ISSUE 88 | JULY 2018 | AED 15
ISSUE 82|january 2018| AED 15
«WIN« OVER AED 25,000 OF PRIZES
THINGS TO DO IN JULY
LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT IN TODDLERS
WHAT TESTS DO ‘HIGHRISK’ PREGNANCIES NEED – AND WHY?’
STAYCATIONS IN
DUBAI UNDERSTANDING DEPRESSION IN CHILDREN
FASHION PAGES – WHAT ARE THE BEST-DRESSED KIDS WEARING THIS SUMMER?!
ARE YOUR KIDS ADDICTED TO GADGETS? Supported by:
Supported by:
Childs Farm ! D L I M E B O T N BOR Toiletries for baby & child
H E RE ’S A W IL D ID E A.
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EDITORIAL
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EDITOR’S LETTER H
ello Mum! Summer holidays, you gotta love them, particularly the opportunity to wake up late, relax and spend quality time together – assuming of course that nobody in the family is addicted to gadgets such as their phone, iPad, games console or laptop.
Not wishing to ruin anybody’s fun, but addiction to tech-gadgets has a very similar effect on the brain to addiction to other harmful substances, and the bad news is that your own children could be vulnerable without adequate boundaries and measures in place. Check out the article on page 34 from Dubai life coach, Sunaina Vohra. If you are just starting out on your motherhood journey with your first pregnancy, it can be a little worrying, as well as exciting. On page 58, we give a run-down of the common tests that are given during ‘high-risk’ pregnancies. The Mother, Baby & Child platforms never forget that your wellbeing, as a woman and as a parent, is as important as the wellbeing of your children. Check out the article on page 24 about making time for yourself, it’s a good reminder that you should! And still on the subject of YOU, we’ve put together this month’s pick of fashion, beauty, skin and pampering recommendations for busy modern mums, as well as some ‘staycation’ recommendations that will give you a lovely break, right here on your doorstep. Lots more is waiting in this issue for you to discover, so happy reading and see you next month!
K
EDITOR’S PICKS
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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 A publication licensed by Dubai Production City, DCCA © Copyright 2018 CPI Media Group FZ LLC. 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.
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Guerlain I love the KissKiss range of lipsticks by Guerlain – with nail colours to match, they’re hotter than summer!
Éclat Nails The Shimmer & the Holo Glitter who doesn’t love a little sparkle?!
MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | JULY 2018 | 03
CONTENTS 32
Structured Education: Starting Early
48
64
The Secret To a Happy Family During The World Cup!
Competitions
43 GOOD LIVING
07 THINGS TO DO
08 THINGS TO DO We have given this section a total revamp! Instead of dividing the pages into Baby, Toddler, Tweens and Older child activities and events, we have now given you much more information on the ‘don’t miss’ things that all families will enjoy. For a more complete and varied set of listings, events, family brunches, shows, exhibitions, deals, launches, family and child activities each month, check in with the website every day! www.motherbabychild.com 16 ALL ABOUT YOU! As a mum, it’s really important you look after yourself too. The All About YOU section is the Editor’s monthly recommendations of indulgent products to keep your body and mind, hair, skin and nails in great shape. Use these products to remind yourself you are a beautiful modern woman as well as a mum! 18 PRODUCTS This page is especially for new mums and showcases the best products for your family. 04 | JULY 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD
44 Staycations in The UAE
2 1 PA R E N T I N G
22 Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) 24 Taking ‘Me Time’ for New Mums 26 Saying ‘No’ to Saying Yes to Everything!
3 1 E D U C AT I O N
34 Gadget Addiction in Children: How can you tell if your kids are addicted to devices?! Summer holidays are a fantastic break for children and parents alike. However, it is tempting to (quite literally) leave them to thier own devices! As parents, we need to put the right checks and measures in place to prevent a dangerous obesssion with gadgets.
36 The Body Language of Toddlers
Years ago, the idea of not going abroad for a summer holiday often left both children and their parents feeling like they’d missed out on a good break. Not any more! Staycation options in Dubai and the UAE have changed beyond recognition and here, we’ve picked some of our best recommendations for this month..
50 Summer Fashion! Six page spread of amazing fashion for the season – for yummy mummies, for babies and of course, the Mini Style Stars for children.
5 7 H E A LT H
58 Check-ups For Risks During Pregnancy
If you have a high-risk pregnancy, you or your baby might be at increased risk of health problems before, during or after delivery. Typically, special monitoring or care throughout pregnancy is needed This is an idea of what to expec.
60 Understanding Depression In Childresn
BabyshopStores.com
So many choices, so many doubts! Personal Shopping Advisors. Experienced and trained, our PSAs will help you make the right choices for your new arrival. From feeding to fashion to fun and more, enjoy this free service at over 100 stores in the Middle East.
FACT FILE
TIPS FOR TRAVELLING WITH KIDS TAKE YOUR TIME
USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Whether you’re going to the airport, your staycation, or just out for the day, the best thing you can take is extra time. Toddlers love to dawdle and explore and don’t understand the time pressures of travel. You’re more likely to keep your cool if you allow plenty of time for toddlers to simply be toddlers. Just build the faffing, gawping, stalling, toilet stops and tantrums into your timeframe.
Most toddlers love the novelty of travelling by train, bus and boat, so ditch the car and use public transport where possible. Encourage toddlers to repeat the names of the metro or tram stops as they are announced – they’ll love getting even more engaged with the train this way.
GIVE THEM A CAMERA Giving toddlers their own sturdy and child-friendly camera encourages them to really be aware of their surroundings and focus on what interests them. You might be surprised and fascinated at the results from their knee-high view – shots of people’s feet, wheels, flowers, animals, helicopters, boats, the beauty of sand and the occasional interesting bug.
DRESSING COMFORTABLY FOR THE SITUATION Children who are dressed comfortably for the weather, the car journey, or the terrain will be happier. There’s no excuse to leave them barefoot on a beach, or without the appropriate sun-protective clothing.
PACK PULL-UP DIAPERS FOR POTTY TRAINING Planes and public transport during the potty training days can be a challenge. With the logistics of hand luggage to consider, if toddlers are still having lots of little accidents then pull-ups are a good option for the plane.
PREPARE YOUR APPS Toddler-friendly apps help you to travel lighter when taking a flight - the most compact form of entertainment is a device loaded with apps and games for them.
06 | JULY 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD
INVEST IN A CHILD LOCATOR
In my experience, toddlers aren’t fans of reins, backpacks with a leash, or any infringement on their freedom. Keep tabs on them at airports, train stations and crowded attractions with a child locator. The child wears a small unit (strapped to a belt or shoe) and you keep the transmitter. If you lose your child set off the alarm and follow the sound to find them.
KEEP THE GERMS AWAY
Whether you’re travelling to Abu Dhabi or Al Ain, antibacterial wipes and hand sanitiser are travel bag essentials. A wipe of the table or cutlery in restaurants where you’re unsure of hygiene, or a squirt of hand sanitiser when there are no washing facilities can zap a few germs and prevent toddlers catching some common bugs.
DON’T FORGET THE CARE KIT
Whether they’re out of their usual routine, jet-lagged, or eating less healthily, kids always seem to get ill on holiday. Reduce the impact of broken nights, by packing some basic ingredients in your first aid kit, which should include antiseptic wipes, plasters, sting treatment, and a thermometer.
DON’T LET THE CHILDREN PACK THEIR OWN BAGS!
We heard of a story where one mum went on a trip with her eight-year-old, who complained incessantly that her backpack was too heavy. The reason why? She’d brought along her entire collection of fossils “just in case.” Do let the children have input but remember to edit what is in their bags before departure.
This is our monthly kid’s calendar and round-up of what’s happening to keep your children’s lives fun-filled and stimulating.
THIINGS TO DO EVENTS | ACTIVITIES | OUTDOOR
MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | JULY 2018 | 07
things to dov
IN JULY
BURJUMAN MALL DUBAI - FUN CRUISE FOR KIDS THIS SUMMER Imagine being a kid and getting to let your imagination run wild with a ship on the high seas this summer! Running until the 25th August, the main atrium of BurJuman Mall will be transformed into a nautical-themed paradise, with free fun activities for kids as the BurJuman Fun Cruise experience sets sail.
WHO!
children between 2-12 years
W HE R E ! BurJuman Mall Dubai
Bring the kids to cruise the seven adventure-filled islands and navigate the waters, guided by Captain Shark, while diving into Pool’s Paradise, a giant ball pit of splish-splash fun. Alternatively, they can play the afternoon away at Teeter Totter island. A host of other games await your little seafarers – and don’t forget to visit the yellow submarine for a Virtual Reality experience. Open daily between 2pm and 10pm, children aged between 4-12 years can play at being sailors and enjoy the ocean fun, while kids between 2-4 years can navigate their way through the Teeter Totter island. For information: www.burjuman.com
ESCAPE THE HEAT AT YAS WATERWORLD LADIES NIGHT IN ABU DHABI
Yas Waterworld is giving ladies across the UAE the perfect way to escape not only the World Cup, but also the heat! The waterpark is inviting its female guests to spend Thursday nights in total privacy with the return of Ladies Night. Set among an Emirati-themed backdrop, Yas Waterworld draws inspiration from the UAE’s pearl diving heritage to provide guests with a cool one-of-a-kind experience. Ladies can indulge in over 40 rides, slides and attractions, with Aqua Zumba classes and live DJ sets making the experience the ultimate ladies night out. Yas Waterworld Ladies Night is open every Thursday between 6 and 11 pm. For information: 02 414 2000 sales@farahexperiences.com
08 | JULY 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD
15th AUG To 14th SEPT 2018
Dubai Mall
Dubai Marina Mall
Yas Mall
Al Wahda Mall
things to dov
IN JULY
MODHESH WORLD BRINGS FAMILY FUN TO DUBAI’S WORLD TRADE CENTRE THIS SUMMER
The popular Modhesh World family ‘edutainment’ destination has a lineup of family fun featuring an array of entertainment activities, immersive and themed experiences. It’s open from now until 25th August, with the events and activities taking place in eight dedicated halls of the Dubai World Trade Centre, offering engaging games, rides, stage shows, acts by roaming artistes, adventure-oriented activities… and much more. This year’s Modhesh World has many innovative features and activities to spark curiosity and provide entertaining learning opportunities for visitors of all ages. Families and children are invited to visit and discover a whole new world of exhilarating and enriching experiences, to create a summer season of great family memories in Dubai. Among the highlights of this 19th edition of Modhesh World are interactive appearances and activities by Dubai’s famous mascot Modhesh and internationally loved character Hello Kitty, education-based fun activations by different government departments, Modhesh-run promotions offering visitors the chance to win fabulous prizes and a unique Modhesh Bazaar where you can purchase an extensive range of Modhesh merchandise. Modhesh World 2018 timings: 1st July – 21st August Sat to Wed: 10am to 11pm 10 | JULY 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD
Thu & Friday: 10am to 12am 22nd – 25th August Eid Al Adha: 10am-midnight Tickets: AED 25 (Halls 1-7), free entry to Hall 8
Free for: • Children below 3 • Senior Citizen above 60 • People of Determination For further information, go to the VisitDubai website.
things to dov
IN JULY
KIDS EAT FREE AT AXE HOUSE JLT, DUBAI During the school holidays, Axe House invite the little ones aged 7 years old and below for some free food from the kids’ menu when their adults order. The ‘kids eat free’ offer is available from 6th July to 1st September 2018, where the little ones can enjoy healthy and yummy favourites. Axe House Kids Menu • BBQ Chicken Tenders, served with chips or salad • Spaghetti & Meatballs, served with salad • Mini Steak, served with chips, salad or steamed vegetables • Grilled Chicken, served with baby potatoes and spinach • Fish and Chips, served with mushy peas and chips • Cheese Burger Sliders, served with chips or salad • Mini Doner Kebab, served with chips or salad For adults, to accompany their hops choices, the menu has a focus on artisanal market offerings inspired by London’s most famous and buzziest foodie districts. Signature dishes include: Notting Hill Jerk Chicken, Brick Lane Tikka Salmon, ‘A Day Trip to Brighton’ Seafood Platter, and the Portobello Veggie Burger. Please note that the kids must be banished for bedtime at 7pm! Timings: From 12pm-7pm For reservations call: +971 4 3999 577. Email reservations@ axehouse.com For groups, prior reservation is recommended.
