning trips to provide the balance we believe is needed.

How do you see the recent school fee hikes and how has your school adopted them?

We’re pleased to announce that Collegiate American School will not increase its fees despite this growing trend in Dubai. Sibling discounts have also been increased. It’s important that children stay in the same school to build their academic confidence and we believe in our product as a school.

04 427 1400

admissions@casdubai.com

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | JUNE 2017 | 51

Ask the EDUCATION

“I feel like I’m not a part of my child’s early childhood education journey. Should I Naomi Jones, Dubai be more involved? If so, how can I do that?”

At Hummingbird Early Learning Centre, we encourage all parents to:

• Take an interest in the contents of the curriculum and goals • Schedule activities at home to reinforce what your child is for learning. We use the UK Early Years Foundation Stage learning at school including bedtime stories and cooking (EYFS) curriculum, which is very structured and clear. with them.

• Take the trouble to read all the topic maps, newsletters and • Keep communication channels open both ways; your curriculum plans which your school makes available to you. child’s teachers will be delighted when you take an interest and invariably listen carefully to your feedback.

• Try not to worry about broad generalisations from others about what your child should or shouldn’t be doing at their age. Each child learns at their own pace.

• Participate in school events as these give your child the precious opportunity to show you around, showcase their work and introduce you to their peers and teachers.

• Excursions are great fun and give you a real perspective on how your child interacts with other children.

A Unique Summer Camp at Hummingbird!

Each Hummingbird creates a unique summer camp experience; the Nursery keeps learning activities fun, exciting and developmentally appropriate emphasising hands-on learning experiences.

Activities are linked to the seven areas of learning in the EYFS: exploring the world, communication and language, 52 | JUNE 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

and building relationships with other children.

All Hummingbird centres offer a safe and secure environment. Children will take part in arts and crafts, explore experiments, discover their culinary gifts and have some ‘good old’ summer fun playing in the jungle gym and taking part in splash parties!

Kieny Watts General Manager Hummingbird Early Learning Centre, DIFC

Timing: 9.00 am to 1.00 pm or 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Ages: 3 months to 6 years old

Duration: June 25 – September 7, 2017

For more information: hummingbird.ae

info@hummingbird.ae

S TO S Y A W

P TO

FUN

EDUCATION

SUMMER

BRAIN DRAIN

Kids may not really be aware that learning is for life. As soon as school’s over, they leave their ‘curriculum’ in the classroom and head out for fun. So how, as a parent, can you teach them that education is actually a lifelong process? By making summer learning fun!

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HAVE A CHAT

Always remember, your talks are as educational as what they learn in school, so take advantage of this time to get to know your child and share some words of wisdom.

PLAN YOUR VACATION

You should always share your thoughts on possible vacation travel destinations with your kids and involve them in the decision-making process. Ask them to help you budget and plan – they’ll even have fun counting down to the trip and researching things to do.

ORGANISE A BOOK CLUB

Book clubs are a great way to get the kids to read and grow their interest in books. Depending on their age, kids can organise a book club or get their parents to help.

PLANT A GARDEN

This is one of the best way to keep the kids engaged in the summer. They’ll get to learn more about seeds and where food comes from, in addition to the importance of being healthy and leading an environmentally-friendly lifestyle.

TURN IT INTO A THEATRE

Kids love putting on a show. Get them to write their own script, memorise a play or act out a story they love. They’ll enjoy having friends and family as an audience and learn a lot.

HAVE THEM JOIN A SUMMER CAMP

Summer camps are a great way for kids to learn while having fun and making new friends. Looking for the right summer camp? Read Mother, Baby & Child to find out more.

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | JUNE 2017 | 55

EDUCATION

FOCUS ON EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY

Rather than playing games on their tablets, phones or computers, download some educational apps for the kids to learn while having fun. There are plenty of apps which make learning more entertaining with games, interactivity and sound effects.

LET THE KIDS EXPLORE

Learning’s worst enemy during the summer is static, boring indoor play.

Leave room for the kids to go out and explore the world around them. You can plan a family trip to a scientific museum or historical site, or encourage them to keep a summer nature journal.

New Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Early Intervention Programmes from the UK There’s a new centre dedicated to working with children’s individual and specific learning needs in town. With a primary focus on Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Learning Support, and Early Intervention Programmes, Riverston Children’s Centre (RCC) provides inschool therapy including screening and in-depth assessments for children that teachers may be concerned about.

The centre covers a wide range of needs for children who already attend mainstream schools, but require additional support in specific areas including learning difficulties, language impairments, speech delays, feeding difficulties, autistic spectrum disorders, emotional and behavioural difficulties, sensory impairments, gross and fine motor impairments and visual perceptual difficulties among others.

Further emphasising their child-centred techniques, RCC’s in-school therapy offering allows students to receive hands-on help in the comfort of their classroom.

riverstoncc.ae

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FUN and STIMULATING Summer Camp for BRIGHT Kids!

Activities include: Whole Brain Training, Music, Drama, Movement, Art, Cooking & Science Classes

by Curiosity Lab Age:

LIMITED SEATS

2 to 5 years olds (only 8 per class) Cost: 850 DHS per child per week Dates: Weekly from July 2 to Aug 17 Timing: Sun to Thurs from 9 am to 1 pm Location: Center for Musical Arts in Gold & Diamond Park

Book at 056 688 0773 or info@thebrightmindsinstitute.com

EDUCATION

TEACHER PROFILES Michelle Burrowes Clarion School

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL IN THE CLASSROOM? I work with four and five-year-olds, so the first day of school is usually full of big feelings, including nervousness and excitement. Some of the children are saying goodbye to their parents and going to school for the very first time and that can be difficult for them.