KIDS EAT FREE AT THE COFFEE CLUB, MARINA MALL, ABU DHABI The Coffee Club is Australia’s largest homegrown café group. The Abu Dhabi Marina Mall branch of The Coffee Club is offering delicious and complimentary meal options, tailored especially to the taste buds of children. Children under 12 years old can enjoy free dish choices from the kids’ menu with every adult main course ordered. Even the fussy little eaters will delight in kids’ classics such as: Chicken Nuggets; Battered Fish served with Chips and Tomato Sauce; Egg on Toast and perennial favourite, Pasta Bolognese. Not only do the under-12s eat free, there are also fun and engaging activities to keep them entertained, making The Coffee Club the destination of choice for some precious family time! The Coffee Club also boasts an extensive range of cooked-to-order meals, along with healthy options that can be enjoyed any time of the day. A showcase of a modern 12 | JULY 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD
Australian café experience, enjoy dining with a great selection of starters, fresh salads, gourmet wraps and sandwiches, light meals and quality mains. In the UAE, local tastes are taken into consideration with a thoughtful menu that incorporates homegrown dishes
and wherever possible, locally sourced ingredients. Location: The Coffee Club - Level 1, Beside Bounce, Marina Mall, Marina Village, Abu Dhabi Timings: 8am - 10:30am. For reservations call: +971 2 6359 102
things to dov
IN JULY
SUMMER WORKSHOPS IN DUBAI’S NAD AL SHEBA,
FOR BUDDING YOUNG ARTISTS Keep the kids excited about their summer break with some handson activities to keep them busy, entertained and learning fun new skills.
Young artists aged between 8-16 years can enjoy the summer at Tashkeel with a range of exciting and inventive workshops that will take them to new levels of creativity. Inspirational instructors are delivering 10 different workshops focusing on areas such as: • Pinhole photography • Sculpture • Screen-printing t-shirts • Sign painting • Casting with silver • Papermaking • and much more! Whatever the availability of your kids, Tashkeel can create a bespoke plan.
Choose from Week 1 or Week 2, or register for both weeks. You can even just register your for a single workshop! Dates: 1 July – 5 July (week 1) 9 July – 13 July (week 2) Times: 10 AM - 1 PM Location: Tashkeel Nad Al Sheba, Dubai Prices: (excluding VAT): Week 1 or 2: AED 1,200 Weeks 1 and 2: AED 2,200 Per session: AED 250 10% siblings discount For further information and the full schedule of workshops: tashkeel.org/workshops/summercamp-2018
THE COOLEST SUMMER VENUE
SPLASH N PARTY
Splash ’n’ Party is Dubai’s coolest and most exciting aqua park for kids. The park is designed to cater to the entire family. Whilst the little ones have a blast on their splash pads and water slides, parents can kick back and relax at the restaurant and juice bar. Splash ’n’ Party caters to the most unforgettable birthday parties and other special events, and with their extensive range of entertainment for the whole family, the only struggle you’ll have is getting your children to leave! Splash ’n’ Party has now introduced the new Summer Camp with Robotics, from July 1st till August 30th - 9am to 2:30pm. Prices: AED 599 per Week / AED 180 per day (without Robotics). Transportation (Pick up and & drop off for selected location) AED 250. Prices include lunch! 14 | JULY 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD
Kiwi is an exotic fruit that originated in China, with a fuzzy outer skin and juicy flesh. Rich in trace elements, minerals and vitamins, the kiwi quickly conquered the global market with its unique, exceptional sweet and sour taste! Why introduce kiwi into our daily diet?
How to enjoy kiwis
It is rich in vitamin C. Consumption of a single kiwifruit can There are several different ways to incorporate kiwis into your cover the human organism’s daily requirement in this vi- daily diet: tamin. It is also an excellent source of vitamins A, E and B • Serve your friends a refreshing fruit drink made complex, and it contains potassium, phosphorus, and magwith kiwi and melon. nesium. • Make delicious and healthy kiwi-based smoothies. • Enrich your breakfast by adding freshly cut European kiwis conquer the global market! slices of kiwi to yoghurt or to your cereal. European kiwi stands out for its quality, both in taste and in • Enjoy chocolate kiwis! Cut the kiwis in slices nutritional value, because it is harvested by hand. Kiwis are and dip them in melted chocolate. The taste placed in suitable refrigerated storage areas within 24 hours is a revelation! from harvesting, thus guaranteeing that all of the fruit’s nu• Simply add kiwi to your favourite green salad. trients are preserved. So let your imagination run free and pleasantly European kiwis stand out and are sought after in many in- surprise your friends and family, by using kiwi in ternational markets, and are exported to over 51 countries various recipes. The results will amaze you! in Europe, Africa, Asia and America.
www.hellokiwi.eu www.hellokiwi.eu
PROJECTPROJECT CO-FINANCED BY THE CO-FINANCED BY THE EUROPEAN AND GREECE EUROPEAN UNIONUNION AND GREECE
ALL ABOUT YOU!
BEE GLOW
from Guerlain - Skincare and Make-Up in One
Powdery or matte effects are old hat… busy modern mothers at the height of their beauty game now favour skincare creams that are bursting with water, the new guarantee of a youthful glow. ‘Honey glow skin’ is one of the most desired trends for the summer, i.e. skin that is as smooth and luminous as honey.
PURIFY YOUR SKIN WITH
SKIN REPUBLIC
Sheet masks are an easy way to hit the reset button on your complexion. Infused with nutrient-rich ingredients, sheet masks are a brilliantly effective delivery system of nutrients to the skin. This close dermal contact encourages your skin to absorb the serum faster and more efficiently than traditional masks and creams. To help you emerge with cleaner, more radiant skin, consider these two hero masks from Skin Republic:
Detox Face Mask Sheet (AED 32)
This mask helps prevent premature ageing from free radicals and protects the skin against environmental pollutants. The charcoal infused mask helps to draw out impurities and detoxifies the skin for a more healthy, luminous complexion.
Taking its inspiration from this trend, Guerlain has created BEE GLOW, a fluid that offers optimal hydration and combines unprecedented benefits for a Guerlain product. While targeting wrinkles and fine lines, it offers a glowy, ‘wet-look’ effect that highlights your face. Skin feels perfectly smooth and captures natural light. This light restructures the face, which appears rejuvenated and radiates a real glow… perfect for summer!
Bubble Purifying + Charcoal Face Mask Sheet (AED 30)
This purifying bubble face mask sheet is made from activated charcoal. When exposed to air, the oxygenating mask begins to bubble and foam, diving deep into the skin’s pores eliminating impurities. Fruit acids exfoliate dead skin cells for a bright, fresh and luminous complexion. All Skin Republic Masks are dermatologist tested and are not tested on animals. Skin Republic Masks are available from all leading department stores, pharmacies and supermarkets and online. To learn more, visit www.theskinrepublic.com 16 | JULY 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD
HAIR RITUEL BY SISLEY Now Available at Paris Gallery
Hair Rituel by Sisley is a brand dedicated to scalp and hair care, with six essential treatment products for a complete sensorial hair and beauty ritual for the season. Here’s a look at two of the six products in the range:
Revitalizing Fortifying Serum With its ultra-light, non-greasy texture, the Revitalizing Fortifying Serum helps to create a healthier scalp. Highly concentrated in plant-based extracts, proteins, vitamins and minerals, this visibly fortifying serum soothes the scalp and energises your hair for a glossy look. Do check out the fresh fragrance designed to complement the effectiveness of the key ingredients.
Restructuring Conditioner with Cotton Proteins The Restructuring Conditioner with Cotton Proteins is an instant conditioner for the lengths and ends of hair under attack in the summer heat. The conditioner is highly concentrated in restructuring and lipid-replenishing active ingredients, its detangling formula smooths the cuticles, increases shine and improves resistance.
ANTI-AGEING SUN PROTECTION FROM
FILORGA
Filorga introduces the new Anti-Ageing After Sun Face & Body to its UV-BRONZE range, which offers a comprehensive range of antiageing sun care products for the summer. This nutrient-rich tanmaximising gel melts into an oil on the skin to give immediate comfort, and enhances it without leaving a greasy or sticky finish. An extremely nourishing and soothing formula for skin that radiates health. The after-sun contains a blend of amino acids and minerals with antiinflammatory properties that repairs skin irritated by the sun’s rays and immediately soothes it by stimulating the production of beta-endorphins, which induce a feeling of well-being. Filorga products are available at leading pharmacies.
HydroPeptide Launches
HYDROSTEM SERUM HydroPeptide has launched its new HydroStem Serum, with this powerful age-defying treatment guarding your skin against UV and pollution. Antioxidant-rich botanical stem cells nourish the skin cells and enhance your skin’s vibrancy and luminosity to create more radiant, agelesslooking skin. The HydroStem Serum not only protects against DNA and pollution damage, it nourishes skin with potent antioxidants, improves overall skin health and functionality and fights dullness and restores luminosity. Apply a small amount to a clean face and neck both morning and evening, followed with appropriate moisturiser and sunscreen for optimum results.
MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | JULY 2018 | 17
PRODUCTS Himalaya Baby Care Range
Panasonic’s New Steam Iron Range If an iron could be a super-hero, the newly-launched Panasonic steam iron ‘U Series’ would be it! The steam iron range is intelligently designed for high performance with a pumped-up, large-size ceramic soleplate that allows you to cover a much wider ironing area in far fewer strokes. The new Panasonic U series also helps make short work of mums’ and children’s clothes that feature pleats, frills or other fabric details, as the soleplate is curved and features 27 vents along the U-shape groove for the steam distribution that is essential for softening the fabric and banishing those wrinkles.
Himalaya’s baby care range relies on the goodness of nature and is specifically designed to care for sensitive baby skin. The products are free from harmful chemicals, parabens, sulfates, synthetic colours etc. rendering them gentle and effective. Himalaya Baby products are enriched with ingredients like almond oil, olive oil and aloe vera that are carefully combined to maintain the perfect balance of health and natural wellbeing.
Thanks to its precision tip, these iron models are perfect for reaching the creases in the trickiest areas, making ironing less of a chore. We’ve been saved!
panasonic.com/ middleeast
himalayaherbals.com
A New Way to Take Supplements from Vitamin Injections London Vitamin B12 Patches Vitamin Injections London’s Vitamin B12 Patches are slow-release adhesive skin patches. These patches provide 12 hours of continuous B12 supplementation, delivered directly into the bloodstream. They’re the ideal choice for those who wish to improve their health, mood and energy levels from the inside out. Vitamin B12 supplementation greatly benefits those suffering from low energy and fatigue. In addition, B12 alleviates muscle pain, strengthens weak bones, improves vision and combats memory loss, generating improvements in overall mood and physical health. Vitamin B12 can also control blood sugar spikes and plays a vital and supportive role for those who want to increase their nutritional intake.
18 | JULY 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD
Vitamin D3 Patches Each Vitamin D3 Skin Patch provides all the health benefits of Vitamin D3. Since obtaining adequate sunlight exposure is neither easy nor safe, the Vitamin D3 Patch allows you to overcome Vitamin D deficiency; a condition that plagues a
large segment of the population in the UAE. Vitamin D3 promotes a healthy immune system and aids the absorption of calcium, which is essential for bone health.
32 x Skin Patches Per 1 Month’s Supply Pack. Price: AED 240
PRODUCTS
TOMMEE TIPPEE ADVANCED ANTI-COLIC BOTTLE When dealing with colic, your baby’s comfort is the number one priority. Tommee Tippee has combined a breast-like nipple with the latest in anti-colic innovation to create their Advanced AntiColic bottle. The unique 3-piece anti-colic technology draws air away from the milk, and the star valve prevents the milk from travelling up the tube - which means 80% less gas, spit-up and fussing. And 100% more smiles! As an extra plus, a built-in heat sensing straw gives you extra reassurance that your milk is just the right temperature, so both you and baby can feed comfortably.
The Playgro Music and Lights Comfy Car
This plush and exciting little car is packed with musical features and encourages motor skill development, as well as imaginative play. Your baby will love the sound of the horn beeping, the indicator clicking and the rattling balls spinning! This adorable baby car also comes with a side mirror to help your baby learn about and enjoy reflections. Once your baby has developed the ability to sit independently, the Playgro Music and Lights Comfy Car provides a safe place to play, including a soft plush surround for peace of mind, should they overbalance. This engaging, stationary play space, allows baby to drive wherever their imagination takes them. You can easily detach and attach the music and lights driver toy to prams, strollers or capsules for another way to play on the go.
Learn more at www.playgro.com
Britax Holiday Stroller
No matter where or how you like to travel, the lightweight Britax Holiday is the perfect companion for your trip. Thanks to its compact folding format and carry strap, you can quickly and easily pack it up and you’re good to go! Check out the features:
sun visor provides protective shade for your little passenger.
Compact fold with automatic fold lock - The buggy reduces to a compact size that is freestanding, easy to handle and has an automatic fold lock. Carry strap - The convenient carry strap attached to the buggy allows you to carry it over your shoulder, keeping both your hands free. Seat unit with mesh panels - To keep your child comfortable on hot days, the seat unit has mesh panels on the sides and top of the seat unit for better air circulation. Hood with sun visor - The hood with
Adjustable safety harness - To keep your child secure and comfortable as they grow, the 5-point harness can be adjusted to different height positions, and is suitable for children up to 15 kg. Soft-padded chest pads ensure additional comfort so you can rest assured that your child is always safe and comfy. Puncture-free tyres - The tyres are puncture-free so you can enjoy your journey. Front swivel wheels - The front swivel wheels ensure better maneuverability when you are going for a walk with your little one. Softly padded handle - The handle is soft-padded for added comfort when you are out and about with your pushchair.
MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | JULY 2018 | 19
MEDICAL FACT FILE
TIPS FOR A HAPPY FAMILY SWAP STORIES Ask your children how their day was. Instead of asking questions that have a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer, use questions that are open-ended, so they have to talk to you. This is especially important for teenagers, but is a great habit to get into from the earliest possible school age! For example: - ‘What did you get up to in maths class today?’ - ‘What do you like about your favourite teacher? - 'What colouring did you do today?' Tell your children some stories about your day, but make it interesting for them – tell them something funny that happened, or tell them about something annoying and how it made you feel. Let your children be the first thing you attend to once you’re home. Keeping closely connected like this will go a long way towards creating a strong family bond.
PUT THE MARRIAGE FIRST When you take care of your marriage, your children feel the happiness and will be healthy children. Never let any issues, irritations or problems fester and always resolve any adult issues away from the children. A golden rule here is also to never talk to your children about adult problems that they cannot solve.
EAT TOGETHER Eat with the family, not just physically, but mentally as well. Family dinners are a time to connect with each other, share, bond and laugh. Family dinners, especially when healthy eating habits are involved, such as salads and fresh veg, are a great way to encourage the right eating habits for younger kids.
20 | JULY 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD
PLAY TOGETHER Create activities with your family that you do together as a family – until you actually go to a trampoline park as a family, you will never appreciate what an amazing and fun family outing this is! It doesn’t matter if you don’t feel fit, you can just go at your own pace and build your fitness together.
KEEP YOUR VOICES DOWN Children work well with stability and calmness and it can be absolutely disasterous for them to grow up in a household where the parents are always raising their voices or shouting. This kind of behavior is not acceptable around children and does not help them to learn anything. If you want your children to grow up into calm, emotionallyhealthy adults, you must model this kind of behavior to them.
NEVER FIGHT IN FRONT OF THE KIDS All couples argue, but avoid fighting in front of the children. When your children see you argue, you’ll stress them out and create tension at home.
BUILD FAMILY RITUALS Creating rituals for the family enhances the bond you all have. My sister’s family all sit down and have a ‘movie and popcorn’ night every Friday night. There is a TV talent series that they all watch together, where the kids act as the judges and give their own opinion on the acts. They also go for a walk together early on Saturday mornings, clear up the dishes after dinner together, and go out to celebrate any school achievements together as a family.
This is both for you and about you. In this section we look at a diverse range of issues and challenges and advise on how best to deal with them.
PARENTING N AT U R E | N U R T U R E | L I F E
MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | JULY 2018 | 21
parenting
AUDITORY PROCESSING DISORDER (APD)
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L
anguage is not the same thing as speech. Language refers to thoughts, concepts, and meaning, and can be communicated through speech (which is the expression of language through vocal sound), writing, or signing. When a child is diagnosed as having a language processing delay, it means that he or she needs more time to convert the symbols of language into their rightful meaning. This is not necessarily a problem with their ears; more specifically, it is an issue in the coordination between their ears and their brain. The student may in fact have all the functional language skills needed to comprehend the meaning, they just need more time to correctly process the information.
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Children with APD
struggle to make sense of verbal instruction, and need
extra time and support.
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is the term used for the language processing delay with specific reference to listening (as opposed to reading). Children with APD struggle to make sense of verbal instruction, and need extra time and support to comprehend spoken language. In the classroom, students with APD struggle to keep pace with their peers because instructions come too rapidly to process. Without proper teaching strategies to support them, these students may become terribly frustrated, and the gap between them and their grade level could gradually widen.
HOW TO BEST SUPPORT STUDENTS WITH LANGUAGE PROCESSING DELAYS Communication occurs on several different levels simultaneously. For this reason, it's important to establish eye contact and to make sure the student is engaged and attentive. Information and/or instructions may need to be repeated slowly and clearly. Ask the student to repeat the information back to you when you're finished. This will strengthen the student's comprehension skills.
Present information in several modalities. Concrete materials, manipulatives, and visual aids will help the student make meaningful connections between concepts and language. Divide the instruction into smaller, more manageable chunks. This will give your student more time to process each part of the overall instruction, and will keep him/her from becoming overwhelmed or frustrated. Be patient. The student, by nature of the condition, needs more time to process information, so make sure you allow him/her that time. Create a positive and encouraging atmosphere which bolsters self-esteem. Make sure the student feels comfortable enough to ask for clarification or repetition when necessary. Give positive encouragement and reinforcement as often as possible. Help the child make connections between different concepts by regularly referencing his/her prior knowledge. This tends to have an accelerating effect, and soon the student will have a well-connected conceptual network and will require less processing time. Always be supportive. Frustration is a terrible enemy to these students' progress, and pushing them too hard will only make it worse. Give the student the space he/she needs to process the information.
THE GOOD NEWS The good news is that many language processing delays can be completely overcome and reversed. To do this, though, requires early intervention and consistent application of the teaching strategies listed in this article. It can be difficult to remain patient in the face of these challenges, but doing so is absolutely crucial. As a teacher, you may be the difference between a student who learns to overcome challenges and thrive, and a student who succumbs to frustration and defeat. MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | JULY 2018 | 23
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parenting
TAKING ‘ME TIME’ FOR NEW MUMS Writer and stay-at-home mum Hina Zohaib Khan gives her moving account of how she manages to juggle the demands of motherhood with the very necessary job of finding a little ‘me time.’ I have a ‘to do’ list a million miles long! Dishes need to be done, my living room is a mess and I'm behind on laundry. Being a new mum is tough, and things don’t improve drastically as your child becomes a toddler. However, with each passing day, we experiment and juggle different chores to find a better balance. I am learning to be a better mum myself, and there are a few notes that I can share about how we can squeeze in time for ourselves. Some alone time is a necessity for everyone. To sit on the couch and enjoy the quiet time, take bubble baths, do nails or skincare routines, read novels - but all that seem like a dream for most new mums. Even though we love our babies and would give anything to keep them happy, we still need to get over the guilt and find some time doing the things we love to do for ourselves. Let’s focus on how to take out that ‘me time’ from our busy routine.
PRIORITISE I’ve given up the idea of having a perfectly clean home, and instead focus on the essentials. Your house should be clean enough for everyone to stay healthy, and not clean enough to impress everyone you know (if that is ever possible). Don’t worry if you haven’t kept all your pots and pans inside the cabinet at night, or if your wardrobe is a mess. You can pull off your everyday routine without keeping them prim and proper. Keep your mind clear from the constant ticking clock to get things done and meeting deadlines. Learn from me, my house is never perfect, but the kids are loved, clean and happy. 24 | JULY 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD
DEVELOP NEW HOBBIES OR TWEAK YOUR OLD ONES There are some things you miss out on after giving birth, especially if you don’t keep a full-time nanny. As gloomy as it may sound, sometimes our little ones leave us so overwhelmed with household chores that we forget our own interests. And without household help, our hobbies become doing laundry, organising toys and grocery shopping, all while keeping the kids in tow. But that is a mistake. In order to keep our sanity intact, we need to keep a hobby that interests us. How about learning a new language on Youtube while feeding the baby? I remember a friend used to play guitar for her son, so this also entertained her little guy. Pursuing these little interesting things could help you unwind.