HOW DO YOU MEET THE NEEDS OF STRUGGLING STUDENTS?

It goes without saying that each child is an individual, so you can’t meet the needs of all struggling children in the same way. I start by carefully observing the child to assess what their strengths and struggles are, and then implement a plan giving them strategies to help them become successful.

A partnership with parents is also crucial, and it’s important to communicate and collaborate with them. Anything that can be implemented at home can only help the child.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR MOST FUN MEMORY FROM SCHOOL DAYS.

I have very fond memories from nursery school, and my favourite activity was melting crayon pictures. My classroom had these hot boxes, and you placed your paper on top and drew with a crayon. As you drew with the crayon, it would melt because the box was quite hot, and you ended up with these amazing melted wax pictures. I would spend hours at the hot boxes: it was my absolute favourite activity.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IT TAKES TO BE STUDENTS’ FAVOURITE TEACHER?

I think that a lot of children would tell you that they want a fun teacher, and that’s a good thing. If you’re enjoying yourself in the classroom, it makes it more exciting and fun for them to be there as well.

Things like consistency are important in a teacher because children need to know what they can expect from you and their environment. It’s also important to allow them to have ownership over the classroom. The more hands-on the classroom, the more children learn, and the more they’re going to enjoy coming to school.

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EDUCATION The world is very different from the way it once was back when we were growing up. With advances in technology and social media came our addiction to different platforms, whether it’s for work or keeping in touch with family and friends in Dubai and overseas. While minimising screen time is recommended for all ages, children are expected to use technology in the classroom, so banning it may hinder their progress and success later in life.

IS TECHNOLOGY GOOD FOR YOUR LITTLE ONES? Gurkamal Punia Dasani

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EDUCATION

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EDUCATION

Pre-Writing Activities for Preschoolers Fatma Khalid

Manager, Blue Bird Nursery Dubai

Writing, like any skill, is developed in phases; research has shown that an estimated 5 to 33% of kids have learning difficulties due to handwriting. Parents are therefore encouraged to pay careful attention to what most early years’ programmes refer to as the ‘the pincer grip’, using the index finger and thumb or the index and middle fingers opposing the thumb, to pick up small objects.

Developing writing skills doesn’t need specialised equipment or gadgets: it's the simple concept of strengthening the core muscles for holding a pencil.

Here are a few multi-sensory tips to get your toddler well on his way to having beautiful writing:

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1. RAISIN TOUCH

A cool summer treat! Just place a few raisins on you toddler’s high chair, then encourage them to pick the raisins up and eat. The raisins’ small size will naturally enable your toddler to use his pincer grip.

2. MAGIC BOWL

Place coloured jelly beans in a bowl, then invite your toddler to sort out the colours into different bowls by picking the jelly beans up with the three core fingers. This sensory activity will also provide an opportunity to learn about colours and taste.

3. SANDY FINGERS

Enjoy the summer days at the beach with your little one: have them pick the sand particles with their hands and place them in a bucket. This activity will not only exercise his pincer grip, but also enable him to feel the texture of the sand.

4. LEAF CRUSH

During the summer months, there are a lot of dry leaves everywhere at the park or in your backyard. Enjoy the cool evenings by picking some leaves and crushing them; the sound the leaves make is invigorating and will leave your toddler engaged for a long time!

5. MUMMY’S LITTLE HELPER

Children love water and soap. Mix water and soap and invite your toddler to help in giving their toys a good wash using a sponge. Encourage them to squeeze the sponge at intervals, exercising their core fingers.

6. FRUIT CRUSH

Making a mess is a child’s special way of learning, and there’s no better way than during snack time; cut a few pieces of fruit (grapes, oranges, kiwis or strawberries). This visually and gustatory stimulating activity is guaranteed to motivate your toddler to eat their fruits!

Remember, fun is the biggest motivator for learning new skills!

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GOOD LIVING

FRUGAL LIVING

TIPS ON SAVING MONEY AND ENERGY AT HOME

Did you know that you can save tons of money on electricity simply by maintaining your appliances and cleaning them? When it comes to saving money, and energy, how do you manage your home?

66 | JUNE 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Never keep an open mind when it comes to an open fridge: Think about the number of times we access our refrigerators daily. They’re available 24/7 and home to all our favourite food and snacks, but continuous activity and wear and tear can cause some serious damage.

To ensure that the refrigerator works efficiently, check for air leaks caused by tears or gaps in the door seals (gaskets). A small leak can put additional pressure on the appliance to maintain the proper temperature, resulting in higher electricity consumption.

Oh, and don’t forget to close the fridge!

Check for the right labels: By right label, we mean the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) label. Home appliances tend to consume a lot of electricity and, thankfully, the UAE has done something about it.

The ESMA Label is mandatory on appliances being sold in UAE and is to be visibly displayed on each product. Check for the ESMA Label while making a purchase and compare capacities, power consumption and star rating before deciding.

Protect your fridge: Your refrigerator needs to be placed away from high heat sources. Try to keep it away from appliances that may emit high levels of heat including the oven, dishwasher or any others.

Don’t forget direct sunlight as this is also a major heat source!

Keep a clean blender: Many mothers ask, what’s the best way to clean a blender? The inside of the blender is very hard to reach, so the best way is to blend. Fill the blender with some hot water, add some drops of dishwashing liquid and blend for a few seconds. Rinse the blender thoroughly and then allow it to air dry.