EARLY BEDTIME
SNEAK OUT FOR 15 MINUTES HERE AND THERE! From experience I have realised that those 15 minutes that I save here and there is precious time. You could cook or do laundry while children are up, keep on talking to them while doing the household chores, and once the kids are asleep, you would have ticked a chore off your list. From an early age, encourage your kids to tidy up their toys and put them back where they belong; put their clothes in the laundry basket after their bath, and also take their plate to the kitchen sink after having food. These are not only very useful ‘life skill’ habits for them to embrace from age 2-3, but it will make life easier for you every day. The last thing you need is to educate a household of (little or big) people that you are there to trail behind them picking up what they discard and tidying after them – that does not help the kids to become healthy, responsible adults!
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From an early age,
encourage your kids to tidy up their toys and put them back where they belong.
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Bedtime is a struggle and I usually end up laying in bed with the kids until they finally fall asleep - and by then I’m so done for the night I end up going to bed too. This situation only improved after I made them sleep earlier so that I could spend an hour or two alone with husband, family or just by myself. Babies wake up for their feed and children will usually wake up early in the morning, but at least you would have taken some time off. Sometimes we all love lying in bed at night for some ‘me time.’ Or wake up early when everyone else is sleeping.
SEEK HELP FROM YOUR PARTNER OR PARENTS Family's support and your own will to get a break plays an important part in getting ‘me time.’ Ever tried making an agreement with your partner that one day during the week each gets solo time that does not include chores? Ask family or trusted friends if they can help to look after your baby for a few hours. Explore your options regularly.
LOOK FOR PLACES WITH A CARE CENTRE Some research around your area could ease your life. Look for a gym with a care centre, so you would not be dependent on anyone. Your regular salon might also cooperate to keep an eye on the baby while you indulge in some pampering. Being a new mother is hard! But the only way we could be happy is to accept that it will require effort and perseverance. “Patience is virtue” has never sounded so true to me ever before. Today, try to take some time for yourself and do something that is not an errand. Simple things right now, but it really helps! MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | JULY 2018 | 25
parenting
SAYING ‘NO’ TO SAYING YES TO EVERYTHING! As mothers it is our responsibility to raise our children to equip them for life at school, interaction with others and as healthy adults that can function in society. However, this does not mean saying ‘yes’ to everything children want, says writer and stay-athome mum Hina Zohaib Khan.
H
ow many times has your child thrown tantrum for not having a toy that their friend or cousin has? It is okay for your child to want things, but the reality is that you are really not helping your child’s development by saying ‘yes’ to everything they want. In fact, some even see this as a weakness in parenting technique. CREATING OPPORTUNITIES TO INTERACT If your child develops an interest in a toy that a friend has, it’s a chance to interact with that friend, explore it, and have fun together. Make it an opportunity for your child to mingle and become social. I have memories of childhood when back in the day we would be excited to go over to cousins’ house because they had certain toys, or a cool gadget. At times we’d make
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parenting
compromises and play according to their rules just so we could also play. You must have heard stories of street cricket where the person who owned the bat would get his batting first. It didn’t seem that bad back then, and we grew up just fine. But now kids feel deprived, and parents too come under pressure and try their best to get their child that particular toy. Find ways for kids to interact and have fun – fun and enjoyment does not hinge on having one particular toy, it hinges on how you plan fun and creative ways for your children to play and develop. SHARING IS CARING Sharing is such an important part of growing up and a vital life skill. Sharing teaches children about compromise and fairness to others, which also helps the development of a child and avoids the obvious problems in adulthood if they grow up to believe the world revolves around them and what they want! Children need to learn that by giving a little to others, they can get some of what they want as well. Kids who are taught by their parents to share also learn how to take turns and negotiate, and how to cope with disappointment. These are all extremely important life skills as a child, an adolescent and as the adult they 28 | JULY 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD
will become. Sharing is something that toddlers and children need to learn so they can make and keep friends, and play cooperatively. Once your child starts having playdates and going into childcare, preschool or kindergarten, s/he’ll need to be able to share with others. Encourage your child to share at every opportunity, be it their room or their toys, as the concept and merits of sharing is something that needs to be taught by parents and learned by children – not something that you should rely on the school to teach, as by then it will give your child difficulties! Children will fight over toys, but it encourages them to share and get involved in imaginative play. There are a number of learning toys available across the UAE that encourage teamwork and sharing. If children disagree and get upset about sharing, the answer is not rooted in indulging them instead. Persevere, praise them every time they share and soon a sharing mentality will become second nature to your child. SAYING ‘NO’ THEN REASSURING THEM Parenting is not about providing everything to your child, it is about raising good human beings, sometimes gently
denying them something they want and nice and calmly explaining why they can’t have it. When they cry and get upset, cuddle them and reassure them you know how they feel not having what they want, so they know you are ‘on their side’ the whole time. But do stick to your guns, keep reassuring with a cuddle and suggest alternative things for them to do. Reading them a story is a nice way to keep things calm. Tell them about the plans you have for later or the next day and ask them questions about something they would like to do then. This reassuring approach helps them to realise that it is not a bad thing to not get everything they desire, but also helps to create a healthy way to get what they want. GIVE CHILDREN A TASTE OF THE REAL WORLD Don’t create a bubble for your children where they possess everything. They cannot have everything they want and should accept that people will have things that they don’t. Give them a taste of the world at an early age where resources are scarce and wants are unlimited, this is how the real world operates. Lots of patience and reassurance on this, as ‘saying no’ is a tough one, but handled with gentleness and sensitivity, it is developmentally brilliant for your child!
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FACT FILE
HOW BABIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN LEARN A young child learns best through everyday play and exploration in a safe and stimulating environment. Your child’s relationships with you, other family members and even early childhood educators are the foundation for your child’s healthy learning and development. Time spent playing, talking, listening and interacting with people helps your child to learn the skills she needs for life, such communicating, thinking, problem-solving, moving and comfortably being around other people and children.
activities, it gives her lots of ways to learn and chances to practise what she’s learning. For example, it is important for your child to experience activities that are both indoors and outside, physically active or quiet, free play or more structured.
Self and relationships
ACTIVELY ENGAGING WITH THE ENVIRONMENT
From you and your family, your child learns that she’s loved and important. She learns trust – for example, knowing you’ll be there if she falls. She starts learning to understand her own needs, thoughts, feelings, likes and dislikes. Eventually, family relationships teach her about getting on with other children and grown-ups.
This includes:
Language and communication
• Observing things, watching faces and responding to voices • Listening to sounds, making sounds and singing • Exploring - putting things in her mouth, shaking things and turning things around • Asking questions – for example, ‘why?’ • Experimenting with textures, objects and materials, such as water and sand • Doing things that stimulate all of the senses – touch, taste, smell, vision and hearing.
Your child also learns by being involved in her own learning. Examples include: • Choosing which books to read • Pointing to pictures in the books • Choosing objects and toys to play with • Picking out which fruit to have • Helping to toss the salad for dinner
WHAT YOUNG CHILDREN ARE LEARNING If your child has the opportunity to try lots of different
30 | JULY 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD
When you talk and listen with your child, and read and sing together, you’re helping him learn about language, written and spoken communication, and taking turns and listening in conversations.
Space, place and environment
At home with you, your child learns about her own size and shape – for example, that she is bigger than a toy but not as big as the table. She also learns about her place in her community and her impact on the world around her. For example, that her home is in this building or street, the car is kept outside in the parking lot and ‘The plants grew because I helped to water them.’
Health and physical fitness
When it comes to healthy eating and physical activity, you’re a key role model for your child. If you choose to have an apple rather than a chocolate bar as a morning snack, your child is more likely to do the same. If you go for a walk rather than watching the TV, your child learns that exercise is a good, fun way to spend time together.
Education doesn’t just mean school, as there are many ways to learn and a huge range of issues explore. This section is all about learning and teaching – in all its forms.
EDUCATION
LEARNING | DEVELOPMENT | PERFORMANCE MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | JULY 2018 | 31
education
STRUCTURED EDUCATION:
STARTING EARLY
Many people have reservations about the importance of pre-school education, often assuming that children are too young to start the education process.
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esearch shows that children enrolled in ‘head start’ or pre-school programmes benefit by getting used to the structure of receiving formal education before kindergarten. According to some studies, children enrolled in these programmes are better behaved and have higher IQ scores upon enrolling into kindergarten than peers who did not start early. Likewise, it was shown that children enrolled in early education programmes learned quicker than children that were not enrolled in such initiatives. Critics of pre-school education claim the differences between children enrolled in pre-school programmes and children not receiving formal education are only discernible during kindergarten, first and second grade. During subsequent years, children who've not received formal education prior to kindergarten test at the same level and behave like their peers with pre-kindergarten formal education. Therefore, kindergarten children may be at an advantage for a couple of years, but after that, their classmates perform at similar levels. Another issue with 'Head Start' programmes is that children qualifying for these programmes usually come from families who may not have high income levels, so these programmes are not readily accessible for children from all backgrounds. However, children can receive formal education in other ways, including day care and parents teaching their young children at home during these early years. Even though children in day care can develop intellectually, children also benefit definitely when parents stay at home with their children and educate them. Most childhood education specialists claim that young children learn best when they're not pushed too hard, they have an opportunity to interact with their peers, and their parents and instructors treat them kindly. Likewise, children learn best when instruction and educational activities are only a small portion of their days. This is especially true of children enrolled in pre-school programmes since it's not good for young children to be separated from their parents for extended periods of time. Children usually do not benefit in programmes with inexperienced teachers and large classroom sizes.
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In most cases children benefit most by
receiving educational instruction from their parents.
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R
Children taught at an early age usually benefit in the following ways:
• Improved social skills • Less or no need for special education instruction during subsequent school years • Better grades • An enhanced attention span. Likewise, some researchers have concluded that young children enrolled in pre-school programmes usually graduate
from high school, attend college, have fewer behavioural problems, and do not become involved with crime in their adolescent and young adult years. The research detailing these benefits was completed during the 80's. In addition to benefiting children experiencing normal development, it was also shown that children with learning or other physical disabilities benefit immensely from pre-kindergarten education. Also, children with parents highly involved in their pre-kindergarten education do not experience the same positive results from head start programmes, as children coming from homes where it is not emphasised as much. Children taught to speak a second language during their early developmental years are also in a better position to learn English at a young age. Children who are educated by their parents during their early developmental years experience the same benefits as children enrolled in pre-school programmes, especially children receiving a lot of attention from their parents. Parents deciding to educate their young children themselves should use creative ideas and activities when educating them. No matter the differences in opinion about formal pre-kindergarten education, children benefit from receiving some type of education during their early developmental years. However, there is not a ‘one-size fits all’ educational structure best suited for all children in their early years. While some children benefit immensely from pre-school, it may not be the best educational setting for other children. In most cases, children benefit most by receiving educational instruction from their parents. Parents must evaluate a child's unique personality before determining which method is best suited for a child, since not all programmes benefit children the same way. The article on the page 38 looks at the educational ethos and approach taken by The Children’s Garden in Al Barsha, a Taleem pre-school for children aged from 2-6 – with an intelligent and refreshing approach to building their skills ready for ‘big school’ after! MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | JULY 2018 | 33
education
GADGET ADDICTION IN KIDS
As technology is developing at such a pace and is increasingly entwined in our children’s lives, education and future, we need to be vigilant about when a child’s gadget dependence becomes ‘gadget addiction,’ says Dubai-based Life Coach, Sunaina Vohra.