Clean the pocket: Laundry is no fun task! When we have so many clothes to wash, the last thing we want to think about is the inside of the washing machine. However, with all liquids we put in there, can you imagine how much of it builds up? Not to mention the pesky smell that often sticks to our clothes. Didn’t we just wash them?

Make sure you regularly clean the dispenser to remove detergent/softener residue so clothes come out fresh. Use the recommended detergent for front and top loading machines, as it can affect efficiency and performance due to the suds produced by the detergent. Use two tablespoons of detergent and not more.

Use your dishwasher: The dishwasher is a lifesaver for most mamas. Avoid the build-up of debris in there by running it regularly. Using a dishwasher frequently keeps debris from settling at the bottom of the appliance. Also, clean the filter regularly to avoid clogging and odours from trapped food.

Finding Handyman, Painting and Catering services Online ServiceMarket is an online platform for home services in the UAE which already includes moving and handyman services as well as painting solutions and more.

It has now added catering to its list of services.

serviceMarket.com

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | JUNE 2017 | 67

GOOD LIVING

Savvy Mama

Family Time

Every evening after sunset throughout the Holy Month, families can enjoy an iftar buffet at First Central Hotel Suites. Children below six years of age dine for free while those between six and 12 enjoy a 50 per cent discount. In addition, the little ones get to meet and greet ‘Dan the Dolphin’ from The Dubai Dolphinarium, with exclusive discounts to watch the show.

Looking for triple the fun? The new Triple Pass gives you all-day access to KidZania® with an Economy Ticket pass to the indoor mini village, a Researcher Ticket to the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo for up-close encounters with marvellous species of aquatic animals and a public skating session at the Dubai Ice Rink with skate hire included: the perfect way to stay cool during summer.

Deals and Offers!

Prices starting from AED 70 per person. Group bookings of 10 people and more get 15% off the total bill. firstcentraldubai.com

The Triple Fun Pass is valid until June 24 and can be purchased online or at the ticket counter for KidZania®, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo or Dubai Ice Rink. AED 200 per child triplefunpass.com

Pampering

The White Room will give you a ‘buy one get one free’ during Ramadan when you come with a friend. Did we mention their blow dries are only AED 75, regardless of hair length or style? Visit them in Ibn Batutta, JLT, Marina Plaza and Motor City.

Working Out

Pilates and yoga are safe, low-impact classes which help you stay fit and healthy, build lean muscle and improve posture. Real Pilates is offering 10% off Group Mat and Equipment 5-class packs, valid for one month from the date of purchase.

68 | JUNE 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

whiteroomdubai.com

Mat 5-pack AED 338, Equipment 5-pack AED 450 real-pilates.com

Dining

Featuring an extensive iftar buffet and Ramadan market, along with complimentary Luna & Nova Kids and Teens Club access, family and friends can gather and indulge, also checking out the Ramadan market within the Polynesian ambiance of Kalea Restaurant at Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Autograph Collection Hotels. Younger guests will have their own dedicated buffet with a selection of tasty dishes including macaroni and cheese, sweet & sour chicken wings and grilled fish with lime and cantaloupe salsa. Access to Luna & Nova Kids and Teens Club is complimentary for children until 11:00 pm and features a host of activities such as dancing, video games, movie screenings, face painting, henna tattoos, and arts and crafts projects.

A sumptuous buffet with an array of Arabian delights accompanied by a selection of international dishes? Throughout the Holy Month, visitors to ‘Ramadan Nights at RISE – Dubai Creek Harbour’ can also take part in a variety of workshops – from making Eid Cards and Ramadan gift hampers to learning how to create Islamic geometric patterns; book readings for children, board games for adults and curated pop-up stores featuring home décor, accessories, gifts and fashion.

Add a touch of authentic charm to your iftar experience as you gather near and dear ones to delight in an iftar at Ewaan’s Ramadan tent. Located at the Palace Downtown, Ewaan echoes the classic style of the destination with a sumptuous spread. The best part?

Children (ages 6 – 11 years) enjoy a 50% discount and five and below dine for free.

IMG Worlds of Adventure’s promotional Ramadan ticket packages are designed for eats and ultimate theme park fun.

The park will offer a rate of AED 245 for adults and AED 225 for juniors, both which include a meal voucher for AED 50 to be used at a variety of the park’s restaurants which will be open during Ramadan.

Available every day throughout the holy month of Ramadan from sunset to 11:00 pm. AED 150 with soft beverages and Ramadan juices.

AED 75 for children from four to 12 years old

Sunset to 2 am (Sun-Wed) and sunset – 3 am (ThuSat). AED 140 for iftar and AED 125 for suhour

Sunset until 9 pm. Adults (12 years and above) AED 255 per person, inclusive of iftar buffet, Ramadan juices and water

theaddress.com/en/hotels/ the-palace-downtowndubai

Operating hours until June 22 will be: Sunday − Wednesday 1:00 pm − 10:00 pm Thursday − Saturday 1:00 pm − 11:00 pm IMGworlds.com

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | JUNE 2017 | 69

GOOD LIVING

IN THE KITCHEN

KID-FRIENDLY SUMMER RECIPES HOMEMADE MANGO ICE CREAM

Tasneem Rajkotwala

Made from scratch at home and without an ice cream maker, this homemade mango ice cream is creamy and scoop-able, just like the ones available at the shops, but with ingredients you know are going into your little one's body. It’s just so perfect for the season, you wouldn't go back to buying ice cream from a supermarket ever again!

Freezing Time Preparation Time 15 minutes 8 hours

INGREDIENTS

• 150 ml whipping cream • 1 cup mango puree • ½ cup chopped mangoes • ½ tin condensed milk

METHOD

• In a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whisk whipping cream until stiff peak stage is reached.