S
unaina Vohra runs Athena Life Coaching, is a Master Life Coach and Certified Parent Coach, and has been working with both children and adults since 2010. She says that ‘gadget addiction’ is becoming more endemic with the children of today. Unlike our generation, who were the inventors of the devices, our children are the ones who are enjoying the fruits of our labour. Unfortunately, the fruits are beginning to poison the young generation with various mental and physical health issues arising from addiction to the devices, observes Vohra. Children are often clinging to their gadgets like fish to water – step back and think about it, as this really is not healthy!
PARENTS ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM I have many frustrated parents who come to me tearing out their hair about how to get their kids off their devices – laptops, phones, iPads, gaming devices and so forth. And with the advent of the summer holidays, gadget use has the potential to get completely out of control, particularly since it can sometimes be tempting to keep them quiet and amused during the holidays.
34 | JULY 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD
Unfortunately, what parents do not realise is that they are often the source of their own misery when they complain that
they cannot control their children’s gadget use, or are being ignored. When children demand things, parents often give in and what starts off as a source of learning or entertainment then becomes the child’s obsession.
Children’s addiction to gadgets/the internet can result in: • Stopping going out with friends • Less or no participation in sports activities • Not being able to focus on academics • Not being emotionally stable • Becoming obese and unhealthy • Becoming aggressive and even violent at times • Failing grades • Becoming sleep deprived • Becoming detached from family members Gadget addiction actually works in the same way as alcohol or drug addiction. So what can you, as the parent, do to prevent your child’s gadget use from turning into an addiction?
IT STARTS WITH YOU What are you role modeling? How much time and attention do you lavish on your phone, laptop or iPad? I know fathers who play games all the time on their phones. I recently worked with a teenager who complained that his dad watched YouTube videos as soon as he came back from work!
DECIDE A CUT OFF TIME FOR ALL DEVICES – AND STICK TO IT It is usually teens who are more independent than younger children and tend to take their phones into their rooms, spend all night on various apps or send messages to friends. However, teens in particular need their sleep and adequate rest, because of their stage of growth and the academic demands on them. Staring at screens in the evening is known to have a hugely over-stimulating effect on the brain and is therefore one of the worst activities to promote a restful sleep for your child. The evenings are for winding the brain down, not winding it up! Sleep is vital in helping your child to assimilate the learnings of the day into their brain cells and wake up feeling more
relaxed and focused.
PUT BOUNDARIES IN PLACE – BE THEIR PARENT, NOT FRIEND When you make the rules, enforce the boundaries. Children will be children and it is a natural part of their development to push these boundaries, as a normal part of finding their identity. You need to be clear what you expect from them, be sure to explain why the boundaries are in place and rather than go into conflict about it, it is okay to recognise their frustration sympathise with it. But don’t give in, and be firm about the boundaries you put in place.
REPETITION Repeating yourself can sound like nagging, but having to repeat yourself comes with the role of being a parent. When building new habits, your child will need you to keep repeating some rules.
DO THINGS AS A FAMILY To take your child away from gadgets, you need to create some family time that involves everyone and is genuinely fun. Pack everyone off into the car and head to the splash park. Go to an indoor trampoline park and let loose with some
free-jumping (it is more fun than you realise, and positively addictive once you start flying and bouncing around!) Do something touristy, like going to the top of the Burj Khalifa, or get them to choose somewhere you can all agree on for lunch. Get them involved in planning the food and preparing a barbecue. Do regular ‘movie and popcorn’ nights at home. Playing card games, board games or having discussions and debates (about the World Cup, for example) are all lovely ways to spend time together in fun and stimulating ways. Rather than feeling deprived of a gadget, your kids will be stimulated by other types of fun instead. It is up to you as a parent to keep things fun, interesting and stimulating for your kids, and get them into family time habits from an early age.
ACTION If you are struggling with enforcing boundaries in your family, whether it is to do with gadgets, gaming or other worrying habits, or would like to help your child develop more self-confidence, improved focus and more open communication skills, Sunaina Vohra’s Athena Life Coaching can help. For further information, see the website at athenalifecoaching.com MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | JULY 2018 | 35
education
THE BODY LANGUAGE OF TODDLERS As your child grows he or she develops and expands the ‘vocabulary’ of body language. Here’s a quick insight! New behaviours can emerge seemingly overnight, and old behaviours can take on entirely new meanings. Perhaps the most dramatic changes occur during the toddler and preschool years, when children go through the process of mastering verbal communication. Body language is a powerful indicator of a toddler’s comfort level with a particular situation. Think about a group of toddlers in a play area, and you can easily picture some playing happily, some engaged in conflict with each other, and one or two hanging back and not participating at all. It’s easy to imagine those hanging back being uncomfortable in the groups, but those involved in conflicts are often just as uncomfortable. They simply express their discomfort by becoming very assertive rather than very submissive.
BODY LANGUAGE OF PRESCHOOLERS Preschoolers usually display most of the same non-verbal behaviours as toddlers, but they expand the meaning of these messages even further by adding in words. Preschoolers still depend on body language a great deal but are learning how to combine verbal and non-verbal methods to express themselves and get what they want. One of the most common occurrences in these early preschool years is attempting to tell a lie. This may seem like a small thing, but it has huge implications for the years to come. When a child first attempts lying with words, body language almost inevitably gives them away. They have trouble making eye contact, they may hang their head, or otherwise appear tentative. 36 | JULY 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD
MOVING TOWARDS SENTENCES As a child moves from first words to full sentences, his or her body language undergoes huge changes too. During infancy the primary means of communication is body language and non-verbal cues, and most toddlers have developed an amazing array of non-verbal vocabulary. When words start to emerge, however, it is a confusing time for the child and it’s easy for frustration to set in. For instance, a child might be trying to say a particular word, but nearby adults can’t quite make it out, so their irritation levels quickly escalate. A child’s body
language often takes over at that point, whether in the form of crying, pouting, hitting, or some other expression of aggravation and frustration. This is a very challenging time for parent and child alike, and needs a lot of patience and understanding to navigate. Parents can make the process easier for everyone by avoiding situations where frustration might set in. Such situations include missing a nap, becoming over stimulated, unfamiliar and frightening circumstances. Be prepared to redirect the child’s attention with a favourite book or by singing a soothing song if a problem sets in. As ever with parenthood, patience is key!
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education
INSIGHT INTO CHILDREN’S GARDEN AL BARSHA
There is a point in every parent’s journey where they have to spend time apart from their babies and toddlers. Just thinking about where your young child is when they are away from you can actually be hugely comforting when you know they are enjoying their learning journey at school. This is a brief peek into the world of Children’s Garden in Al Barsha. The philosophy at Children’s Garden Al Barsha, a Taleeem pre-school, is that: ‘childhood should be a journey, not a race.’ To find out more about what this means, I visited the school to see for myself how this ethos translates into the children’s experience – you can read about this in next month’s issue, and get a sneak preview on the MotherBabyChild. com website! The first thing to bear in mind is that Children’s Garden, which accepts children from ages 2-6, is a school – not a nursery! Here, children start to learn about the world around them and learn about themselves from the earliest age. Some parents just need a creche-type facility to leave very small children, but Children’s Garden doesn’t operate as a ‘drop-off/pick-up’ facility. Instead, there is an educational structure that is beautifully tailored to learning for very young children and their stage of development.
MOVEMENT AND STIMULATION The school places a huge emphasis on movement. Small toddlers and children naturally like to fidget move, wander, jump and move around! Children’s Garden positively harnesses this inclination to move, while realising that children aged 2-6 are not natural candidates to sit at a school desk for long periods! There is plenty of variety in the range of stimulating activities for children in this school, including a garden where children can plant seeds and learn that 38 | JULY 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD
feeding and watering them helps them to grow. The school features its own little waterpark, where children can run through little fountains of water and have a jolly good splash around – usually accompanied by lots of laughter and throwing hand up in glee. The gym is a haven for movement, activity and physical coordination, but the school also has a sensory room, where children can experience the calmness of colours and textures, for a balanced experience at school.
LANGUAGES AND CULTURE The school gives parents the option
for their children to learn in the Arabic, English and French languages, or a combination of these. Young children are at their most receptive to learning languages and don’t be surprised if a tour through the school allows you to witness children happily conversing with each other in two languages, with each understanding the other perfectly! The staff are highly qualified and experienced, and take obvious delight in nurturing young minds, while caring for the young students. In the next issue, you can read the in-depth interview with the school Principal to find out more about the Children’s Garden experience from the child’s point of view.
education
FUN LEARNING THROUGH THE SUMMER The team at Kings’ Education shares some fun ways to keep young brains engaged outside of the classroom.
W
hile no child wants to spend their summer stuck in the house reading or working on maths problems, the long holidays are still a great opportunity for them to learn while having fun. After a year spent behind the school desk, it is important to continue to add and develop to the many skills and concepts that children absorb in the classroom environment, while also discovering new and cool, fun activities outside of the school gates.
READY, STEADY, BAKE Put on an apron and prepare to get messy with a maths lesson in the kitchen. Measuring spoons and cups at the ready, let the kids choose their favourite cake, muffin or pizza recipe and have some fun. Bring their maths skills into play when measuring, mixing and figuring out the cooking times, plus there’s a little chemistry action involved too. Following a recipe is a great way to boost listening and sequencing skills. Recipes often contain enough ingredients to cater for four people. Can you imagine the children’s reaction if you ask them to double the quantity of the goodies they are baking?! This is a great way for them to really enjoy the maths and calculations. 40 | JULY 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD
POWERED BY:
Find lots of ideas for child-friendly recipes at www.bbcgoodfoodme.com
SHUFFLE UP Card games are a staple of the holiday season and we all had a favourite game as a child. Playing card games is a great way of getting children to engage with each other as kids should – as opposed to burying their heads in a screen. Pick up a pack of the ever-popular UNO or grab a regular deck of cards and try one of the following: • Go Fish (4 years+) - This game teaches numbers and pattern recognition • Snap (3 years+) - This classic game is all about sharpening children’s reflexes, and my gosh the laughter and excitement in this game just builds and builds! Just be careful that older kids are kind to the smaller ones, as it can be very frustrating and upsetting for very young children to lose every round. If you are playing Snap with the kids, make sure they all get a turn at ‘winning’! • Rummy (7 years+) - a natural extension of Go Fish, great for concentration and logical reasoning • Board games and puzzles are also great summer fun for kids, who quickly find themselves engaged, having fun, enjoying healthy competition and working out strategies.
MAKING MEMORIES Capture special moments from the summer or document the holidays with a scrapbook. A cross between an arts project, journal, diary and keep-sake, this is a great way to support your child’s creativity and imagination. Create a scrapbook about your summer travels or let them run with a topic that they’re particularly interested in from the natural world. Equip them with a camera, glue stick, safety scissors, stickers and stamps, and make sure you are actively involved in helping them with the process.
DAY TRIPPING
SCREEN TIME
Get out of the house and explore your own city, or discover a new one with plenty of learning moments along the way. Have the little ones plan the day and try and incorporate destinations such as exhibitions, public art, interesting buildings, or sights that they may have been learning about in school. Set them a task, such as finding somewhere on the map or working out the travel route if you’re hopping on the tram or metro, or finding five new facts about a certain place or experience.
Banning screen time altogether isn’t necessary, but for your children’s sake, and for the sake of their development, cut back on video games, screens and TV time with plenty of outdoor play such as a trampoline park, splash park, or kids’ gym. For the screen time they do have, download a couple of cool (free) educational apps for something different to do. Keen puzzlers will love Flow Free (8 years+) with more than 2,000 puzzles plus a puzzle of the day, while younger
learners (2 years+) are easily absorbed by the colourful fun of Fish School. Parents and science buffs, can also learn a thing or two from the Nasa Visualization Explorer app (7 years+).
SCIENCE IN ACTION Turn your kitchen into a science lab and add some excitement to the day with hands-on experimentation that is as much about fun as it is about learning. From something as simple as invisible ink made from lemon juice (heat to reveal) or inflating a balloon using popping candy and a fizzy drink bottle, to the ‘walking water’ or egg in a bottle experiment, it’s guaranteed fun for family members of all ages. Be inspired with experiments aplenty at littlebinsforlittlehands.com and sciencekiddo.com. If you are the parent that plans ways to make sure your children spend their time creatively, engage in (non-screen-related) play with other children and are the parent that plans ways to spend their time creatively, then the children will benefit enormously by learning through fun, all summer long. MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | MAY 2018 | 41
FACT FILE
A NEW ROUTINE FOR REFRESHING YOUR SKIN If your beauty routine is stuck in a rut of doing the same thing every day, and you feel you need to change things up a little, take a look at these six ways to refresh your beauty regime in an instant.
as far as we're concerned, you can eat chocolate! Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants that help protect your skin and eating a small piece will send all sorts of satisfied, happy feelings to your brain.
1. MASSAGE IN YOUR MOISTURISER
4. EXERCISE
When we say massage, we mean massage. Rather than dabbing on your face cream, use gentle pressure, massaging it into your skin in a circular motion. This simple trick will kick your circulation into high gear – plus it feels so good!
Another reason to take that extra gym class; a good workout doesn't just burn calories, it also helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to your skin.
2. WEAR SUNSCREEN Protecting yourself from sun damage will make you feel better now and later. Wear at least SPF 15 every day (higher if you're spending time in strong sun) to help prevent skin cancer, wrinkles and sunburn. 3. EAT CHOCOLATE – YES, SERIOUSLY! We know, we know – everyone always says chocolate causes acne. But there's no scientific proof of that, so
By: Izanne Fagan Tips & Toes Training Manager
42 | JULY 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD
5. GET HYDRATED Drinking six to eight glasses of water a day is beyond important for your skin - hydration starts from the inside out. 6. EXFOLIATE/SCRUB If your complexion is looking a little dull, chances are it needs a little scrub-down. Use a gentle face exfoliator/ scrub to remove dead skin cells; your skin will glow after. Do not exfoliate if you have acne or a bad break out and keep exfoliation to twice a week to avoid irritation.
We never forget that our readers are modern women as well as mums, so you’ll always pick up good living tips here and remind yourself it’s okay to be you!
GOOD LIVING F A M I LY | F A S H I O N | L I F E S T Y L E
MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | JULY 2018 | 43
good living
STAYCATIONS IN THE UAE Years ago, the idea of not going abroad for a summer holiday often left both children and their parents feeling like they’d missed out on a good break. Not any more! Staycation options in Dubai and the UAE have changed beyond recognition and here, we’ve picked some of our best recommendations for this month.
S
taycations are an amazing way to cut out all the cost and stress of expensive peak-season flights, airport queues, travel scheduling, packing and panicking! Not only do you suddenly save flight and travel costs, you have a fantastic opportunity to maximise every minute of relaxation time with the family.
Another major advantage of taking a staycation in Dubai, for example, is that life is just so busy all year round that it is rare to have the time for the whole family to really explore the city together and indulge in the fun and relaxing pursuits on the doorstep.
and the best ones have kids’ facilities that will keep them entertained, great dining options that help teach the kids about food quality and enjoyment and spacious, comfortable family rooms that boost the holiday vibe no end.
Our local hotels have come a long way in providing the ultimate staycation experience
These are our favourite staycation picks for this month.
SUMMER ‘STAY & PLAY’ PACKAGE AT M HOTEL DOWNTOWN BY MILLENNIUM M Hotel Downtown by Millennium is situated at the heart of Downtown Dubai, close to all the major areas of interest, including the iconic Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall. The hotel’s Stay & Play package is designed to transport families to a summer staycation experience personalised to their own needs and desires. This family-friendly destination caters for parents looking for some time together, or simply a day of refreshing indulgence. The Stay & Play package offers access to the season’s hottest leisure and theme park destination – Dubai Parks & Resorts. Families can enjoy the sights and sounds of any one of Dubai Parks & Resorts’ attractions, which include Motiongate Dubai, Legoland Dubai, Legoland Waterpark or Bollywood Parks. Families can make the most of their staycation by indulging themselves in Millennium’s signature Lemon Pepper Restaurant. As part of the package, you can get a whopping 25% discount on the mouth-watering buffet or the à la 44 | JULY 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD
carte menu, which offers a fresh culinary experience to the family. Other staycation benefits include complimentary shuttle to Dubai Mall and Jumeirah Kite Beach, free high-speed Wifi and parking. M Hotel Downtown by Millennium is known for its spectacular views
and personalised service, against a backdrop of distinctive design with modern amenities. For reservations: Phone: +971 4 450 2000. Email: reservations.mhdd@millenniumhotels.com Website: www.millenniumhotels.com
SUMMER SMILES AT HOLIDAY INN DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY We love this staycation venue because the new 508-room Holiday Inn Dubai Festival City has a great combination of the right price, location and facilities to deliver a really fun-packed family break in Dubai.
SPECIAL SUMMER DISCOUNTS Holiday Inn Dubai Festival City is spreading the joy of travel this summer with an exclusive staycation offer for GCC nationals and residents. Stay for a minimum of two nights before the 1st of September 2018, and receive the following: • Up to 30% Discount on the best available rates • Late check-out, subject to availability • 20% Discount on food and beverages at Anise, Choix Pastierre & Restaurant par Pierre Gagnaire, Vista Lounge, Zaytoun, Skyline Lounge and Mezzaluna • 20% Discount at SPA InterContinental • AED 100 voucher per room per stay to spend at Robinsons Department Store • Direct access to Festival City Mall, which features over 400 retail stores, including Robinsons Department Store. This hotel has vibrant atmosphere with modern finishes and delightful spaces. The open deck temperature-controlled pool is the perfect spot to cool down with family and friends, while Zeste Café offers a comforting selection of healthy food and beverages to keep the energy levels up. Situated only 10 minutes away from Dubai International Airport and close to major tourist landmarks in the city, the hotel provides the perfect location for a staycation. Despite having so much to see, do and experience close by, the Holiday Inn Dubai Festival City provides plenty of fun family choices within the hotel itself. There are three food and beverage outlets, a pool and fitness centre – and for any unavoidable work catch-ups, there are also four meeting rooms and a conference centre, as well as a new rooftop bar.
FOOD & DINING It is often said that it is the little details
that count, and with this in mind, we’re impressed with the Holiday Inn’s kids’ menu that is carefully crafted in partnership with nutritionists to support the requirements of growing children. For example, classic kids’ favourite, burger and chips, is made with baked fries, lean meat and is served with a wholemeal burger bun and lots of colourful salad on the side. The fruit drinks contain no added syrups and even the deserts and popsicles are made with real fruit. The menu also contains
plenty of choices for all kids’ tastes. This family friendly hotel is perfect for those travelling with children, offering direct access to Dubai Festival City’s retail and leisure facilities such as Toys R Us, Fabyland, a ‘futuristic’ family entertainment destination for children of all ages, and IMAGINE – a water, light and fire show at the Festival Bay at the Dubai Festival City Mall. Book Online at www.ihg.com/holidayinn or call Reservations on 1-888-Holiday. MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | JULY 2018 | 45
good living INTERCONTINENTAL DUBAI MARINA The InterContinental Dubai Marina Hotel has the distinction of being the most centrally located hotel in Dubai Marina and has all the ingredients to provide you with the family holiday of a lifetime. Basing your staycation around Dubai Marina and the golden beaches of JBR is sure to deliver you a thrilling and fun-filled holiday experience – which is the very essence of what the perfect staycation should be. The InterContinental Dubai Marina hotel is fantastically located for the perfect family summer holiday experience. The marina is right on your doorstep, which opens the door to family boat rides, fishing trips, long lazy lunches at sea and some seriously fun watersports.
YOUR PERFECT FAMILY BEACH HOLIDAY The Beach at JBR is a world-class, bustling cosmopolitan area, with a classic Arabic twist. The family-friendly district is just a stone’s throw from the InterContinental and there’s plenty to do to keep the whole family thrilled and entertained for every day of your staycation here. There is a huge variety of beachside dining and shopping options, as well as watersport facilities such as parasailing and wakeboarding. The kids will love the banana boat and train rides here, as well as the opportunity to take a camel ride along the beach. Because of the oh-so convenient proximity of the location, it’s easy to get your happy and exhausted kids back home to the InterContinental Dubai Marina after their fun-packed beach days!
SOPHISTICATION FOR YOUR CHILDREN TO EXPERIENCE The 328-room InterContinental Dubai Marina hotel is spread over 47 floors has won the Arabian Property Awards for the Best Hotel Interior in Dubai. Exposing older children to high-end or sophisticated environments is a lovely was to instill an appreciation of high standards in them. At this hotel, they will experience classic interior design, fascinating contemporary art installations and sculptures, feature walls and retro restyling, all of which will make a lasting impression on their senses and shape their own tastes and standards as they grow. 46 | JULY 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD
THE FINE DINING HOLIDAY YOU DESERVE! The InterContinental Dubai Marina hotel is home to one of Dubai’s top fine dining restaurants, ‘Marina Social’ by Michelin starred celebrity chef Jason Atherton. This popular restaurant offers ‘a pocket of London in the heart of Dubai Marina’ and serves simply stunning food! Here, you’ll find a relaxed, social atmosphere and enjoy family time overlooking the stunning panoramic views of the Dubai Marina waterfront. Marina Social has an intelligent and high-quality children’s menu of fresh natural ingredients. Allowing children to experience food in a setting like this helps them to feel relaxed, excited and adventurous about trying new foods, because they are ‘on holiday’! Other restaurants within the InterContinental Dubai Marina hotel include Accents, Ginter and Urban Lounge.
STAYCATION ACTIVITIES THE HOTEL CAN HELP YOU ARRANGE… Dubai is a city of many personalities with an array of activities and experiences waiting to be discovered by all the family.