• Fold in the condensed milk and run the mixer on low speed for a minute until incorporated.

• Fold in mango puree and chopped mangoes until mixed well.

• Pour into a glass container with a lid and freeze for eight hours.

Scoop and serve.

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Want to know where to take the kids? motherbabychild.com is packed full of ideas on fun places to take them, log on now for the most up-to-date listings of what’s going on across the UAE

GOOD LIVING

IN THE KITCHEN

DAD’S SUMMER SEAFOOD PASTA Natasha Sideris

Founder, Managing Executive and Creative Director, tashas

Every father leaves a legacy. For some, it’s stamp collections, while others leave behind vintage cars; some fathers may even leave an old watch. In my family, fathers leave recipes. My great grandfather was a fisherman, my grandfather was a baker and my father was a chef, but it was my brother, an interior designer, who perfected the recipe for our seafood pasta. We serve it with a bib because it’s a dig-in-and-get-dirty kind of dish, so both kids and kids-at-heart will love it.

INGREDIENTS

OVEN-ROASTED TOMATOES • 250 g cherry tomatoes • 40 ml olive oil • Salt and pepper • 1 sprig of rosemary

SEAFOOD SAUCE

• 40 ml olive oil • 50 g butter • 1 medium red onion, finely chopped • 4 small garlic cloves, finely chopped • 8 ripe tomatoes, grated • Salt and pepper • 400 ml Napolitana sauce • 24 black tiger prawns, butterflied and cleaned • 4 langoustines • 12 mussels, cleaned • 16 clams, cleaned • 250 ml chicken/vegeatable broth • A large handful of flat-leaf parsley, chopped • 500 g linguini, uncooked • 60 g butter to burn • Olive oil 72 | JUNE 2017 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

METHOD

• Pre-heat the oven to 200 °C.

• Roast the cherry tomatoes on a baking tray, drizzled with the olive oil, seasoned with salt and pepper, and sprinkled with rosemary.

Roast until the tomato skins are wrinkled.

• Heat the olive oil and butter in a large pan and sauté the onion until golden brown. Add the roasted tomatoes, discarding the rosemary, and squash them gently to release the juices. Add the garlic and cook for 2 – 3 minutes. Stir in the freshly grated tomato and simmer for 5 minutes with the lid off. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

• Add the Napolitana sauce and bring to a boil. Carefully add the seafood, broth and half of the chopped parsley. Make sure the seafood is covered with the tomato sauce. Stir it gently and as little as possible or the seafood will disintegrate.

• Cover with a lid and cook on high heat for 5 minutes. Remove the lid, reduce the heat to medium and allow to simmer for another 20 minutes. The sauce should not be too thick or runny. You’ll know it’s ready when the mussels and clams open up. Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente.

• In a separate pan, burn 60 g of butter. The butter must melt at a high heat in the pan until it bubbles and turns golden. Drain the pasta, place it in a large bowl and pour the burnt butter over it.

Then, spoon the seafood sauce over the pasta. Garnish with the remaining parsley and a generous glug of olive oil.

WASHiNG YOUR FRUITS AND VEGETABLES EXPERTS SAY: WATER JUST ISN’T ENOUGH

Every mother knows the importance of washing fruits and vegetables before eating them to remove both dirt and pesticides. Do you use water to wash your produce? Most mothers do, but have you ever thought about how most pesticides are designed to be water-resistant and withstand the rain?

DOES YOUR FAMILY EAT THESE FRUITS AND VEGGIES? Not only are they covered in soil and mud, but potatoes are also coated with pesticides and wax.

Apples are very high-maintenance fruits. They require a lot of pesticides and are often waxed.

Root vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, radishes and beetroots are more prone to having some dirt on them.

Lettuce can be dirty, but may also contain some insects because of its many layers.

Oranges and lemons are among the most waxed fruits. Thanks to their thick skin, the wax doesn't seep through.

Strawberries have very thin skin, so pesticides do seep into the fruit.

How would you wash these fruits and veggies, among others, to protect your family from harmful pesticides? After countless studies, pesticides have been linked numerous diseases, especially in infants and children whose bodies are still developing.

Disinfect your fruits and vegetables with a natural and edible product; Oy! Fruit & Veggie Wash is the only product with the 'Emirates Quality Mark'. Now you can eat fruits and veggies, and add them to salads and smoothies, without having to worry about your family’s health. No more dirt, pesticides, wax or even insects (yikes!) in three simple steps:

oyproducts.com

oyproducts

oyproducts MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | JUNE 2017 | 73

GOOD LIVING

Weight Loss Tips

for Stay-at-Home Mums Losing weight is difficult enough, but for a stay-at-home mum it can be even trickier to lose the kilos – especially if she’s just given birth.

How can mama get in shape and avoid too many unhealthy trips to the fridge?

Plan your meals in advance. Eating out

Drink lots of water. Forget sugar-

tonight? Restaurant dinners can easily pack on the calories, so make sure you keep breakfast and lunch as light as possible.

loaded juices; if you’d like to stay hydrated and full, drink around two glasses of water with every meal.

Ditch the diet. Diets are just fads and they’re highly unlikely to get you anywhere on the long run. The best way to stay healthy is to keep track of your water and food intake and be wary of boredom or emotional eating.

Beware of boredom eating. Some people can’t

stop snacking. If you must, opt for healthy lean protein and veggies or low-fat cheese and an apple. Homemade snacks are always the best choice to avoid high fat content and preservatives.

Stay occupied. You

Cook your own food.

No sampling allowed!

Don’t eat what the kids eat. Kids burn lots of

may not be able to party or take on a new hobby as you don’t have the time, but make sure you keep yourself busy to avoid snacking and eating out of boredom.

Sampling food can be tempting, especially when you’re making yummy dishes, but be careful as calories can add up. Keep a bowl of fruits or nuts next to you and snack on these to avoid temptation.

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The best thing about being a stay-at-home mum is getting that extra bit of time. Now you have a chance to get into the kitchen and make wholesome, preservativefree food for yourself. No microwave meals…

calories from all the running around and playing. Plus, they have the metabolism for it. Try not to eat what they eat and make some adult-friendly versions. No cheesy pasta and ketchup pizza for dinner…

Keep portions under control. Even the healthiest of foods can pack on the calories if you eat them in piles.

Watch your portions and eat smaller, spaced out meals throughout the day to keep your metabolism in check.

Get moving. A lot of mums will tell you that chasing the kids already burns tons of calories.

Truth is, there’s no real replacement for a proper workout. Try to get a quick workout into your schedule as often as you can.

A Quick Workout

The 30-minute, kickboxing-themed 9Round fitness programme incorporates functional, interval, cardiovascular and circuit training regimens. There are no class times so you can show up at your convenience and will be welcomed by a trainer, who shows you how to do each exercise based on your fitness level. Every three minutes, you move to the next exercise station and, after station nine, the 30-minute full-body workout is over.

9rounduae

ASK DR SANJAY Dr Sanjay Parashar

International Plastic Surgeon, Cocoona Centre for Aesthetic Transformation, Dubai and India How can plastic surgery help a mother who’d like to lose weight, while maintaining a natural, contoured look?

After delivery, it’s recommended for mothers to get back on track with weight management and skin toning, adding dietary adjustments to reduce excess calories accumulated during pregnancy and exercising to shed weight and tone up the skin. Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy take some time to regulate in order for the body to improve in shape and size.

Plastic surgery procedures aren’t recommended until after six months of delivery and some after a year or so.

There are two kinds of fat that accumulate in the body: mobile and stubborn fat. Mobile fat often is located on the face, neck, arms, breasts, intra-abdominal area and buttocks. This fat is easy to get rid of with regular exercise. Stubborn fat is usually located under the skin in the abdominal region, love handles, the outside of the thighs, etc. and is hard to lose. A liposuction procedure performed after 8 – 10 months of delivery can help reduce this fat resulting in the body regaining its shape.

Changes that may happen to muscles and skin leading to a large bulging and hanging fold of skin may require a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty procedure. They should be performed only after one year of delivery and are recommended where there are no further pregnancies planned.

There are other changes such as loss of breast volume with sagging and loss of gluteal/buttock volume and shape. Breast enlargement helps restore breast volume and a re-modelling procedure can help improve buttocks shape.

The right combination of exercise, muscle toning, diet regulation and plastic surgery procedures for stubborn areas are key to a successful and natural restoration of pre-pregnancy form.

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GOOD LIVING

THERE SHOULD BE AN APP FOR THAT

The Apps Mums WISH Existed Keira Langman

It seems like nowadays there’s an app for everything. Some, including food trackers and banking apps, are useful and valid in today’s technology-obsessed world, while others can be quite unnecessary.

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For instance, there’s a virtual pimple popper which is just disgusting, but I can imagine that being quite popular. My favourite kind of app is one that’s disguised as being useful, but with a ridiculous twist. A great example of that would be the app that tells you where you parked your car – something I need as I have no sense of direction, but it tells you where you parked in a pirate voice. Of course, why not?!

As a parent, not a day goes by when I don’t dream of someone creating an app that would make our lives a little bit easier. Here are just some of the ones my mum friends and I have daydreamed about:

1) Baby Translator From the start of parenthood, many an hour is spent bouncing a screaming child over your shoulder, begging your spouse to just figure out what’s wrong. We need an app that you could hold up to your baby and it runs through a database of child cries to translate what the problem is.

From the easy ones like being too tired/hungry/windy, to the difficult ones like the room being too light/dark/warm or which cuddly toy to offer at bedtime, this would help us avoid so many sleepless nights.

2) Sensible Illness Checker There should be a way that Google filters out the crazy diseases when it senses there’s a new parent googling their child’s symptoms. We all know that the most dangerous thing to do when your child has the sniffles is to start consulting Google. What starts as a runny nose turns into your child having ‘fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva’ which, to be clear, is a very rare disease.

A great app would be a database that has all the crazy removed from it and gives you a sensible diagnosis when listing your baby’s symptoms.

3) Child GPS In today’s scary world, I think there should be easy ways to find your child. Just knowing that they were still hanging out in the park when they’re 15 minutes late for dinner would be perfect.

Plus, if it can be used to track your husband’s journey home from work so you know exactly when to turn off the TV, do the washing up and spray around some polish so he thinks you’ve been cleaning, then who am I to judge?

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GOOD LIVING 4 )Moody Eater Alert Now this would be the money-maker! The dinnertime argument is the bane of every parent’s life: Yesterday, Tommy loved sweet corn, but today he thinks it’s the most disgusting thing in the world. Last week, Eve said she thought your spaghetti bolognaise was the best thing she’d ever eaten and today she’s throwing it at the wall.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have an app that tells you what your children will hate today so you don’t waste hours in the kitchen only for it to be fed to the dog…yet again.

5) Lie Detector We may as well put the microphone in all smart phones to good use. We need concrete answers to: • Brushed your teeth?

• Did you wash your hands after going to the bathroom?