Golf Dubai has long been considered a true paradise for golfers and it is known for having some of the best designed courses
by the worlds’ best course designers. From 18-hole championship courses to equally challenging par 3 courses, all of which are a major draw for accomplished and casual golfers alike. A great variety of golf courses are within easy reach of the hotel.
Adventures Rising up between the Arabian Gulf on the east and the vast desert on the west, there are plenty of opportunities for adventure. Venture into the desert for a thrilling 4x4 car ride across the sand dunes followed by a memorable family dinner under the stars or set sail on a cruise around the Palm Islands.
Culture In the historic Bastakia quarter, the city’s most picturesque heritage sight, is Dubai’s oldest building: the 1799 AlFahidi Fort, which now houses the Dubai museum. Your family can explore Dubai’s history, culture and traditions through an engaging collection of multimedia displays and archeological exhibits from desert excavations. The InterContinental Concierge team can arrange privileged access to Dubai’s many attractions, whether you decide to arrange your itinerary upon arrival or in advance. For reservations: Phone: +971 4 446 6669. Email: res.icdubaimarina@ihg.com Website: www.icdubaimarina.com
INTERCONTINENTAL DUBAI MARINA
MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | JULY 2018 | 47
good living
THE SECRET TO A HAPPY FAMILY DURING THE WORLD CUP! E
very four years, the FIFA World Cup rolls around and the whole world gets involved. Whether you have an ardent football fan in the house, someone who absolutely hates it, or kids who can’t wait to burst into the garden with a football - either way, emotions run high and right now, things are hotting up. People are so passionate about this tournament that, on the day of the World Cup final, it is a fact that millions of people all over the world even call in sick to work! There is something primal about this global tournament that touches the hearts of many people. Welcome to World Cup Fever! For some couples however, the World Cup causes tension and rows if someone wants to watch the football and someone else doesn’t. BROTHERS TOGETHER AND A FAMILY DIVIDED! When watching World Cup matches, strangers become friends and people bond like brothers in pure solidarity for 90 minutes. No other tournament has this ‘bonding’ effect. For some guys, spending time with their dad when growing up and going off to watch a match together created special memories that lasted a lifetime. For some people, this is a miserable and thoroughly annoying tournament to endure. The World Cup is notorious for causing family arguments about what to watch on TV, or about dads wanting to skip dinner to go off with the guys to watch football. If the World Cup has divided your household, how should you handle this? Well, I’ll let you in on a secret – if your husband is into the World Cup, the chances are it would skyrocket his happiness levels into the stratosphere if you were to offer him a totally free pass to watch the matches. If 48 | JULY 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD
he is a football fan, then denying him the opportunity to watch the World Cup final may well cause him a degree of emotional trauma from which he may not ever recover! (I still have this trauma from missing a World Cup final 20 years ago when my car broke down on the highway!) Luckily, there is a great solution at hand in Dubai that ensures that all the family can happily sail through World Cup fever with ease. Many of the hotel venues have multiple food and beverage outlets
under one roof, meaning that during the important matches, those who want to watch the football can do so, while the other family members can dine out in style as a special World Cup treat for themselves! The hotels featured on pages 44-46 have fantastic dining and spa options for the ladies, and a nice comfy ‘man cave’ for the boys to watch the football. Problem solved!
WIN A MALDIVES FAMILY VACATION WORTH AED17,000! A W A R D S 2 0 1 8
The 7th annual Mother, Baby & Child awards recognise the best products and services for children and families across the UAE as voted for by you. The only awards of their kind, the Mother, Baby &Child Awards give mothers the opportunity to help shape vital industries which are part of their daily lives and recognise brands that support both parents and their families. Cast your votes now and enter our draw 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! To enter all you need to do is hit the ‘share’ button after you have cast your votes online.
Supporting Partner
Voting Prize Partner
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Organiser
motherbabychild.com/awards #mbcawards Voting closes 8th November 2018.
good living
MUST HAVE
4
SUMMER DRESS
1
2 5
2 6 YUMMY MUMMY SUMMER FASHION 7 Marni Eyewear 1 AED 1,590 RomyCollection.com 2 Top AED 725 Pants AED 800 River Island 3 AED 429 5 AED 99 6 AED 239 Twinset 4 AED 1,480 7 AED 1,100
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3 5 5
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Fancy frames, it’s all in the details with SAMA Eyewear. The Cara is adorned with 24K plating, 18K rose gold plating or genuine platinum plating.
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RomyCollection.com 8 AED 1,000 | Finchitua at BEYOUboutique 9 AED 650 | SAMA 10 AED 4,050 B180 at BEYOUboutique 11 AED 190 | Sandro 12 AED 1,290 | Cabochon Travel Kit 13 AED 850 River Island 15 AED 119 | Jennyfer 17 AED 49 MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | JULY 2018 | 51
good living
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BABY’S CLOSET
Say Please! 1 AED 230 2 AED 230 3 AED 125 4 AED 125 | Marks & Spencer 5 AED 100 11 AED 250 each 12 AED 85 13 AED 120 Zippy 6 AED 59 | thebabyboutique.com 7 AED 199 8 AED 210 9 AED 145 52 | JULY 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD
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Babyshop 14 AED 105 15 AED 105 16 AED 67 17 AED 99 18 AED 47 19 AED 47 22 Shirt with Tie AED 79, Shorts with Braces AED 79 YPI 20 Top AED 107, Skirt AED 107 23 AED 106 | Max 21 AED 55 | Zippy 24 AED 79 25 AED 79 26 AED 49 Marks & Spencer 27 AED 100 28 AED 120 29 AED 100 MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | JULY 2018 | 53
good living
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MINI STYLE STARS
Marks & Spencer 1 AED 150 2 AED 275 3 AED 450 | YPI 4 AED 195 6 AED 299 7 AED 299 Twinset 5 AED 1,060 exclusively available in Abu Dhabi Mall branch | Novel Walk 8,9 size 24-35 AED 385, size 36-39 AED 470 each 54 | JULY 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD
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22 Zippy 10 AED 49 11 AED 35 12 AED 49 13 AED 49 14 AED 109 15 AED 89 16 AED 49 17 AED 79 Babyshop 18 AED 44 19 AED 109 20 AED 65 21 AED 87 22 AED 79 MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | JULY 2018 | 55
FACT FILE
SUPERFOODS TO BOOST YOUR CHILD’S BRAIN POWER The brain controls a large number of functions on a daily basis and therefore, like the body, needs the right nutrients to make it work efficiently. While you may have heard of common ‘brain foods’ like pomegranates, blueberries, dark chocolate and nuts, there are many other foods that offer a number of brainboosting powers. Here are 12 superfoods for the brain: ZA’ATAR A favorite amongst the people of this region, this spice mixture is a blend of sesame seeds, sumac, oregano and thyme. It is extremely good for the brain as both oregano and thyme contain a compound called carvalo, which boosts the brain cells. WALNUTS Walnuts are rich in a variety of nutrients to support brain health, including vitamin E, Omega-3 fats, copper, manganese and fibre for brain-supportive gut bacteria. CHICKEN Commonly known for being high in protein, chicken is also a great dietary source of vitamin B6 and B12, as well as choline. All of these play an important role in brain health and neuroprotection. QUINOA This protein-rich super food contains all the essential amino acids, especially lysine, which plays a key role in regulating stress and anxiety. It also contains antioxidants and a small amount of Omega-3 fatty acids. SPINACH Rich in brain-protective antioxidants along with vitamin K, folate and lutein. JICAMA One of the best sources of prebiotic fiber. Jicama, also
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known as Mexican yam, is high in vitamin B6, folate, and vitamin E. BROCCOLI Broccoli is one of the best brain foods out there, and thanks to its high levels of vitamin K and choline, it will help keep your child’s memory sharp. EGGS Eggs are rich in choline, one of the most fundamental neurotransmitters. In addition, eggs contain cholesterol, an important component of brain cell membranes, as well as serving as a brain-protective antioxidant. TURMERIC Turmeric acts to turn on the parts of our DNA that help reduce inflammation. The important role of turmeric in brain health has been described in the Vedic texts dating back more than 3,000 years. CHIA SEEDS They are rich in fibre, Omega-3 fatty acids, carbohydrates, antioxidants and calcium. While carbohydrates, fibre and calcium do not help or hinder memory, antioxidants and Omega-3 certainly boost brain power. Antioxidants are known to increase blood flow to the brain which improves memory. Omega-3 fatty acids keep your brain free from plaque and help brain cells communicate with one another. PUMPKIN SEEDS A rich source of zinc, a mineral that plays an important role in memory and overall brain function. FLAX SEEDS Like chia seeds, flaxseeds are also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Specifically, they are high in a type of Omega-3 called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which has been strongly linked to brain health.
Real life health stories, the latest in nutritional insights, family wellbeing and our top health tips this month.
HEALTH
N U T R I T I O N | W E L L B E I N G | V I TA L I T Y MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | JULY 2018 | 57
health
CHECK-UPS FOR RISKS DURING PREGNANCY
If you have a high-risk pregnancy, you or your baby might be at increased risk of health problems before, during or after delivery. Typically, special monitoring or care throughout pregnancy is needed. This is an idea of what to expect…
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P
renatal diagnostics encompasses all the examinations that are carried out to detect hereditary diseases or physical problems in the unborn child. These procedures are particularly relevant to women with certain risk factors that run in the family.
TESTING FOR GENETIC OR CHROMOSOMAL DISORDERS A screening test is conducted in mothers who may be at risk. Based on the results of this test, the doctor will make a decision as to whether further tests should be carried out. Today, most chromosome disorders can be established with the so-called’ First Trimester Test,’ the optimum period for this test being between the 11th and the 14th week of pregnancy. This test takes into account the mother's age, the results of a maternal blood analysis and the thickness of the unborn child's neck fold, which is measured by ultrasound.
ULTRASOUND SCAN Ultrasound examinations are routinely conducted before pregnancy, to check fertility or cyclic changes in the uterus and ovaries. Ultrasound is also used once the pregnancy is established, to check on the health of the pregnancy and the growing embryo. During the scan the nurse will put lubricating gel on your abdomen to help the probe to make good contact with your skin. The probe is connected by a wire to the ultrasound machine and monitor. Pulses of ultrasound (high definition sound waves) are sent from the probe through the skin into your body. The ultrasound waves then echo or bounce back from the various structures in the body. The echoes are detected by the probe and sent down the wire to the ultrasound machine. They are displayed as a picture on the monitor, which is constantly updated, allowing the scan to show movement as well as structure. The doctor uses ultrasound to precisely measure the embryo, in order to determine the length of the pregnancy and the date of delivery. The scanner also makes it possible to recognise any abnormalities early on, by measuring the neck fold.
The first ultrasound test takes place between the 10th and 14th week of pregnancy and the second between the 20th and the 23rd week. There are no known risks for the child in the ultrasound testing.
A thickened neck fold can also be due to harmless causes. This is why the testing of the neck fold may be combined with an examination of the mother's blood, which is called ‘serum screening’.
The doctor can usually recognise arms and legs, as well as the heartbeat and any movement of the embryo, early on in the pregnancy.
MATERNAL SERUM SCREENING (BLOOD TEST)
The best time to examine the baby’s organs is in the 20th - 23rd week, at which point, the organs are large enough to permit a detailed sonographic examination and it is possible to clearly see the baby's face.