• Did you hit your brother?

We all know they’re lying to us, but to have an app with a big red flashing cross and warning siren might be enough to scare them straight.

6) Argument Settler I imagine this app to be something like a quick-fire quiz between siblings or physical challenges to be set against sparring friends so that there’s a clear winner in any situation.

Just whip it out in the middle of a squabble and suddenly they’re fighting to guess what the capital of Croatia is (Zagreb in case you’re wondering) or seeing who can hold their breath the longest. If anything, it’s just a great distraction technique.

7) Suspicion Alert This one uses your microphone to keep a constant check on your children’s noise levels. If there hasn’t been any noise from them for more than three minutes, you get a warning buzzer which alerts you to a possible high jink and can hunt them down and intervene before the cat gets shaved or your walls get decorated with crayons.

I’m sure the minefield of parenting would be made just a little bit easier if someone super smart could develop one of these. I would just like to put this out there – if anyone reads this and manages to create one…. I’d like a cut of the profits!

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GOOD LIVING

FAMILY-­­FRIENDLY TRAVEL DESTINATIONS A TRIP FOR THE KIDS

Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum has partnered with Worldwide Kids to keep the young ones busy and happy while mothers enjoy a stress-free holiday. Located on the Turkish Riviera, the resort’s children’s recreational activities include the Kids Club for four to 11-year olds featuring fun and educational activities and the Crèche Club for children ages four months to three years old.

Both kids’ clubs are run by fully qualified, trained and experienced staff providing age-appropriate activities for babies and toddlers to encourage learning through play, meaning parents can relax and enjoy the facilities in total peace of mind while the kids are taken care of.

Teenagers ages 12 to 17 are given an opportunity to develop their independence and enjoy inspirational artistic pursuits at the Teens Club.

The EID Family Celebrations Package is priced EUR 2,795 (approximately AED 11,506) per night, for a minimum stay of four nights.

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odrum

MINI SWITZERLAND

‘Swissminiatur’, the biggest family-friendly exhibition in Switzerland, houses 120+ miniatures representing the most important buildings, houses, castles, monuments and transportation means in Switzerland over 14,000 square metres of land.

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The exhibition, which gives visitors the chance to experience Switzerland in ‘less than an hour’ through models constructed at a 1:25 scale, houses over 3,500 metres of railways with 18 different train models, sailing boats, cable cars and funiculars crossing mountains, cars moving along a highway, coin-operated rides for children and a large passenger train which tours the park for visitors to experience the attraction.

A Family Card is priced at CHF 49.50 (approximately AED 188) and there are various entry ticket options for families.

ENDLESS FUN FOR THE LITTLE ONES

At Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, the fun and games never stop for children and families! The island has lots of pathways and spaces with activities laid on for little ones, plus recreation areas for teenagers and the whole family with bicycles, table tennis, Petanque, badminton, volleyball, life-sized chess and games for all ages.

The starting rate for the Family Special Package at Anantara Dhigu is AED 3,798 per night for a family of two adults and two children.

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ara.com

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Cast your votes now for the Mother, Baby & Child Awards and you could be jetting off to the Maldives with your family on a luxury holiday worth over AED 17,000!

Recognising best products The 6th annual Mother, Baby & Child the Awards recogniseand theservices best products and services for FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES ACROSS THE children and families across the UAE as voted by parents. We UAE have 45 categories this year including new, exciting awards for Car Seat of the Year, Babymoon Destination of the Year and Must-Have Home Appliance.

Vote now and stand a chance to win an amazing three-night stay for a family of four at The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Resort, Maldives – including a snorkeling excursion and spa treatments worth over AED 17,000. All you need to do is hit the ‘share’ button after you’ve cast your votes!

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HEALTH 18 THINGS PAEDIATRICIANS WANT YOU TO KNOW

Paediatricians are in a unique position where they work through a third party, the parents, to provide healthcare for their patients, the children. You can make their job easier, and ensure a healthier lifestyle for your children, Dr Ramsey Mustafa Al-Omari by following these tips: Paediatric and Neonatal Specialist, Canadian Specialist Hospital Dubai

1. Motherhood 101

As life starts in the womb, it’s important for all mums-to-be to have a healthy, balanced diet, avoid smoking and alcohol, adhere to routine antenatal checks, attend different antenatal classes (preferably with their partners) and read about motherhood and childcare.

2. Personal hygiene

Your child’s personal hygiene is important. For example, washing their hands after going to the toilet and before eating needs to be taught as a routine practice, in addition to not sharing straws, cups and eating utensils with others.

3. Vaccinations

Keep your child up to date with their vaccination schedule.

4. Taking your child’s temperature

Fever is one of the most common illnesses in children; it’s important to have a reliable thermometer at home and medicine to bring down the fever.

For simple fevers where the child appears well and in good form, you can give them antipyretic medicine and closely monitor them at home. However, if your child has a high fever with other symptoms, including a change in behaviour, then you should treat the fever and seek medical advice.

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For a child who’s less than six months old, it’s recommended to see a healthcare specialist.

5. Colds and coughs

Teach your child healthy habits to prevent colds/the flu. Get them into the habit of washing their hands and coughing/sneezing properly and hygienically.

6. Regulate the use of antibiotics

Your child doesn’t always need antibiotics; most infections during childhood, for children younger than five years old, are caused by viruses for which antibiotics are of no benefit.

Remember to keep all medicines out of the reach of little ones and keep track of expiration dates.

7. Know some red flags

Knowing when your child is sick and to seek urgent medical help is important: examples of this are if your child is showing a lack of responsiveness, vomiting, has diarrhoea or develops a non-blanching rash.

8. Adhere to your child’s routine check-ups

This is important for health as well as optimum growth and development. Many health practitioners advise parents to go for six-week, four-month, nine to12-month and18 to 24 month check-ups, then yearly until the children start school.

9. Getting enough sleep

Toddlers and pre-schoolers need an average of 10 – 12 hours of sleep a day, including naps. Elementary age children need 8 – 10 hours. Children’s bedtime routine needs to be consistent.

10. Diet

All children need a healthy, balanced diet of proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, carbohydrates, whole grains and a good fat supply from dairy and nuts.

Start the day by giving your child a brain-boosting breakfast; make kids’ lunchboxes fun and choose variety of healthy after-school snacks.

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Ensure you include antioxidant-rich foods for maintaining strong immune system function.

Mothers can consider giving their children a multivitamin if they feel that their child’s diet isn’t fulfilling their nutritional needs.

11. Ventilate your house

Open your windows and let the fresh air in, even for a short while if the weather is too cold.

12. Activity/exercise

Get your child outdoors for some fresh air and sunshine. Don’t let them spend their time in front of the computer, television or in their rooms.

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H E A LT H

13. Read to your kids

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents read aloud every day to their children, at least until they start kindergarten, as this stimulates the right patterns of brain development in addition to building language and literacy as well as social and emotional skills which last a lifetime.

14. Reduce sedentary time

In addition to encouraging physical activity, help your child avoid too much sedentary time. Limit the time your child spends watching TV, playing video games or surfing the web to no more than two hours per day. It’s not recommended that children younger than two years old watch TV.

15. A big 'NO' to bedroom TV

Having a TV in a child’s bedroom contributes to poor health in many ways. Studies have shown that a child with a TV in their room is more likely to have weight problems, sleep disturbances and lower scores on standardised tests.

16. Look out for anxiety or stress

Children may face a lot of stressful situations every day including homework, tests and social/peer pressure, which can have a negative impact on their health.

Always talk to your child and listen to them. Make it a routine to ask them about their daily activities, likes and preferences.

17. Managing the ever-changing digital landscape • Make your own family media usage plan.

• Set media usage limits and encourage playtime.

• Play with your children.

• Be a good role model. Teach kindness and good manners online.

• Limit digital media for your youngest family member.

• Create tech-free zones. Keep family mealtimes and the children’s bedroom screen-free.

• Teach children about the importance of privacy, and the dangers of online predators and cyberbullying.

18. Good oral health

Reduce the amount and frequency of sugary foods and beverages given to young children; don’t add sugar to weaning food or beverages.

Start brushing children’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears and supervise brushing until they’re seven or eight years old. Brush kids’ teeth twice daily, including right before sleep, using fluoride toothpaste. Try to use sugar-free medication only.

Our advice to parents is: Always seek medical advice if you’re concerned about your child’s health.

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MOTHERHOOD AND BACK PAIN THE SOLUTION IS FINALLY HERE!

Motherhood is one of the greatest and most precious gifts of life. However, it also comes with a lot of challenges which can — at times — make you feel overwhelmed and insecure over what to do. Taking care of a newborn child is a joy and a task of its own, which can sometimes take a toll on your back, shoulders or arms. When you’re breastfeeding, you have an even bigger challenge. You may be looking for pain relief, but prefer not to take medication in order to avoid any potential side effects on your child’s health. No matter how difficult it looks, there’s a drug-free way to relieve your pain now.

OMRON’s drug-free pain relievers help you get the pain relief you need without the use of medication. More importantly, it hardly has any side effects. These pain relievers utilise TENS (Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulator) technology, which has been clinically proven to help relieve mild to moderate musculoskeletal pain1 by blocking the body’s pain message, triggering the release of endorphins and improving blood circulation. OMRON’s TENS devices have a compact design and can be used to relieve back, shoulder, joint and muscle pain. TENS pain relievers have been used by many healthcare professionals, such as physiotherapists and pain management specialists, for over 30 years and are a good choice for lactating mothers.

Did you know?

OMRON’s drug-free pain relievers are: • Powerful, but with adjustable intensity to suit your preferences • Suitable for multiple types of body pain and use pre-set programmes for specific body areas • Come with washable, long-life pads which can be re-used up to 150 times • Portable and easy to use • Based on OMRON’s 20 years of expertise in pain relief technology

TIP :

Drug-free pain relievers help improve the quality of your life2: targeted treatment for your back, shoulders, joints and muscles.

1 M. Johnson, M. Martinson. Efficacy of electrical nerve stimulation for chronic musculoskeletal pain: A meta-analysis od randomized controlled trials. Pain 130, 2007, p157-165 2 Data on file MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | JUNE 2017 | 85

H E A LT H

TIME FOR A CHECK-UP! CHOOSING THE RIGHT PAEDIATRICIAN FOR YOUR CHILD Did you know that the origin of the word ‘paediatrician’ comes from pais, which means child and iatros, a healer. A paediatrician manages your child’s health, including their physical, mental and emotional well-being.

Dr Sudhashree Venkatraman

Specialist Paediatrician, Aster Clinic (UMC)

Generally, parents can consult a paediatrician from the time their child is born until they’re 18 years of age. Children are not small adults: a growing child is physiologically different. Hence, it’s better to consult a paediatrician over your child’s health rather than a general practitioner or family physician.

What will we be doing at the paediatrician’s office?

Visits to the paediatrician can either be for a health check-up or consultation regarding a specific illness.

During a check-up, your paediatrician will ask you some questions and carry out a full examination on your child to ensure that:

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• Your child is growing well.

• The child’s development is appropriate for their age.

• Your child is protected from various diseases.

• They learn healthy, day-to-day habits.

When your child is sick, your paediatrician will treat the illness, give you information on its course plus measures to prevent it from recurring, and refer you to specialists if needed.

How can a paediatrician educate and support my family?

A paediatrician’s role starts at the labour room once they receive your baby and ensure that they’re healthy enough to be sent home. At this joyous moment, the doctor will educate you on baby care and feeding.

Later, during every monthly visit for your baby’s immunisation, your paediatrician will assess your child’s growth and development, advising on certain interventions if needed.

When baby is six months old, the doctor will advise you on healthy weaning practices and discuss expected milestones.

Slowly, as your baby crosses infancy and enters the toddler stage, your paediatrician will conduct regular screenings to rule out developmental and language delays, in addition to other conditions, and refer you to specialists as needed.

As your child becomes a pre-schooler and begins attending school, they’ll accompany your child on their journey, addressing health issues and concerns along the way.

Once your child has grown into an adolescent, your paediatrician will educate them about pubertal changes and help them breeze through this transitional phase; they’ll also discuss some tips for a healthy lifestyle.

Several physical and mental health concerns in adults are due to improperly managing them during childhood. Under the care of a good paediatrician, your child can enter adulthood with a reduced risk of developing major health issues.

What should I look for when choosing a paediatrician?

At all the stages, a paediatrician will not only be treating the child, but also providing support for the mother and entire family. Hence, it’s important for parents to be comfortable with them and be able to ask questions.

During the first few visits, try developing a good rapport with your paediatrician. Once you feel comfortable enough, you should not hesitate to discuss all your concerns. As your doctor, they should be friendly, up to date with developments, easily approachable and accessible. They should encourage you to ask questions about your child and allocate time to discuss problems and concerns. Most importantly, your child should feel comfortable with their paediatrician.

Other factors you may have to consider before choosing your doctor is the proximity of the clinic to your home, a child-friendly staff and surroundings and health insurance coverage. Once you and your child are comfortable with the paediatrician, it’s better not to switch unless necessary.

In this `Google era’ when parents can easily access an extensive amount of information online, it becomes an additional responsibility for a paediatrician to eliminate fear from parents’ minds and ensure that they’re the only credible source of information when it comes to their child’s health.

Never rely on the web for a diagnosis.

The more comfortable and secure you feel with your paediatrician, the less you’ll have to worry about health concerns so choose wisely and happy parenting!

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H E A LT H

EATiNG HEALTHY WHiLE ON VACATiON WITH KiDS

Summer is here and the holidays can make it very difficult to stay on track when it comes to choosing the right foods. Whether you travel or opt for a staycation, there’s always the temptation to try new cuisines, post-swim hunger pangs and – of course – theme/water park and movie treats.

“As dietitians, we get asked a lot about the secret to eating healthy while on vacation,” says Nadine Tayara, nutritionist and co-founder of Plotos, a Dubai-based healthy food app. “Honestly, there’s no real secret. Yes, vacations are made for adventure, fun and enjoyment, but that doesn’t mean we have to give up on our healthy eating habits for our entire trip.”

Here are top five tips to eating healthy while on vacation and still having a great time:

• Be selective with where you’re staying and the restaurants you choose to dine in. Choose places with healthy yet tasty options and make sure to scan the menu before ordering.

• Plan your day in advance and pack healthy snacks for the road! Enjoy trail mixes, unsalted nuts and fresh fruits to curb your appetite and help you eat moderately throughout your main meals.

• We believe in the ‘sharing is caring’ motto, especially when it comes to desserts! Indulging in some of the best local delicacies is always a must while traveling and do make sure to practice portion control while on vacation.

• Water, and alternatively coconut water if you’re enjoying the island life kind of vacation! Hydrate yourself during the day and enjoy freshly-infused water with lemon wedges or orange slices as a great thirst quencher.

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• Food is at the centre of any holiday and, while we don’t believe in depriving ourselves especially on vacation, it’s best to eat in moderation and indulge mindfully without splurging on food and drinks.

• Pack healthy snacks! Whether you have room for a cooler or not, you can always pack fresh treats including bananas, apples, grapes, trail mix, nut butter and more. This will help you and the kids stay on track.

• Always plan. Avoid roaming around in search of dining options and make sure you research family-friendly restaurants beforehand. Familiarise yourself with their style. Is it diner-style food? Healthy, wholesome meals?

Plain fast food?

• Have it your way. There’s no reason restaurants can’t customise the menu to your taste. Swap the fries for mashed potatoes without all the butter and opt for the veggies instead of pickles.

• Beware of on-the-go snacking, but still have fun with it.

You may not stop at every single food truck, but you can always grab some bites to go or share a larger meal.

• Treats, treats everywhere. How can you pass up on some Parisian crepes or Thai crab cakes? You don’t! You can have the occasional treat, but keep it to one treat a day preferably earlier, then go for the healthy options.

You might not always get to a gym or practice your daily yoga sessions, but the best way to explore any new city is always by foot and enjoying the public transport. Use any fitness tracker and aim for those 10,000 steps or more a day and, most of all, just have fun and explore the beauties of the world not only from a cultural front, but also a culinary perspective!

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | JUNE 2017 | 89

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To stand a chance to win these prizes*, please visit our competitions page on motherbabychild.com/competitions, or simply scan this QR code with your mobile to go directly to our website, answer the questions, and win! *Terms and conditions apply. CPI Media Group employees not eligible to enter. Winners will be selected at random from correct entries.

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