CONSIDERATIONS IN THE FIRST TRIMESTER • The heart is beating visibly • Position of the foetus in the uterus • Stage of pregnancy reached • Multiple or single pregnancy • Possible chromosome disorders (e.g. Downs Syndrome)
CONSIDERATIONS IN THE SECOND AND THIRD TRIMESTER
The blood test can be carried out between 14 weeks and 20 weeks plus 6 days to screen for neural tube defects such as spina bifida (abnormal development of part of the spine and spinal cord) and anencephaly (severely abnormal development of the brain). If you are having the second trimester blood test for Downs Syndrome, neural tube defect screening can be done at the same time. If the test shows that your baby has an increased chance of having a neural tube defect, an ultrasound will be done straight away. A detailed ultrasound scan of the baby when you are around 18 - 20 weeks pregnant can detect almost all babies with a neural tube defect (95%). If the results of your screening tests indicate the possibility of any abnormalities, a more precise testing method can be used, such as Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis.
• Quantity of amniotic fluid • Extent of foetal growth • Evidence of abnormalities • Position of the placenta • Doppler examination, in the case of high risk pregnancies (blood circulation in the placenta and foetus) • 3D ultrasound
FACTORS THAT MIGHT CONTRIBUTE TO A HIGH-RISK PREGNANCY INCLUDE • Maternal age. Pregnancy risks are higher for mothers older than age 35. • Lifestyle choices. Smoking, drinking alcohol and using drugs can put a pregnancy at risk.
In the UAE, only two ultrasound examinations are covered by health insurance. There would need to be a medical reason to justify any further scans.
• Medical history. A history of diabetes, heart disorders, breathing problems, infections, and blood-clotting disorders, such as deep vein thrombosis, can increase pregnancy risks.
MEASURING THE NECK FOLD
• Surgical history. A history of surgery on your uterus, including multiple C-sections, multiple abdominal surgeries or surgery for uterine tumours (fibroids), can increase pregnancy risks.
Between the 10th and 14th week of pregnancy, the skin fold in the neck of the child is measured, using ultrasound imaging. The thicker the fold, the larger the risk for Downs Syndrome. This simple method has 80% rate of identifying babies that are affected.
• Multiple pregnancy. Pregnancy risks are higher for women carrying twins or higher order multiples. MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | JULY 2018 | 59
health
UNDERSTANDING DEPRESSION IN CHILDREN The key to emotional wellbeing is the ability to keep our emotions in check and know whether our emotion is appropriate to the circumstances. However, children may need some extra guidance in learning how to communicate and manage this.
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It
is normal for children to feel sad, flat, agitated and irritated, but when these emotions linger and affect the child’s ability to function, it might be an indication of a more serious mental health issue, such as depression or anxiety.
WHAT IS DEPRESSION? Depression is a mood disorder, characterised by symptoms that last for weeks, months, or even longer.
Symptoms of depression: • Sadness - a flat mood and prone to crying • Irritability - short tempered, easily frustrated, impatient • Negative thinking - focusing on problems, complaining more, always thinking the worst • Feelings of worthlessness and rejection
“
When a child
feels depressed, they struggle to find positive things about themselves. sleeping, insomnia, or waking repeatedly
• Changes in appetite - increase or decrease in eating, or may lose interest in food
• Poor self-esteem - difficulty finding something likeable about themselves
• Limited motivation - loss of interest in activities previously found enjoyable and pleasurable
• Suicidal ideation - belief that life is not worth living or no-one would notice if they were gone
• Isolation and withdrawal - choosing to be alone, withdrawing from family and friends
Signs of depression: • Loss of energy - the child may be sluggish or lethargic • Poor concentration - s/he may not finish school tasks, or appear to be daydreaming • Disruption in sleeping pattern - over-
• Self-harm
WHAT IS AN ANXIETY DISORDER? The key features of an anxiety disorder include excessive fear and anxiety, leading to a disruption in the child’s normal behaviour. Fear is an emotional
“
It helps the child greatly if the parents are aware of the symptoms and signs of depression and anxiety. One key sign is that the child may not want to make an effort with people or activities they once enjoyed. This is not about the people or the activity, it is about how the child’s perception and ways of thinking have started to affect the way they function. When a child feels depressed, they struggle to find positive things about themselves that warrant love and care from others. In some cases, if symptoms of depression become more severe, and remain undiagnosed, a child may develop thoughts of self-harm and/or suicide.
response usually related to thoughts of immediate danger and the need to escape. Anxiety relates to alertness and muscle tension in preparation for danger and readiness to be cautious or avoid particular situations of perceived threat. The anxiety disorders listed below generally start during childhood.
Separation Anxiety Disorder • Persistent worry and excessive distress about being separated from attachment parents, to a degree that is inappropriate to their stage of development • The child worries about harm coming to their parents and therefore struggles to be separated from them • A child may experience nightmares and physical symptoms of distress, such as vomiting, bed-wetting or digestive issues. MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | JULY 2018 | 61
health Selective Mutism Disorder: • A consistent failure to speak in social situations where a child is expected to talk, such as school • Although the child may talk at home or with others they trust, their failure to speak can have an effect on how they perform in academic or normal social communications.
Specific Phobia Disorder: • Fear, anxiety and avoidance related to a specific object or situation • The fear, anxiety or avoidance is almost immediately induced by the trigger situation and is out of proportion to the actual risk posed
Social Anxiety Disorder: • Fear, anxiety and avoidance of social interactions and situations that involve the possibility of being scrutinised, or spoken to in a way that means the child has to explain themselves • The child dreads being evaluated negatively by others, embarrassed, humiliated, rejected or worries about offending others. Other anxiety disorders include Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, and Generalised Anxiety Disorder.
Signs of Anxiety: • Withdrawal – isolation, keeping to themselves • Excessive clinginess and insecurity constantly by the side of the parent • Difficulty with daily functioning – toiletrelated, hygiene, sleeping, or eating • Decreased academic performance • Poor self-esteem - negative, demeaning or self-deprecating remarks • Poor attention or concentration • Regressive behaviours - for example, bed-wetting, wanting the light on at bedtime, wanting to sleep with parents, etc. • Nervous habits – such as eye twitching, hair twirling, nail biting, etc. • Increased hypervigilance - startled responses, jumpiness, agitation or hyperactivity 62 | JULY 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD
• Anxiety or panic • Behavioural problems - e.g. a sudden change in attitude, aggressiveness • Changes in physical health headaches, stomach aches, nausea, worsening asthma, skin changes such as the onset of eczema.
WHAT CAN YOU DO IF YOU SUSPECT YOUR CHILD IS DEPRESSED OR ANXIOUS?
Engage in Conversation Chat with your child in a private space, with minimal interruption. Encourage them to talk about what is bothering them. If your child is struggling to speak openly, try talking about your own moods and different emotions, such as depression and anxiety. Your child may not want to discuss this topic, or may have trouble articulating how they feel, but you will have provided an opening for further discussion.
Be Observant
Model Effective Communication
Young children communicate and express themselves through words and play. Observing your child in various environments such as at home, school, or with friends, can provide clues as to how they are feeling about themselves and others. Sometimes children who are stressed and upset may play fighting games with their toys.
The best way for a child to learn about emotions and how to express them is to learn from others. Modelling open communication about feelings can reduce the stigma or discomfort often associated with depression and anxiety. Talking about emotions can reduce the fear children associate with them. From the earliest toddler age, encourage them to say out loud to you ‘I feel angry’ or ‘I feel sad’ if anything upsets them. This way, they already feel safe and view it as normal to communicate their feelings to you.
If you notice this, ask your child questions, such as: ‘Wow, these toys are really angry with each other, what are they angry about?’ or ‘She seems upset, what’s bothering her?’ If your child talks about his or her toys and their emotions, use this opportunity to ask your child if he or she ever has similar experiences.
The Power of Listening When your child starts to open up about their experiences and emotions, listen. Try
Refrain from Judgement, be Kind and Patient It can be incredibly frustrating and taxing to help someone with depression – and the symptoms in your child may not be obvious to you for a while. It can be upsetting listening to your child saying negative things about themselves that you know to be untrue – but this is your child’s experience and how they feel, so don’t make it about how you feel. Listen. Understand. Don’t judge. Be kind and patient with your child. Be kind to yourself. Parents make mistakes. We do not get it right all of the time. Make sure you have someone you can chat with; your spouse, sibling, friend, or a professional. Seeing your child depressed can be overwhelming and heart-breaking. It is important that you have support through this difficult journey.
Finally… not to correct, judge, placate, or downplay their experiences - just sit and listen. It is empowering for a child to be listened to and believed.
Keep the Door Open for Another Talk About it If your child has difficulty in talking to you, end the conversation with ‘Let’s chat about this again, is that ok? It’s my job to check in and see how you are feeling.’ Children rarely say ‘no’ to someone caring for them. Teenagers can sometimes be a little bit trickier and may seem disinterested, but even so, giving them the offer and showing you care can make the difference between feeling isolated and supported.
Arrange a Visit to Your Local Doctor or Pediatrician If you continue to be concerned about your child’s mood, arrange a visit to the doctor to have a complete physical exam and chat about the symptoms that worry you. If the doctor believes your child has depression or anxiety then they can a make a referral to a specialist, such as a psychologist or specialist counsellor to investigate
further and help your child to feel better.
Creating a Safe Place at Home Therapists play an important role in helping children work through their symptoms of depression, but the role of a parent is crucial. Helping your child to create a balanced lifestyle with nutritious food, a healthy sleep routine, fun physical activity (a regular visit to a trampoline park or splash park are really excellent), and quality time together will help your child learn and navigate the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Being open, approachable, easy to talk-to and providing and safe place to talk, will foster a healthy relationship and freedom to talk through your child’s experiences of depression and anxiety.
Always consider the context for your child’s mood. If there has been a death in the family, an illness, change of home or school, international relocation or the arrival of a new sibling, the context can provide valuable clues as to why your child feels differently to usual. When a child shows signs of depression or anxiety, consider if there have been any major life events or changes, as these events may offer a valid explanation of why your child is behaving a certain way. Reading about mental health diagnoses like depression and anxiety will almost certainly cause a big emotional emotional reaction in both you and your child. These reactions commonly include fear, worry, distress, confusion and sadness. These reactions are normal and can provide the impetus for seeking further information and support.
CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH & COUNSELLING SERVICES IN THE UAE • The Lighthouse, Centre for Wellbeing Tel.: (Dubai) 04 3802 088 Website: www.lighthousearabia.com • Camali Clinic for child and adult mental health (Dubai) Tel.: Dubai Healthcare City:
04 2766 064 / 058 2976 331 Abu Dhabi: 02 6660 363 / 058 2976 331 Website: www.camaliclinic.com For more listings: go to www.MotherBabyChild.com/health
MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | JULY 2018 | 63
COMPETITIONS motherbabychild.com/competitions
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64 | JULY 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD
COMPETITIONS
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*Terms and conditions apply. CPI Media Group employees are not eligible to enter. Winners will be selected at random from correct entries.
66 | JULY 2018 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD