Mother Baby & Child - October 2016

YOUR GUIDE TO MOTHERHOOD IN THE UAE ISSUE 67| OCTOBER 2016 AED 10

Choosing the

Right School & Financing Your

Children’s Education

DUBAI’S

A HAPPY SCHOOL THE PROMISE OF POSITIVE EDUCATION

NO TIME

TO COOK! MINUTE 30 RECIPES

Supported by:

MINI BRUNCHING SUPERHEROES Your Guide to Having

a Baby

in Dubai

KIDS STRESSED AT SCHOOL?

EDITORIAL Editor: Dina Maaty

Editor’s Note

dina.maaty@cpimediagroup.com Direct: +9714 440 9158 Mobile: +971 55 55 35865

The UAE is big on happiness and while day-to-day it may come from the smallest things, motherhood and parenting often involve bigger decisions which can influence a family’s level of happiness.

Online Editor: Emma Hodgson

emma.hodgson@cpimediagroup.com

Graphic Designer: Sarah Radwan Photographer: Maksym Poriechkin

Among such decisions is choosing the right school, one of the most important factors when it comes to children’s happiness.

ADVERTISING Sales Director: Michael Phillips

michael.phillips@cpimediagroup.com Direct: +9714 440 9131 Mobile: +971 50 5349594

Sales Manager: Mathew Tharakan

mathew.tharakan@cpimediagroup.com Direct: +9714 440 9131 Mobile: +971 50 5349594

MARKETING Ashera Jane Borda

marketing@cpimediagroup.com

DISTRIBUTION Rajeesh Nair

rajeesh.nair@cpimediagroup.com

ONLINE Ramir Toyado PRODUCTION James Tharian

Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority has made it so easy, its ‘School of Hearts’ survey gauged students’ happiness in Dubai schools and the results, available on their website, will make you proud your children are receiving their education here.

Also in the news, we were pleased to see health inspectors from Dubai Municipality checking on more than 300 schools to ensure kitchens serving food to pupils were meeting the required safety standards.

Over at the capital, Abu Dhabi’s Education Council has implemented a child protection policy urging school principals and staff to report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect.

Schools are becoming happier and, with more flexible options to finance your children’s education, the future of families in the UAE is looking brighter – and happier – than ever.

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JOIN US

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FOUNDER

Dominic De Sousa (1959 - 2015)

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PO Box 13700 Tel: +971 4 440 9100 Fax: +971 4 447 2409 A publication licensed by IMPZ © Copyright 2016 CPI Media Group FZLLC. All rights reserved.

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

EVENT OF THE MONTH MEDCARE WOMEN & CHILDREN HOSPITAL OPEN DAY IN ASSOCIATION WITH MOTHER, BABY & CHILD OCTOBER 25

Which vaccinations are essential for my child? How often should I have a mammogram? This FREE event will answer all of your questions…

Medcare Women and Children Hospital will hold a free, informative morning at their newly-opened facility to introduce you to specialists in paediatrics and women’s health with doctors on hand to answer all of your questions on childhood vaccinations and cervical and breast health, along with complimentary screening services. www.medcare.ae/en/branches/view/medcare-women-children-hospital MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | SEPTEMBER 2016 | 03

In this Issue...

06

Things to Do Mummy and baby Toddler and child Older child and tween Your Guide to Having a Baby in Dubai

Parents-to-be.. beware

18 28

Giving birth... differently

Wondering where you can meet mummies around Dubai?

22

Shopping for baby in Dubai How to save on baby shopping

24

36

26 34

Mummy-child time

42

Choosing the right school Financing your children’s education

50

48

Educational toys for every age

CONTRIBUTORS Sarah Whitehead

Sarah is an entrepreneur and a communications specialist with a passion for journalism. As a strong advocate of work/life balance, she mentors women in business.

04 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Priyanka Wade

An ex-banker turned writer and blogger, Priyanka is mum to a six-year-old girl. onegeekofaparent.com

Fatma Azam Ali

An educator, teacher trainer and accreditation specialist, Fatmah is a mother of two girls who love fashion, school and sports.

A Division of Landmark Retail Ltd.

In this Issue...

52

Schools of the month

The safe way to/from school

54

70 56 72 15 58 74 Choosing the right bed for the growing children

Flattering beachwear for every mum

Are your kids stressed out?

Educating hearts and minds

66

Baby Aricle Baby Aricle Baby Aricle Baby Aricle Baby Aricle

30-minute meals

Throw an awesome kids’ Halloween party

76

5 dinnertime hacks

Should I go for a mummy makeover?

80

Breast cancer, how much do you really know?

82

Vitamin D-ilemmas

Pregnancy complications?

You must be having a boy

86

88 78 90 92

Tween stars, body image & your child

Moving for health

Is your newborn healthy?

06 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

THINGS TO DO

Learn the Basics of

Baby Sleep

Babies cannot make themselves fall asleep; it is something that they have very little control over, which makes sleeping chaotic for the first few years.

During the first six months of life, babies will sleep anywhere and at any time. By around six months of age, they develop a sort of settling routine.

Bumps and Beyond Dubai offers classes on infant sleep guidance and a Soothe, Settle & Sleep Programme; they will soon introduce Baby Yoga for a calmer, happier baby.

www.bumpsandbeyonddubai. com

You can also head to The London Sleep Centre for advice on how to handle sleep problems in babies.

www.londonsleepcentre.ae

08 | OCTOBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Speaking of

Sleepless Nights…

Too much trouble with baby?

Help is on the way!

Experiencing countless sleepless nights after having her first baby, one mama decided that mummies were not getting enough support and education over one of the most important parts of the miraculous motherhood journey – the beginning!

To help them out, mummy Malaak launched Malaak Mama & Baby Care. Giving new mothers the opportunity to get some good night’s sleep and avoid that overwhelming ‘new mum’ feeling, the company offers professional maternity nurses, babysitters and sleep trainers. .

www.malaak.me

Have a Mother-Baby Massage A massage is always a good idea, but a post-natal massage? An even better one! Apart from the relaxation, improved circulation and breastfeeding, and all of its health benefits, a post-natal massage is a good way of treating yourself after all of the hard work (phew!).

Cucciku has many options for packages and even a home service for your convenience which you can check out on cucciku.com or learn how to conduct your own with Infant Massage Instructor (we want this job!) Amy Vogelaar; contact her on amyvogelaar@yahoo.com

Shopping for Baby Level Kids

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ROLY PONY

jumper AED 225

Children’s Lane AED 627

At Home!

Embrace Bathtime

The Konjac Sponge AED 95

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Joie AED 60

Nest for kids

150 ml AED 135 for one or AED 260 for twin pack 250 ml AED 145 for one or AED 265 for twin pack

ROLY PONY

shirt AED 120 , leggings AED 160 and trousers in cotton AED170 MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | OCTOBER 2016 | 09

THINGS-TO-DO

Toddler &

Join

an Arabic or French Class Together

Learning a new language through play-based activities is a lot of fun for children, but why not get to spend more time with your child and learn a bit of French yourself too? Baby Arabia’s Parent & Toddler classes take place in different locations around town, including Cheeky Monkeys Marina/JBR, Dubai World Trade Centre and much more.

To learn Arabic, French or Spanish with your child, visit babyarabia. com. Classes are open to children ages 1-5 for AED 850 per term.

10 | OCTOBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Explore

Taste of Abu Dhabi and Hunt for Treasure Are you excited about Taste of Abu Dhabi?

So are we! Taking place on November 10–12 at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi, the grand food celebration has some new activities that we are sure you will enjoy.

Bring your little ones along and take part in the Family Treasure Hunt in partnership with Mother, Baby and Child. Search for the clues and win lots of lovely prizes. It is free to enter and guarantees hours of fun in the sun.

Keep the children entertained at the Kids’ Zone with lots of exciting and creative activities; from soft play to cooking classes and fairground rides, they will be having lots of fun in the sun! www.tasteabudhabi.com

MoH approval no : EX 06302

Soothes, heals and protects Economical – a little goes a long way

Toddler & Child

THINGS-TO-DO

Try a menu curated by tiny tots Following on the launch of its first familyfriendly Friday brunch, BU! restaurant has revealed an exclusive new brunch menu for tiny tots, created in collaboration with a team of expert kiddie consultants.

BU!’s Mexican head chef collaborated with Vivya (eight), Aaliyah (aged), Kallen (two and a half) and Rene (one) to create a selection of nottoo-naughty, yet delicious food plates perfect for the little ones. A delicious array of dishes was born including chicken quesadillas, fish sticks, pasta Pomodoro, and fresh fruit salad for dessert.

EVIE

W

R

www.butrinity.com

Meet the

Superheroes If you are looking for a fun weekend outing with the children, The Address Dubai Marina’s Mazina would be the place to go. Take it from us, their Superhero Brunch is a haven for children/geeks-atheart.

With a completely separate, supervised play area, this brunch would have topped our list in any case, but it comes with a twist. Roaming around are superheroes from every single comic in the book.

We spotted Catwoman, Iron Man and snapped a photo with Captain America. The kiddie paparazzi must have caught up with Spiderman, but we could swear we saw Superman by the sushi counter.

When it comes to food, you would think superheroes do not really eat that much. Well, they do. Mazina’s selection is more extensive than you can imagine. The chef used flowers – yes, actual

12 | OCTOBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

flowers – to create a special sushi plate for us which we ate along with perfectly-cooked roast beef and get-in-our-tummy sticky toffee pudding.

Kids can enjoy their own buffet with pizza, nuggets and treats, and let us just confess – we were a bit jealous because we wanted to try their section out too. We did manage to play at the Wii stations, enjoy some face painting, jump at the bouncy castle and got our own magic show too.

With the kids…of course Date: Every Saturday

Time: 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm

Price: AED 315 per person with soft beverages, AED 440 per person house beverages, AED 595 per person with free flow house beverages and bubbly

Birthday BirthdayCelebrations Celebrations Funky Chef

Mighty Hero

Princess Party Rock n‛ Roll

Paint n‛ Swirl

Halloween Party Oct. 28 5-7pm

Themed Party

Diwali Diwali Event Event Oct. Oct. 20 20 5-7pm 5-7pm

Sandwich Sunday Oct.23

Pasta Week Oct. 2,3,4,5,6

Coffee Mornings every Saturday 10-11:30 am

Balloon Workshop Oct. 9,10,11 5-6 pm

Family Friday Oct. 7,8

Drop n Work/Shop Sun-Wed 9am-7pm Thu 9am-9pm

Birthday Parties

Play Center

Kids Café

/funkymonkeysuae

Classes

School Trips

@funkymonkeysuae

Balloon Decor

Outdoor Events

@funkymonkeydubai

04 388 4114 info@funkymonkeysuae.com www.funkymonkeysuae.com P.O.Box-413698, Al Wasl Center, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE

Older

THINGS-TO-DO

&Tween

Build

a City of LEGO® Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina’s Family Kids Club is calling on all pintsized heroes to join them in building a city! A giant LEGO model will be constructed on the lawns of the hotel reproducing the iconic Dubai skyline on October 18–27.

Grab Your Own

Gifts at BurJuman

Providing children up to 12 years old with a safe, fun and educational environment to play and learn through utilising approximately half a million LEGO bricks on the grounds of Le Méridien Mina Seyahi, the LEGO Megabuild is available for all master builders to put their imaginations – and construction skills – to work.

With guidance from knowledgeable LEGO representatives on-hand, kids are encouraged to re-create the skyline brick by brick, from the ocean to the skyscrapers, and watch their city take shape around the Mina Seyahi complex.

The activation will run from 9 am to 5 pm daily.

14 | OCTOBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

There has been a lot going on at BurJuman lately!

The centre will now feature a giant ‘human claw machine’ which takes arcade giftgrabbing to the next level.

Spend AED 300 on weekdays and AED 400 on weekends (Thursday, Friday and Saturday) to participate and win prizes including BurJuman gift cards, smart phones, TVs and more. Strapped onto a giant crane, participants try grabbing any of these prizes themselves for a twist on the old arcade favourite.

THINGS-TO-DO

Older Child & Tween

Kids’ Yoga We know yoga is something mum just loves doing, but what about turning your child into a little yogi too? Children deal with many distractions, temptations, overstimulation and peer pressure.

Practicing Yoga at an early age encourages self-esteem and awareness using key physical and mental activities. Introducing your children to yoga at an early age can help them learn healthy lifestyle habits and set the foundation for a fit future.

For kids’ yoga classes, lifestyleyogadubai@gmail.com

Namaste!

Developmental Dance Classes and Even Cheerleading!

Located at a variety of Dubai locations including Motor City, Emirates Golf Club and Silicon Oasis, StepUp Academy offers classes to kids ages 15 months old right up to teens including all-level classes of the educational KinderTots, KinderGym and KinderDance, in addition to ballet, cheerleading, lyrical contemporary, street jazz and show stoppers. www.stepup.ae

16 | OCTOBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

A W A R D S 2 0 1 6 Recognising the best products and services across the UAE for children and families

win a holiday to thailand Ready to vote for your favourite brands and win?

Cast your vote now for the Mother, Baby & Child Awards 2016 and enter the draw to win an amazing three-night stay for 2 adults and 2 children at the 5-star Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort inclusive of breakfast, Sunday brunch and airport transfers, worth over AED 5000!

Simply visit our website and hit the share button after casting your vote. motherbabychild.com/awards #mbcawards2016

P A R T N E R S

*Voting closes on Wednesday 23rd November.

PARENTING

YOUR GUIDE TO HAVING A BABY IN Dubai

18 | OCTOBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

PARENTING

First things first, are you insured?

• You need to apply 10-12 months before getting pregnant • What does it cover? Factors to consider:

• Outpatient services such as prenatal and postnatal doctors’ visits, gestational diabetes screenings, lab studies, medications, etc.

• Inpatient services, such as hospitalisation, physician fees, etc.

• Newborn baby care

THE BIG

‘C’

• It is not a given that caesarean is covered; if covered, it may be only for the equivalent of a natural delivery, which is much lower.

Whether elective of prescribed, a C-section is something you have to check on first.

What are the most common maternity packages?

ANTENATAL

Offers care for mother until delivery (some hospitals offer an antenatal package from 28 weeks) May include: blood count tests, urine examination, ultrasound, preparation with midwife, etc.

BASIC DELIVERY AND NEWBORN

Labour suite, paediatric newborn consultation, hospital diet, medications up to a certain amount, etc.

BASIC CAESAREAN DELIVERY AND NEWBORN

Surgery, paediatric attendance at birth, recovery room charge, etc.

NEWBORN

Nursery charges, routine check-up, medication and consumables up to a certain amount, etc.

20 | OCTOBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Help, I am not insured If you are not covered by a company or private medical insurance, it is advisable to apply for a health card which entitles residents to lowcost medical treatment at public hospitals and clinics.

An application form can be collected from any public hospital then submitted (typed in Arabic), along with the correct documents to your local healthcare centre. The health card is valid for one year and can be renewed online.

HAPPY MAMAS

What about maternity leave? replace with: In the UAE, the number of days for maternity leave varies between the private sector, government and companies in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

The UAE offers 45 days of maternity leave with full pay, including days used before birth. Thereafter, the mother is then entitled to be absent from work for 100 days (without pay) on the expiration of her leave.

A review of the current Law is underway. "Hopscotch.ae is delighted to see a review of maternity laws here in the UAE taking place. One of our goals in setting up the platform was to push these sorts of issues to the fore and encourage full support for women in the workplace, whatever their situation or ambition.

Currently, in the UAE, we have one of the most well-educated female populations in the world, yet only 25% of our ladies are in work – less than half the global average.

We heartily welcome any decision to update maternity laws allowing as many women as possible the opportunity to fulfil their ambitions as well as contributing to their families and the economy in general, should that be their desire.

Helen McGuire, co-founder and managing director of hopscotch.ae, an organisation which aims to make flexible working for professional women a reality in the Middle East.

Omnicom Media Group MENA has increased its maternity leave to 90 days, doubling the provisions in the UAE’s Labour Law. This is part of a wider programme to support the return of new mothers to the workplace, which will also include flexible working hours as well as a mentorship and empowerment programme.

The decision came as a result of staff feedback through the companyís recently-launched workplace phone application.

Kudos to the Omnicom team!

Helen McGuire MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | OCTOBER 2016 | 21

PARENTING

Shopping for Baby in Dubai

Mamas & Papas is Britain’s favourite nursery brand.

Launched in 1981 by husband and wife Luisa and David Scacchetti, it is considered one of the biggest names in nursery retail and baby wear.

WHAT TO BUY THIS MONTH: Mamas & Papas’ safe and versatile car seat, ready to use from birth up to 15 months.

Did You Know? You can now shop online on www.mamasandpapas.ae.

Mothercare

is a global retailer for mother, baby and children’s products. It stocks an extensive range of fashion items from maternity to kids up to ten years old, plus baby essentials, nursery furniture, pushchairs, car seats and more.

WHAT TO BUY THIS MONTH: At only 5.8 kg, Zest’s new stroller is super lightweight and ultra-compact, made from a special grade of aluminium for durability and strength.

AED 700 22 | OCTOBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Level Kids

is a complete universe for mother and child. It offers a selection of children’s apparel, shoes, accessories, toys and specialised services under one roof including a salon, photo studio, birthday room, classroom hosting a variety of activities, concierge, kids’ play area and two restaurants.

WHAT TO BUY THIS MONTH: The Babyglow onesie will change colour when your baby’s temperature rises.

It comes in blue and pink.

AED 140

Babyshop

is a one-stop destination offering a very wide range of children’s products from international brands. Its products encompass all requirements including apparel, toys for toddlers and children up to 16 years of age, as well as baby basics, nursery furniture for newborn babies and more.

WHAT TO BUY THIS MONTH: The Graco Evo Travel System is both lightweight and compact, and converts from a lie-flat pram to a fullyreversible toddler seat. From birth up to 13 kg AED 1,345

CEL-NBP-52-Aug2016

PARENTING

How to Save on

Baby Shopping

RENT, DO NOT BUY

SHOP THE HYPERMARKET

Have visitors or need that one item for a limited amount of time? www.rentacrib.ae has a wide selection and they offer pick-up and drop-off services for your convenience.

It may not be the ultimate five-star shopping experience, but hypermarkets stock quality clothes at reasonable prices. Babies outgrow them quite quickly, so why spend more when you can save it for later?

CHECK ON FLEA MARKETS

Dubai has its fair share of flea markets and savers’ paradise events. Check big events like the Dubai Flea Market or try online saving havens for secondhand products including Baby Bazaar on www. babybazaar.org or www. dubizzle.com.

BORROW FROM FRIENDS

Diapers… in Numbers

Newborn babies use an average of 10-12 diapers per day and up to 320 diapers per month. On average, a baby uses 2,800 diapers a year; the total cost for a conventional brand is about AED 2 per diaper which adds up to over AED 5,600 a year.

BUY OVER TIME

Buying every single item out there even remotely related to babies can be tempting – it is your bundle of joy after all!

However, there are many things you may not have an immediate need for.

High chair? Crib? These can wait, but something like a car seat needs to be purchased and installed before you go to the hospital to deliver.

24 | OCTOBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Buying second-hand products (Dubizzle) vs. new

Some of your friends have had babies and will probably have a thing or two they can loan you. Do not be afraid to ask; you never know who in your circle will be next in line!

Also, save hand-me-downs from your first child.

SAMPLES AND COUPONS

When you have just given birth, samples and coupons can become more important than your best friends. Well, not really, but subscribing to Marhababy, which will welcome your newborn with a free deals and product-filled gift box or checking websites including www.groupon. ae and www.cobone.com will help you save, save, save!

Are some UAE hospitals cheating patients?

Not really, but just as is the case with any other field, healthcare may have some hidden expenses.

Unknown to even some of the most discerning of patients, such bills may come as a surprise and catch patients off guard.

With parents-to-be, this can be even more of a problem since there is a conception and birth timeline to be taken into account.

PARENTS-TO-BE…

Beware!

LOOK OUT FOR HIDDEN HEALTH-RELATED BILLS 26 | OCTOBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

PARENTING

Last year, the story of the Dubai-based expatriate parents of a newborn who raked up a combined hospital bill of around AED 3 million made headlines.

Struggling with mounting debt long after their child passed away, hospital expenses had reached this amount after doctors tried to save the premature baby, who was born with an anomaly: a cost not covered by the parents’ health insurance plan.

The avoidance of scenarios like this one has since become every parent’s nightmare, as couples expecting children were made aware of what could await them after thinking that everything had been settled. According to financial experts, it starts with something as simple as choosing the right healthcare provider and doctor.

“When it comes to hospitals, you and your partner should choose based on doctor and facilities. Doctors should be recommended, have a good reputation and aligned with your birth ideals. For example, they should not favour a C-section unless it is absolutely necessary,” says Jonathan Rawling, chief financial officer at finance comparison website compareit4me.

Parents-to-be should always go on a hospital tour to see facilities and also nurses who often provide most of the care. “You can view a list of the packages from hospitals upfront so you know the typical costs, but it will not show you how much complications will cost if you have any and need further, non-basic treatment,” he advises.

Alternative answers from other sources including mum pages on social media and internet forums can also provide you with useful information. Does your medical insurance only cover certain hospitals and clinics? Is it on direct billing or reclaim?

Equally important is to check what your medical insurance maternity benefit covers and up to what limit as there are different types. According to Rasheda Khatun Khan, financial life planner and author of Millionaire Mindset - 6 Steps to A Wealthy Life, covers can range from anything between AED

When it comes to hospitals, you and your partner should choose based on doctor and facilities.

10,000 to AED 25,000 to unlimited – on average – and a little more for a C-section.

All hospitals have maternity packages. Be sure to go through them so you can pick the best option for you. If you find your medical insurance will not cover everything then going for a package and the rest on insurance may just be the best option. Sit with someone at the hospital and go through all options, work out your numbers and budget accordingly.

“The average maternity period including delivery can cost around AED 25,000 – AED 30,000. So, if your medical insurance has less than that, be prepared to budget for extra. Also, check if you are covered for your newborn’s aftercare – whether for vaccinations or any treatment required,” she explains.

Both Khatun and Rawling highlight: Vaccinations and dental check-ups are often not covered under insurance.

Moreover, parents-to-be must check on how many days of hospitalisation are covered and find out what is the per-night charge at the hospital. During delivery, have everything you may need for the baby as everything is usually charged – from nappies and blankets to baby wash, etc. Do not forget to bring your own toiletries!

It is important to remember: finances are only part of this miraculous journey and – while you may want to remain cautious – do not get too caught up on the facts and numbers and forget to enjoy the experience!

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | OCTOBER 2016 | 27

PARENTING

GIVING BIRTH…DIFFERENTLY Ever wondered what it would be like to give birth while under hypnosis? what about under water? There are alternative ways of doing everything and delivery is no exception. Here are some of the most unconventional ways of giving birth (in case you thought a C-section was too out there).

WATER BIRTH

Progress through labour in a waist-deep pool of clean, warm (around body temperature) water.

Pros: You will not be screaming for an epidural and the baby will have a happy delivery into an environment that is similar to the womb (the doctor/midwife brings baby's face up into the air right away).

Cons: There may be a risk of infection as you open your bowels.

You may also find the lack of epidural unbearable; the water will not make the pain go away entirely.

HYPNOBIRTHING:

said that Fun Fact: It is livery de of pe this ty babies can turn breech out e m co to (poised rst). fi et buttocks or fe

Hypnosis techniques are meant to help you retreat into yourself and essentially program your brain into believing that labour will be totally comfortable.

Dubai-based HypnoBirthing Practitioner Marica Sandholm says: “'In HypnoBirthing, we do not push the baby out. Instead, we use a breathing technique to assist the Natural Expulsive Reflex (NER), which is both kinder and safer for mum and baby.”

Marica Sandholm

ACUPUNCTURE:

Can needles make labour easier?

According to the Chinese, needles balance the body’s energy and according to acupuncture birth fans, they can help mothers too!

28 | OCTOBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

HOME BIRTH:

Home sweet home; many mums prefer giving birth where they feel most comfortable.

Predictably, doctors would advise against this.

Star Births

Celebs like Did you know? re, Mayim oo Julianne M Hannigan Bialik, Alyson ford all aw Cr and Cindy spital to skipped the ho me. ho at labour

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32 | OCTOBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

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PARENTING

Meeting

Other Mamas i? you can meet mummies around Duba

Wondering where

Mama Meet-Ups

There are plenty of mum-only events around town; one of the most popular is Mama Knows Dubai’s ‘Mama Meets’. Mummy-oriented shopping destinations including Level Kids and Babyshop often hold talks featuring experts on topics like baby essentials and pregnancy.

Family Brunches

It is always a good opportunity to have a chat as the kids run around with a sugar donut in each hand.

Full of sweet corners, treats and too much seafood, brunches are a Dubai institution. Head to the Geales brunch at Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa or Olea at Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates for strictly-family brunches.

34 | OCTOBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Soft Play Areas

Where better to socialise than next to a bouncy castle screaming: “No! Do not eat that!” Head to Kiddies Café for a gourmet tea and croissant while the kids play or spend a Monday at Little Explorers and take advantage of Mirdiff City Centre’s ladies’ day with offers from 10 am to 3 pm.

Malls…

Yes, Malls

No, we have not run out of ideas, but in a city like Dubai where most of our year is spent indoors, we have plenty to choose from. Whether shopping for baby’s clothes or watching the stilt walkers, it is always fun to see kids playing together and exchange mum stories on the latest Mango discount.

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Not having enough time to spend with your child is one of the most common concerns for parents.

With school curriculums becoming increasingly intensive, most parents find it challenging to keep up and help their children with their personal and academic development – there is simply not enough time for it all!

By Sarah Whitehead 36 | OCTOBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

PARENTING Many child development specialists have encouraged parents to become more involved with their kids’ schoolwork and extracurricular activities. However, a new study suggests that intensive parenting can have adverse effects.

FINDING THE RIGHT BALANCE

In her article Better-Educated ‘Intensive Motherhood’ Mums Are More Miserable, Psychologist and Counsellor Dr Almudena Sevilla explains how mothers who adopt an intensive parenting style neglect their own need for leisure time, which leads to heightened levels of stress, anxiety and frustration which may be transferred to their children.

“It may not be good to advocate extra reading with the children if that produces stressed-out parents who end up yelling at the kids,” she says.

As a parent, you naturally want to spend more time with your kids and, as a result, may have adopted a more intensive parenting style. However, you need to remember that a key element in your child’s well-being is yours. It is up to you to find that balance.

DO NOT LET THE PRESSURE GET TO YOU Sevilla’s research found an interesting link between a mother’s level of education and the amount of time she spent with her children.

She found that women with a college degree in the US spent four more hours each week providing childcare than women with a high school degree, and that collegeeducated mothers spent more time on extracurricular activities to help their children gain entry to college.

This link could be attributed to added pressure from social expectations; bettereducated mothers are expected to be more involved and

contribute more of their time to their kids.

However, Seville says that they need to remember that their own mental health and happiness are very important for the child’s development.

Unhappy parents could threaten the stability of their relationship, which is very important.

A LOCAL PERSPECTIVE

Dr Fadwa Lkorchy, a psychologist at the Dubaibased German Neuroscience Centre, sees that intensive motherhood could also be attributed to a lack of management skills. However, she recognises the influence of education on motherhood.

The psychologist explains how many locallyeducated mothers tend to put more emphasis on education because their own mothers were not as well-educated. She also highlighted that educating the kids is still mothers’ primary role in the Arab world.

With more women going into the workforce, the struggle to find a work/life balance while keeping up with that role can be very stressful.

A WORD OF ADVICE

Dr Lkorchy says that schools can help by offering courses to parents to teach them better study skills. She also advises parents to share the responsibility and reminds us: “You are who you are, and your kid is too.

Lots of parents transfer their hopes onto their kids; they stress on their kids’ performance regardless of their capabilities.

Identify their strengths and weaknesses and let that help you guide their development to avoid unnecessary stress and give you both more quality time together.”

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | OCTOBER 2016 | 37

PARENTING

Your Baby Sleep Questions…

Answered!

Cecile de Scally

Co-Founder, Baby Senses

The most common question is: baby cannot fall asleep!

Many people are unaware of the benefits of sleep for newborns and toddlers. Once you know the importance of sleep to them, you will try to ensure they achieve proper sleep patterns even more. Did you know that your newborn needs twice as much sleep as you do?

Baby does not sleep through the night! What can mummy do?

Let us talk about the first three good habits for your daytime routine, starting from birth onwards:

1

Establish a feeding routine, a minimum of one to a maximum of three hours between feeds. Not only does this stop excessive gas and assists digestion, but it also gives the mother some structure for her day.

2

Wrap and put down. Not all babies like being wrapped, but most do; they have a strong startle reflex and the wrap assists in controlling this. If you use a sleep pod, the newborn does truly feel like they are in the uterus as it allows movement while providing resistance just like the mother’s uterus.

38 | OCTOBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Any time your newborn is making eye contact and interacting with you, please keep them in your arms, but once they show you their cues of needing sleep, put them down. This time will increase as they get older.

3

Attend, but do TRY not to pick up. I promise you that in the first four weeks, you will ignore this and that is fine as it is all about feeding right now.

My toddler will not stay in bed. How can I get them to stay so I can have some muchneeded shut-eye?

Your newborn or toddler’s sleep needs to be consistent every day, within a 30-minute time variation to enable them to develop as required. Under normal conditions, a newborn or toddler does not have to be forced to sleep as it is involuntary.

Sleep is important and if it happens that your newborn stays awake for long without sleeping, you would need to assist them by facilitating sleep at the appropriate time.

Your newborn or toddler’s sleep needs to be consistent every day

My child is in curtain-call mode and wants more activities before bed; how can I have a routine in place?

There are cues we teach as early as possible which will prevent excessive crying while ensuring that a routine is established. Feeding your newborn does play a large part in establishing sleep patterns; however, even a breastfed newborn can achieve good amounts of sleep without it compromising their growth or them needing supplements.

Now, let us look at the night-time routine:

4

Bedtime can start as early as you would like it to, but it works well from when they are around four to six weeks.

Establish a bedtime routine: feed, bath and feed.

6

Time to shrink feeds. If they wake you up, do not change the diaper unless it is really needed; feed as much as they need, but as little as possible. Until six weeks, you will most likely have two of these, after the seven weeks’ growth spurt, you will start to work on getting rid of them.

What is the absolute must-have for a mummy who is looking to ensure her child gets a good night’s sleep?

The Sleep Swaddle Shell is essential as it keeps the baby snug, but not restricting their movement. It also ensures that the Moro or startle reflex does not wake the baby up.

Mamas & Papas has recently launched online. How convenient do you find this to be for mothers in the region?

Same-day delivery helps! The only thing is to say is: this is awesome and thank you, mothers needed this...

Some cultures do not do an evening bath, so bath literally means an activity between the two feeds, which assists you in giving your child bedtime signals. Children like predictability; they will understand this is different from day sleep.

5

Establish a Dreamfeed (or Daddyfeed): Feed, diaper and feed. This is around 23:00, before your bedtime. It also gives Dad a chance to feed and helps if you introduce formula.

No, formula does not make your newborn sleep easier throughout the night, calories do. I have breastfeeding mothers who have no trouble achieving this. Some babies will also not want to do this, and this is where personalised guidance comes in to assist you with finding out what your newborn wants.

MAMAS & PAPAS AED 175

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | OCTOBER 2016 | 39

EDUCATION

e B o t s d e e School N a Happy Place

By Christopher McDermott Founding Principal, Oaktree Primary School

Our school has set out to be a happy school. Why? Because not only do we believe that it should be the aim of every school to be happy for the sake of its students, but we know that we are supported in this aim by scientific research, which tells us that human beings perform better when they are happy and relaxed.

40 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

We often aim for success in order to become happier, but we should think about reversing that so that we focus on developing a happy and calm state of mind in order to achieve success.

If I asked our students’ parents whether or not they wanted their children to be happy, of course they would say yes. If I asked them whether they wanted their children to be successful in all what they do, academically and in other ways, they would say yes to that as well.

Focussing on happiness is not a recipe for not working hard or one of a lack of ambition, it is the opposite. At Oaktree Primary School, we believe that by ensuring that our children are happy and feel good about themselves, they will have a much better chance of achieving the success we all want for them.

In discussing the issue of happiness, it is helpful to make a distinction between happiness and pleasure.

For us at Oaktree, happiness is that longer-term sense of fulfilment that a person has when they realise they are making a positive impact on the world.

This sense of happiness often connects with determination, self-management and knowing the positive impact that one has on others. Pleasure can relate to going out and having fun, relaxing with

one’s friends and laughing (something, incidentally, that children are much better at doing than we are as adults).

Pleasure is something that is desirable and which we all seek, but it is not the ultimate goal in itself when one seeks to pursue a happy and fulfilled life.

So, what implications does this philosophy have on Oaktree’s adults and children? First of all, we need, as a school community, to make the implicit explicit; in other words, we need to acknowledge that achieving happiness is one of our explicit goals and take action to achieve it. We do this in a variety of ways, such as focussing on children’s success and always looking to praise rather than criticise.

We endeavour to give children a level of control over their learning, which enables them to be creative.

We focus on healthy eating and physical fitness and try to get the balance right between the amount of time children are allowed to play and the other times they are asked to focus. We acknowledge achievement whenever we can.

Our school is working hard to put its philosophy of happiness into practice, and we are doing so by working alongside the parents. We know that what we are doing is right and look forward to seeing the children in our care blossom and grow towards happy and successful futures as the years move on.

www.oaktreeprimary.com

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | SEPTEMBER 2016 | 41

Choosing the Right

EDUCATION

When it comes to finding the best education for our children, we will research, plan and consider all of the options. In a city like Dubai, with Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) reports indicating up to 20 private schools are expected to open in the emirate in the next academic year – it can often be a tough call.

The Basics

The right fit varies from one family to another. Are you looking for diversity, academic excellence or otherwise? Make sure you have your own set of criteria in place.

Visit the school, if possible, on a regular school day. Observe how the children interact, teacher behaviour and attitude, and the general flow of the day.

There is such a thing as too much asking around. Be diligent, but do not confuse yourself with too much information. Follow your instincts.

Look at the big five: the KHDA ranking, age of the school, curriculum, age group and price are the main points which will help you determine which school to go for.

42 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | SEPTEMBER 2016 | 43

EDUCATION Here, Mother, Baby & Child interviews Dubai-based education experts to help you with the task

Heather Mann Principal, Dubai British School, Jumeirah Park

The main factors

Although not immediately obvious, the location of a school can make a huge difference to the quality of your child’s experiences and have a big impact on family life.

The curriculum on offer is often a key consideration, is likely to have an influence on whether you intend to stay in one location and also which country your child may ultimately go to attend further education.

Related to this is the main language of instruction as this is can seriously impact your child’s ability to settle and make progress.

You may want to research the school’s academic record and inspection rating, but it is more important to find out about the school’s track record in meeting the needs of children with similar interests and 44 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

developmental needs of your own child.

Asking the right questions

As parents, you will want to know if your child is making progress at the expected rate. What are their learning targets? Are they on track to meet end-ofyear expectations? You may want to find out about further ways you can support learning at home.

A good school will welcome your involvement. Most parents will also want to know if their child is happy in school, if their child is behaving appropriately and also want to find out about friendship groups.

If your child is having any difficulty at school, parents should be asking about the strategies that are proving to be successful and how they can be used at home to promote further success.

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | SEPTEMBER 2016 | 45

EDUCATION Dr Kandace Williams School Superintendent, Clarion School

Ethos matters

The primary thing is the ethos of the school and how you feel when you visit. If the culture exudes a welcoming attitude, then you know that your child will be cared for and you will be listened to.

Check the facilities

Facilities should be neat, orderly and safe. You will want to look for materials that support learning: a large playground with safe equipment, a library with a good collection, special area subjects – music, art, physical education, world languages and the availability of afterschool clubs and sports.

46 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

I would ask…

• Does the environment foster creativity?

• How does the school encourage parental involvement?

• What regular communication can I expect between school and home?

• What is their range of services: gifted and talented to special needs?

• Is there a nurse on duty daily?

• What is the teacher to student ratio?

• Do students take regular field trips?

• What clubs and after-school sports are offered?

• Is a nutritious, balanced lunch offered?

• What is included in my child’s tuition?

A W A R D S 2 0 1 6

EDUCATION

Financing Your Children’s Education

A recent report from insurance group Zurich International Life has found that it could cost up to AED 1 million to put a single child through school in the UAE – from pre-school to university. A daunting number, it will not be going down any time soon.

The UAE’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has an Education Cost Index (ECI), which sets how much schools are allowed to raise their fees every year, and this year the ECI stands at between 3.21% and 6.42%.

With school fees rising every year, it is becoming imperative that parents plan accordingly.

Research has found that many parents pay for their childre n’s education using day-to-day inco me meaning that, in the event of job loss or a medical emergency, their children’s education could be pu t into jeopardy.

SO, WHAT ARE THE BEST WAYS TO FINANCE YOUR CHILDREN’S EDUCATION?

Aysen Gultekin is a mother and the digital product manager at finance comparison site compareit4me. com. From her perspective, you should start saving for your child’s education as soon as possible.

“There are plenty of options available to get the most out of education savings – for example, some banks offer plans designed specifically for education and college,” she says. “Otherwise, a high-interest, fixeddeposit savings account could do the trick. This would allow you to save a little every month now, and would ensure a large pile of funds for when school fees become even more expensive.”

It would also mean you are protected from unexpected 48 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

circumstances like losing a job. The catch is that you will have to pay in a certain amount every month, and you will not be able to withdraw for a set amount of time.

"Still, if you have just had a child, it would be the ideal time to open one of these accounts. Compared to putting a child through school, raising a baby or toddler is considerably cheaper - believe me, as a mother myself, I know! Use the financial freedom you have now to ensure that your child’s education does not come into question in the future".

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EDUCATION

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The answer cannot be revealed until you get in the ring, but this task is harder than you would think.

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Heirloom Wooden Tool Set AED 343 This set of tools would make the most beautiful gift for a budding builder (probably making daddy jealous too). These toys are made with heirloom quality and are destined to become a treasured keepsake toy to be passed on to the next generation.

Peace and Love Blocks AED 261.25

This beautiful 29-piece set of Wooden Story Peace & Love Blocks is a simple way to inspire a child with ideas of love, friendship, peace, joy, freedom and more. From castles to houses, bridges and towers, they are perfect for little hands and creative minds.

These building blocks also help support a range of essential skills for little ones including hand-eye coordination, early motor skills, balance and problem solving.

50 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

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The Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter Set brings phonics skills to life with 26 singing, talking letters.

Push, slide, open, close, The Little Learning House is appropriate for children ages six to 36 months.

Perfect for learning independently or together, the magnetic school bus and letter tiles stick to your fridge or any magnetic surface.

AED 129 The kids can grow dozens of dazzling crystals and conduct 15 illuminating experiments with this classic science kit.

Kick off a chain reaction of fun-filled experiments with this introductory chemistry set designed specifically for young kids.

Junior chemists can safely explore simple chemistry using the tools in this kit and common household substances from the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room.

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The Laser Stars projector will fill any dark space with a sharp spectacle of animated stars and cloud formations with its two built-in precision glass lenses. It uses green laser and holographic technology to create a great light show.

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Pin Art is a fun toy which uses hundreds of moveable metal pins to create 3D images. From hands to common objects and toys, simply place items on the pin art to mould pins into a new shape.

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AED 55 MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | SEPTEMBER 2016 | 51

EDUCATION

Schools of the Month Kings' Schools Founded in 2004, Kings’ Schools offer world-class education for children aged three to 18 years old. They operate as one family across three schools in the UAE, all offering the British curriculum via the National Curriculum for England.

Kings’ Schools are prestigious schools with a British heritage and an international perspective, welcoming students from around the globe. They teach children to become effective, enthusiastic and independent lifelong learners, able to adapt to the challenges of a fast-moving, modern world.

Their founding school is the only school in the UAE to have been awarded the ‘Outstanding’ rating every year since inspections by the Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau have begun. All of their schools share the same core values and strive every day to deliver ‘The Best by Every Child’.

Collegiate American School One of Dubai’s leading educational institutions, Collegiate American School (CAS) offers an American educational program based on the American Common Core Standards. The school has been awarded the prestigious New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) accreditation which emphasises the use of the best practices in curriculum, assessment and instruction.

CAS is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World school, also accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS), and is open from PreKindergarten to Grade 11. It offers a technologyenabled learning environment which focuses on a digital learning curriculum.

52 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Clarion School Clarion School offers a progressive American education aligned to meet US standards in a small school, community environment where parents, teachers and students form a learning community.

Clarion’s curriculum delivers a progressive approach to teaching and learning where children actively explore, experiment and collaborate in a wide range of learning experiences, developing academic credentials and critical thinking skills.

Clarion School is affiliated with the highlyregarded Bank Street College of Education in New York City.

Oaktree Primary School Founded in 2004, Kings’ Schools offer worldclass education for children aged three to 18 years old. They operate as one family across three schools in the UAE, all offering the British curriculum via the National Curriculum for England.

Kings’ Schools are prestigious schools with a British heritage and an international perspective, welcoming students from around the globe. They teach children to become effective, enthusiastic and independent lifelong learners, able to adapt to the challenges of a fast-moving, modern world.

Their founding school is the only school in the UAE to have been awarded the ‘Outstanding’ rating every year since inspections by the Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau have begun. All of their schools share the same core values and strive every day to deliver ‘The Best by Every Child’.

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | SEPTEMBER 2016 | 53

EDUCATION

Pick-Up and Drop-Off The Safe Way to/from School

Drive in the right direction.

Under no circumstances, no matter how empty the road is ahead, should you drive against traffic or directional road signage.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) urges parents: Dropping your child off and picking them up should take place by the side of the road. Tell your children to wait until you have reached them and not dash across as they are leaving.

Avoid blocking the way – whether by car or on foot.

Particularly for parents of younger children, drop-off can mean a good walk into school/ nursery. Make sure you leave plenty of space for parents to reach their children as it also helps to avoid chaos.

54 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Looking left and right is not the only instruction you should give your child before crossing a street; always consider the blind spot. Children should walk all the way to the edge of the footpath and then cross from a spot where the bus/car driver can see them.

The ten-step rule marks the ‘danger zone’ around the school bus. According to the RTA: “Six feet from either side of the bus and ten feet in front of the bus are considered to be the danger zones as it is difficult to see children within these dimensions.”

Share a code word with your child. Although it is advisable to always pick them up and drop them off yourself, a code word shared with the designated caregiver or driver will ensure they never get into a stranger’s vehicle.

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EDUCATION

Time for a

School Anxiety Are Your Kids Stressed Out?

By Dr Haneen Jarrar Child Psychologist, Camali Clinic – Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) CamaliClinic Tantrums, clinginess, dawdling or running away before school?

Frequent complaints of illness before or during school, such as stomach aches, headaches, dizziness or fatigue?

Being defiant and refusing to attend school after weekends, holidays, school camps or sports days?

Is your child having long, unexplained absences from school?

Have you noticed a change in your child’s appetite or sleeping pattern?

Have you noticed that your child is becoming clingier during playdates or outings?

Is your child speaking negatively about school, school work or friends?

If you have answered Yes to more than four out of seven questions in this quiz, then your child might be presenting symptoms of school refusal which can be caused by separation anxiety, stress, depression, learning difficulties or social problems at school.

What do I do?

The most important step is to find out what the underlying issue is that could be causing your child’s stress or anxiety at school. You can do this in a few practical ways: 1) Speak to your child and be mindful of their age:

a. For children under the age of seven years, the use of social stories and books that give examples of kids having trouble at school might be beneficial in highlighting your point. b. If your child is over seven years of age, have an honest and loving conversation. Encourage your child to talk about 56 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

their feelings and fears which will guide you towards the difficulties they are experiencing.

2) Speak directly to the school, include teachers and the school counsellor to find out if anything out of the ordinary may have occurred at school. Check if the child is exhibiting any of the same symptoms at school as they are at home.

3) Finally, if these symptoms persist, seek the help of a child mental health professional who can provide you with a comprehensive evaluation and help determine the best course of treatment for your child.

EDUCATION

Educating Hearts and Minds “We need to educate more hearts, not just brains. How do we become compassionate and empathetic? This is what I also want to see in the future of education.

By Katrina Mankani

Director of Positive Education, Fortes Education

” Earlier this year, those were the words of Dr Abdullah Al Karam, chairman of the board of directors and directorgeneral of Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

It

is more evident than ever, happiness is of huge importance for those who are living, working and receiving an education in the UAE. 2016 saw the appointment of the country’s first-ever Minister of Happiness in a quest for achieving a happier society.

Again in 2016, the KHDA launched the ‘School of Hearts’ initiative, inspiring schools and families to look beyond examination results. The initiative focused on three key areas – school environment, personal wellness and peer support,

58 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

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EDUCATION

Homeschooling…a Good Alternative?

and has reached over 9,000 students from 35 schools.

With such a shift, and the UAE’s government’s focus on instilling happiness, it is important that the children of this nation are taught human values and well-being from a young age in order to meet this goal.

So, how do we do this?

As a Positive Education (PosEd) school, for example, our school shifts the focus from the instructional approach of concentrating on the weaknesses of children and their work to praising and recognising their strengths and accomplishments thereby promoting happiness, well-being, positive mental health and self-esteem.

PosEd is based on scientific research which has shown that broad-based happiness does more than make an individual feel good. It also fundamentally drives a person to learn more effectively and be more resilient, creative, productive, successful and healthy. Positive emotions, engagement, purpose, relationships, accomplishments and health are core building materials for human well-being.

The Positive Education Network (IPEN) is promoting a paradigm shift in global education practices by connecting individual schools to governments, policy makers and educators to the best resources to teach children skills and values related to well-being and achievement.

60 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

With the rising cost of education and waiting lists in excess of 12 months, it is becoming harder to educate your children in the UAE. Over 700 families have taken matters into their own hands by opting to educate their children themselves.

Homeschooling is becoming a popular option for parents who want to provide their child with a quality education, without paying the hefty price tag associated with it, but is it really a viable option?

K12 Middle East Manager Cody Claver says: “It is a good option, but maybe not for all families. Choosing to be your child’s teacher as well as parent is tricky; it is a balancing act that some manage well and others do not.

The other option is to hire a tutor to guide your child through the online curriculum.”

Towards the UAE’s innovation agenda

This year is also the first where the UAE will celebrate its initiative for innovation, with a dedicated weeklong celebration this November. As Positive Education teaches children to be more creative, productive and successful, this leads one to believe that the UAE will see a more innovative future via children who are taught academic skills in conjunction with well-being.

There is a strong alignment between the UAE’s values and the drive to teach children about Positive Education which means a happier future for schools, children and parents alike.

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62 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

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MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | SEPTEMBER 2016 | 65

GOOD LIVING

Throw an Awesome

’ s d i K

Halloween is just around the corner and planning the perfect party for the kids to trick and treat, eat and have fun requires planning, planning and more planning. Here are some ways you can make your next Halloween party the best one yet:

• The sooner you start sorting it all out, the better. Nobody wants last-minute marshmallow requests and Halloween parties usually have lots, and we mean lots, of details. If you are reading this, you are already late.

• The timing of the party depends on the child’s age, so does the length and number of guests. A party for younger children should be shorter and closer to nap time.

• Make sure you mention everything on the invite. Remember to include where, when, what time, directions if necessary, whether or not costumes are welcome (or required), if you want people to bring a dish or beverage to share and what (if any) activities are planned (costume contest, haunted yard or room, etc.)

• Kids get bored easily so make sure you keep the pace by having plenty of activities planned; it is always better to hire an organiser, especially for bigger parties.

• Spooky or more festive? Get the kids involved in choosing the theme. Many are scared of exaggerated Halloween props and younger children will definitely prefer a more age-appropriate party. Trick or treat or scary bedtime stories, whatever it is, make sure they love it.

66 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

• Party activities are fun to plan with the kids; make a game out of this task in itself and keep them engaged. Favour bags are a great way to get the children involved in the planning as they will help you choose what their friends would enjoy.

• Keep some perspective. Not everything needs to be done from scratch; party shops stock a variety of props and favours you can use, most of which are quite affordable.

• Run 'biggest witch's nose', 'best broom' or 'scariest fingernails' competitions so that everyone wins a little prize.

As we all know, kids love prizes!

• Give ordinary munchies spooky names. You do not need an elaborate menu: BBQ chicken wings can become Bat Wings and a punch can be Witch’s Blood. This will also put a twist on healthier options, which are always great to avoid sending the kids home on a sugar high.

• Decorations are overrated. After the party is over, you will wonder why you spent all of this money, so just keep it simple and bring out your arts and crafts supplies. This is not to say you do not need to decorate, but make sure you keep spending to a minimum.

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Halloween Kitchen Fun

Ghost S’Mores

Tart cases Ingredients

• 180g all-purpose flour • 20g cocoa powder • 100g butter • 20g icing sugar • 1 egg

Method

• Mix flour, cocoa powder and sugar • Rub the butter into the flour and sugar mix • Add egg to form soft dough. It is very important not to knead or handle the dough a lot, as the pastry will turn out tough • Chill this dough for half an hour • Sheet the dough and line the moulds • Dock (take a fork and press some holes on the pastry case bottom) and chill again for 20 minutes • Blind bake (put dry beans inside the tart shell to prevent it from rising when baking at 180 C) in a preheated oven for 8 minutes

by SugarMoo Desserts sugarmoodesserts

Method

• Heat chocolate chips cream and sugar • Add cocoa powder and vanilla essence • Pour onto the yolk, whisking continuously • Pour into tart cases and bake at 150 C in a preheated oven till set • Let it cool down

To decorate

• Use one large-size white marshmallow and place in the middle • Stick eyes on marshmallow • Decorate with caramelised peanuts

Chocolate filling Ingredients

• 3 tart cases • 200 ml cream • 30g white sugar • 20g cocoa powder • 3 egg yolk • 1 ml vanilla Essence • 30g chocolate chips

68 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Recipe is from the heart of SugarMoo’s bakery, but not available for sale

GOOD LIVING

The MB&C ‘‘Mamarazzi’’ CitiSpi’s Bumps and Beyond Breakfast

GOOD LIVING

Choosing the Right Bed for Growing Children They grow up too fast! Furniture shopping is not always a fun trip. From choosing the right look to complement your home to maximising on space, choosing the right piece needs careful planning.

70 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

With the variety of kids’ furniture available on the market and elaborate bed designs made to cater to even the most vivid of childhood imaginations, the main concern – apart from a space-saving approach to room setup – should be choosing something that the children would not outgrow in a heartbeat.

Usually around the age of three or four, you will head out to buy a new bed, so what should you keep in mind?

Experts at PAN Emirates recommend involving your child in the process. Ask them about their favourite colours for sheets and quilts and consider their favourite toy shapes. There are also some other factors to keep in mind:

Bed Size When it comes to size, parents tend to stick with small single beds as children find the familiarity comforting, but one must keep in mind that the child will grow at top speed and, before you know it, it will be time for another bigger bed.

The other choice would be to consider a small double bed, which can easily last until the teenage years. Whatever dimensions you choose, your child will get used to the new size pretty soon.

If there is more than one child involved, buying a bunk bed would be an ideal choice.

There is a huge variety of bunk beds that you could choose from even if you only have one child.

Mattress and Comfort When choosing a mattress, the top priority should be the comfort of your child.

Paediatricians and mattress companies often advise parents to choose a medium mattress, which is both supportive and comfortable enough to ensure a good night’s sleep.

Safety It takes a bit longer for younger kids to settle into their new beds as the concept of the imaginary boundaries they need to stay within is new to them. Installing safety rails can help keep the child safe while they are getting used to the new bed.

Pillows and mattresses with natural fillings have hypoallergenic qualities and are dust mite-resistant to a certain extent. This helps in preventing asthma and allergies in young children.

“Many parents make decisions based on their preferences and forget to ask the kids! In my experience, most kids prefer cosy single beds rather than big double beds. Involve your child in choosing the bed and its colour.

We also have to take into consideration the size of the room. The other important factor is safety; you may need to install safety rails to prevent the child from falling out of the new bed. For the mattress, go for natural fillings which are both comfortable and supportive. Sweet dreams!”

Erika Pace

Interior Decorator & Consultant, ReDecor Middle East MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | SEPTEMBER 2016 | 71

GOOD LIVING

Flattering Beachwear for Every Mum

Post-baby body? A mum-to-be?

Beachwear for mums does not have to be boring!

HALTER NECK

Smitten AED 365

Most mummies prefer onepiece swimsuits for extra coverage. Since during pregnancy and post-baby the fat is usually around the tummy, a one-piece or maternity halter neck will help hold the stomach in and lift the breasts upwards.

Some detailing around the dĂŠcolletage will distract from any sagging skin and add a fun twist.

Rare at Namshi AED 108

BUSY PATTERNS

Nothing says camouflage like an overcrowded design. Love handles and belly fat will vanish amid twists, swirls and animal/ jungle prints.

When it comes to sophisticated and classy yet easy to wear, exaggerated patterns are the way to go.

Jaded London at Namshi AED 245

Blue Ink AED 636

Smitten AED 375 each

ONE-COLOUR WONDER

AED 1,157

While busy patterns are good for some muchneeded camouflage, a full swimsuit in only one colour has a slimming effect, especially if it is ruffled or accented at the waist or on the sides.

If you will opt for one colour, make it a darker one; options like burgundy or dark blue help you avoid the all-black post-baby wardrobe pitfall.

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72 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

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Some mummies are just lucky! If all you are looking to hide are some stretch marks or extra lower belly fat, then you can opt for a bikini that does not show too much. A higher waist and smaller thigh cut mean the lower part of the body is all hidden.

THE RIGHT COVER-UP

There is no way a mama will not be moving around the beach with the children. A snack here and shower trip there, you need something that looks good and covers your swimsuit up.

At higher temperatures and humidity, there is nothing better than opting for lighter colours and airy fabrics. A belted cinch will define your waist for a more polished, fashionable look.

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MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | SEPTEMBER 2016 | 73

30-Minute Meals

By Neesha Law Founder, Goodmarket and Mum-of-Two

Goodmarket.me is a members-only online market on a mission to make healthy eating easy and affordable. goodmarketme

Super healthy snacks for kids, packed with proteins and delicious to the core

Zucchini & Carrot Crisps INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded (keep in longer shreds) • ½ cup shredded zucchini and/or carrots (remove excess moisture with paper towel) • Parchment paper METHOD

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F • Using a paper towel, remove excess moisture from shredded zucchini and carrots • Combine Parmesan cheese and shredded vegetables • Place drops of cheese and vegetable mixture on a baking sheet topped with parchment paper • Gently flatten mixture with the back of a spoon, if necessary • Bake for about 8 minutes or until cheese crisps are sizzling • Allow crisps to rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes and then transfer them to a serving plate with a spatula. Crisps will continue to harden 74 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

GOOD LIVING

Pea Hummus

INGREDIENTS

• 240g chickpeas (cooked, preferably organic) • 200g cooked peas • 1 tbsp. lemon juice • 1 garlic clove, crushed • Water • Salt and pepper to taste METHOD

• Place chickpeas, peas, lemon juice and garlic in a food processor and blitz. Add some water to your desired consistency • Serve or store in a jar in the fridge for up to three days

To-Go Lunch Saving space Lakeland AED 115

Available on Mumzworld.com AED 85

GOOD LIVING

Too Tired to Cook!

Dinnertime H a c k s

PASTA!

Make a pasta dinner, minus the preservatives. Prepare some tomato-based pasta sauce, then freeze dinner-size portions in freezer bags. On any given night, thaw the sauce while boiling the pasta and – voilà – a perfectlytimed match made in heaven.

Veggies or fruits Embrace the magic of a good salad jar. You have seen them on Instagram, colourful jars of vegetables and fruits in picture-perfect layers of healthy goodness.

For a quick on-the-go meal, make your own by mixing up any dressing for the bottom and topping it with a mix of fruit and veggie favourites. You can also add seeds or protein, as long as the heaviest ingredients sit at the bottom.

If you are too lazy to make them, call The Salad Jar on 055 561 3590; they have got you covered!

中文 ...

Eggs

Hard-boil some eggs for quick consumption.

With around 50 mg of calcium in each egg, this versatile food can save you plenty of time in the kitchen.

From egg salad sandwiches to quick bites, this will save you the hassle of having to wait on 12 eggs to boil and cool down.

grills

Chinese Takeout?

We do not think so! Make your own brown rice bowl by heating some sesame oil in a skillet, adding rice, carrots, green onion and chicken – then sauté until heated through for about three minutes.

Use your grill. Remember that grill you have dumped in the balcony? Yes, it takes plenty of time to grill, but why not grill plenty of food at once – from flank steak to fresh veggies – and freeze it all up for quick dinners.

76 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Grain Brain

Make a batch of rice and quinoa on the weekend, then place portions in reusable freezer bags.

Combine them later with leftover bits of chopped meat or chickpeas along with tomatoes. You can thank us later!

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HEALTH Should I

Go for a

Mummy

Makeover In the past, a makeover meant new eyeshadow and higher heels. A mummy makeover meant just that too… only with the addition of a new maternity dress.

Nowadays, the makeover goes well far beyond that.

78 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

A mummy makeover, literally, means a new mum. Before and after photos at plastic surgeons’ offices stand witness to the magic that happens within the operating room, with the mother looking better post-surgery than she ever has.

Dr Sanjay Parashar

Dr Sanjay Parashar, founder of Cocoona Centre of Aesthetic Transformation, tell us that the secret is no secret; all it takes is simply a good doctor and the right candidate – it is a match made in beauty heaven!

The Before • During pregnancy, the body undergoes many changes; it gains

volume through fluid retention as well as fat. After giving birth, the volume is then lost and skin sags and loses elasticity

• Areas most affected? Tummy, breasts and – of course – the face; pelvic muscle weakness can also cause incontinence and vaginal laxity

Ask Maja Maja Ask Filén

• The only way to avoid excessive damage? Regular exercise for pregnant ladies. The instructor works hand in hand with the gynaecologist to determine a proper regime • The surgical answer to post-pregnancy tummy damage?

A tummy tuck, which targets the abdominal muscles and skin

The Solution • wAfter the mother has completed her family and would not be looking to have any more babies, she can undergo surgery. During the first two-three months after giving birth, hormonal changes are still taking place. Chosen procedures are normally minimal and non-invasive

• Depending on the mother’s preferences, and the physical and psychological state, the right surgery is then determined; it can range from removing excess skin or a mini tummy tuck to complete abdominal muscle repair, a breast lift and re-positioning, and a facial treatment.

Volume is often regained from the patient’s own body fat

• Opting for surgery rids the body of stubborn fat to correct body proportions without the need to lose too much weight and sacrifice skin volume

Keeping in Mind •While surgery may have its risks, the incidence is quite low.

At Cocoona Centre, the complication rate is only 0.5% • Post-pregnancy surgery results are long-lasting as pregnancy is the single most body-altering life event for a female; a mummy makeover is the the most common procedure

• In the case of a fat transfer, the better the blood circulation, the more the fat will stabilise

What is New? • Technology is becoming so advanced, procedures are becoming safer, less invasive and require minimal incisions • Many procedures now use ultrasound and radiofrequency to reshape the body and restore it back to its original state, but nothing can match surgical intervention and the results it provides

Founder & Life Coach, Ask for Life UAE

Dear MB&C,

I am 30 years old and have been blessed with two beautiful children. After two babies, my body has changed. I am not comfortable with my body at all.

Farida Daruwala

Dear Farida,

To have a healthy body is great, but a healthy mind is equally – if not more – important. Write down the below on a piece of paper with a scale of 1-10 underneath.

• Self-Image • Relaxed in body and mind • Self-Esteem • Self-Reliance • Self-Respect • Future • Lust for Life

Now ask yourself and note down the numbers:

Where am I today?

Where on this scale would I like to be?

Why would I like to be there; what is the purpose?

How will I know I have reached my desired goal; what are the feelings, actions, events, etc. that need to happen for me to know I have reached my goal?

Do I have anyone around me who could help me reach those goals?

When you start working out in your inside gym, you train the art of loving yourself. You will grow into a peaceful, secure mother and wife. When you make a change from the inside, everything else will follow. askforlifeuae

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | SEPTEMBER 2016 | 79

H E A LT H

Breast Cancer How much do you really know?

Renowned cancer expert and Professor of Medicine from the University of California San Francisco Dr Pamela Munster answers your key questions on breast cancer.

Many women typically ask: if my mother had breast cancer, am I likely to develop it as well?

Dr Munster is the chief ambassador of ‘Pink It Now,’ a breast cancer awareness campaign organised by Zulekha Hospital for the fifth consecutive year. The campaign, starting on October 3rd, stresses the importance of strategies for cancer prevention and women in the UAE can register for free tests and consultations at Zulekha Hospitals in Dubai and Sharjah until December 31st by calling 600524442 or visiting www.zulekhahospitals.com.

80 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

If someone has a family history of breast cancer and in particular if the mother was below the age of 50 when diagnosed with the disease, then the risk for developing breast cancer is much higher. I strongly encourage women from this higher risk group to get an MRI and a mammogram every year from the age of 30.

What can I do to reduce my risk of developing breast cancer?

The most effective preventive measure is early screening. Women should do breast self-exams regularly once a month and be familiar with how their breasts normally look. If they observe or detect any changes, they should seek medical consultation immediately. Also, self-examination should be followed by mammograms and an MRI every year.

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

Most often, breast cancers are detected when very small on a mammogram or MRI. The most common symptoms of tumour presence can be manifested with scaling, itching, redness, skin changes, swelling, disfiguration and pain.

How often and when should I do a breast self-exam?

Early screening including breast self-exams should be done regularly once a month, ideally a few days after a period ends as this is when breasts are least likely to be swollen and tender. This should be followed by a cross-examination with the use of mammograms and MRI every year.

CHILD

H E A LT H

! s a m m e l i D n i m Vita

Is your family getting enough of the ‘wonder vitamin’?

By Dr Mayada Samir

Specialist Paediatrician, Medcare Medical Centre, JBR

WHAT IS VITAMIN D?

Vitamin D is an oil-soluble vitamin which is either consumed through foods and dietary supplements or produced in response to sun exposure. Research says that we get 50-90% of our vitamin D through the latter.

WHY DOES MY FAMILY NEED IT?

This vitamin has a sequence of reactions in our bodies and is needed to help with the absorption of dietary calcium from the intestine, fixing it to the bone matrix to get strong bones.

There are not that many food items which are rich in vitamin D and it is mainly found in oily fish such as sardines, herring, tuna and salmon, beef liver, egg yolks and fortified foods, in addition to some cereals and infant formula.

82 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

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H E A LT H Although the Gulf area is sunny almost all year, the incidence of vitamin D deficiency is as high as 75% among its population. The fortification of infant formula with vitamin D has resulted in a drop in rickets’ rank as a major health problem in almost all developed countries.

VITAMIN D FOR OUR CHILDREN

Children have an enormously fast growth rate with their bone matrix being doubled several times during infancy and childhood. They need big amounts to help this out. Vitamin D deficiency can start as early as before being born!

Vitamin D-deficient mothers give birth to vitamin D-deficient babies. Vitamin D-deficient nursing mothers keep their children in the same zone. Later, being too scared of sun exposure and keeping the children at home makes the problem even worse.

The overuse of sunscreens aggravates the deficiency.

Having dark skin is a natural risk factor for an even higher deficiency.

proven to be a risk factor for skin cancer, remember: the sun has always been there, but skin cancer rates are on the rise!

WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY?

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to a wide number of diseases. It has been found that prenatal vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of giving birth to a child with an autistic disorder.

Vitamin D deficiency in infants and children is only manifested when the levels dip too low. Clinical signs may include a soft skull, bow legs, an abnormal chest shape, weakness, delayed walking and teething, irritability and, in extreme cases, short stature.

If the deficiency goes unnoticed, the child can contract repeated infections and suffer from muscle pain, cramps, seizures and breathing difficulties.

In more severe cases, there can be repeated bone fractures.

Moreover, vitamin D deficiency contributes to the failure of asthma treatments, depression, obesity, hypertension and diabetes in highrisk children, in addition to easy fatigue and mood changes.

The recent increase in the incidence of vitamin D deficiency among adults has been making mothers more afraid of the sun.

Although direct, prolonged sun exposure at dangerous hours of the day has been

To get the required intake of vitamin D with the least risk possible, the following has to be taken into consideration:

1

Sun exposure has to be limited to 1520 minutes every day or every other day, ideally from 9-11 am, with direct sun exposure to bare skin (not from behind windows) of the face, arms and legs with no umbrella or sunscreen. Dark skin needs longer exposure to get the same benefit. Remember: sunburn theoretically increases future risk of skin cancer.

2

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all infants and children receive a daily supplement of

84 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

minimum 400 IU to prevent rickets.

Doses can be higher as per your doctor’s recommendations.

3

Keep supplements away from the reach of children as one bottle of vitamin D can cause severe damage to their kidneys if taken as a single dose.

4 5

Look for fortified food items such as fortified milk, cereals, orange juice, etc.

Get your children checked if you suspect they could be deficient.

H E A LT H

? s n o i t a c i l p m o C y c n a Pregn ! y o B a g n i v a H e B t s You Mu

By Priyanka Wade

Every pregnancy is unique; for some it is a breezy walk in the park while for others, it can feel like treading on thin ice.

86 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

In olden days, a superstitious aunt or relative in the family would attribute pregnancy complications to carrying a baby boy. However, what does one do when there is evidence to prove that a difficult pregnancy these days means you are having a boy? For starters, admit that superstition and research have found a common ground in this, one area.

“The sex of the baby has a direct association with pregnancy complications,” says Petra Verburg, M.D., of the Robinson Research Institute at the University Of Adelaide in Australia.

She adds that while it isn't totally clear why, “there are likely to be genetic factors.” In another report, the New York Times states that baby boys are much more likely to face potentially life-threatening outcomes at birth than girls. Several other reports exist to substantiate these claims, with most of them having the following key findings: • Male babies are more likely to be born preterm.

• They produce longer labors and often end up being delivered via a cesarean section.

• One reason for birth problems is that baby boys are generally larger and heavier, with bigger heads.

• Women carrying male fetuses are at a greater risk of gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia.

While one might argue that the sex of the baby is determined at conception, a potential explanation is that the placenta is different in boys and girls. The placenta is the organ responsible for nourishment to the baby, and hence, is critical for the success of pregnancy. Claire Roberts, a professor at the University Of Adelaide's Robinson Research Institute, said, “We believe that sex differences in placental function may explain the differences we're seeing in outcomes for newborn boys and girls, and their mothers.”

In another study published in Molecular Human

what does one do when there is evidence to prove that a difficult pregnancy these days means you are having a boy?

Reproduction, it was found that with female babies, there is a much higher expression of genes involved in placental development, the maintenance of pregnancy, and maternal immune tolerance.

”Boys, on the other hand, grow faster from the moment of conception and this puts them at a higher risk due to lack of nutrition.

In the meantime, the advice for women carrying boys is identical to other pregnant women. One can increase their odds of a healthy pregnancy by following these simple steps: • Aim to eat five or six well-balanced meals a day.

• Take the necessary pregnancy vitamin supplements.

• Cut out alcohol and avoid smoking completely.

• Exercise regularly.

• Get rest and adequate sleep.

Even if the pregnancy was unplanned, Verburg says: “There is still a window of opportunity for a woman to reduce her risks for pregnancy complications. At the end of the day, it is important that women are aware of the potential risks and that they get the required prenatal care.”

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | SEPTEMBER 2016 | 87

H E A LT H

Years ago, tween celebrity influence came only as a result of TV time. Now, children’s screen time involves TV, tablets, mobile phones and more. Keeping up with the many channels they use to access content is difficult; what is even trickier is monitoring, regulating and explaining what they see.

Tween Stars, Body Image & Your Child 88 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Tween icons are portrayed a certain way: Fun, colourful, happy, spoiled and – always – skinny, they project every child’s pre-adolescent dreams. For adults, it is tempting to give in to the pressure of wanting to be like our favourite stars, so how difficult would it be for a child?

WHEN DOES THE OBSESSION START?

“Typically, body image dissatisfaction used to appear around puberty since this stage triggers body transformations. There are also other changes in relationships with family and peers,” says Carine El Khazen Hadati, clinical psychologist and eating disorders practitioner at the American Center of Psychiatry and Neurology (ACPN).

“Unfortunately, recent studies show that body image problems and subsequent eating disorders are now happening much earlier,” she explains.

According to the US National Eating Disorders Association, 42 per cent of first to third-grade girls want to lose weight, and 81 per cent of 10-year-olds are scared of getting fat. Teen magazine claims 35 per cent of girls ages six to 12 have been on at least one diet.

“This phenomenon could partly be explained by the fact that the onset of puberty appears to be starting earlier and earlier and now often begins in elementary school,” adds Hadati.

CAN CELEBRITIES INFLUENCE BODY IMAGE?

Celebrity culture plays a role in triggering mental health problems such as depression, body dysmorphic disorder and/or eating disorders, but cannot be held fully responsible for it. The causes of these disorders are complex and they are usually caused by the interplay of several factors including cultural pressure, and biological/genetic and psychological factors.

“Constantly bombarding this vulnerable age group with images of thin, perfect girls as being the most attractive and hence the happiest can act as a trigger to developing body dissatisfaction and selfhatred. With the right genetic predisposition and environment, this could lead to the development of eating disorders,” highlights Hadati.

According to a study in Paediatrics, about two-thirds of girls in the 5th to 12th grades said that magazine images influenced their vision of an ideal body and about half of the girls said the images made them want to lose weight.

HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD?

As opposed to categorising foods as ‘good’ or ‘bad’, talk about ‘always’ and ‘sometimes’ foods. This can help your kids understand that some foods are better when eaten in smaller quantities and less often.

WHAT MAKES CHILDREN QUESTION THEIR Model a positive body image. Be careful not to use BODY IMAGE? words such as ‘fat’ and ‘diet’ at home. Young kids, Living in an environment that values thinness where we are pressured to look a certain way, receiving abusive comments on body weight, shape, size and being bullied at school are all risk factors.

WHAT ARE BODY IMAGE DISORDERS?

Body image disorders are also called Body Dysmorphic Disorders. Symptoms include hating the body and a disturbance in the way it is perceived; they are clinically impairing.

“It is important to note that Body Dysmorphic Disorders are different from typical body image dissatisfaction, which is common among the general population and can sometimes lead to what we call ‘disordered eating’: chronic and yo-yo dieting as well as alternating undereating and overeating. These do not usually cause clinically significant impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning,” adds Hadati.

especially girls, are impressionable and susceptible, so teach them to be comfortable. Convey this with phrases such as, “Honey, that dress really flatters your body.” and “you are my beautiful child, inside and out.”

Teach your children that feeling satisfied is important, so no food is off-limits. It is okay to eat all types, whether carrots or candy. This helps them feel safe, comfortable and open around all foods and promotes a healthy, normalised attitude towards eating.

Discuss how food affects the digestive system. Talk to your kids about how their bodies feel at the present moment. Try asking if their stomach feels empty or full.

Have your kids prepare their own lunches; allow them to choose what they like and teach the basic food groups while offering enough options so that they can choose chocolate milk on one day and regular milk the other.

MOTHER, BABY & CHILD | SEPTEMBER 2016 | 89

H E A LT H Yes, we know our children need to move, but how often? It really depends on you and your child, but let us admit – whether in school or at home, they are continuously exposed to tech gadgets and that is not normal.

By Fatmah Azam Ali

Moving for Health

Keeping School Kids Active We are to inspire them and, hence, we must work on restoring their love for what we were actually designed for: moving our bodies with activities which make us MOVE.

Take a trip to the park. I would pack a ball and let my kids go crazy. Climb a tree? Run? Cycle? Let them! After 90 minutes, they will be exhausted and by the time they go home, they will be fast asleep. Did you know that children who engage in regular intensive activities sleep better?

Go grocery shopping. A walk across the supermarket for what they would like to have for lunch to school is the perfect way to get moving while having fun. I let them choose and they are excited to have their own creative lunchbox the next day! More movement means better muscle coordination.

90 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

Bring back the kites! Yes, according to a UK National Health Service (NHS) report, flying a kite is an art and a challenging game. With autumn and wind coming through now, this is the ideal time for this activity.

Let your children learn this new sport for better mental development.

Apart from swimming, ballet and skating or ice skating, having regular exercise groups with creative moves can help children become more ‘into’ the physical movement they need. Children’s dance and Zumba groups are a great start; they give a great outlook on life.

Want your kids to move? You need to move; move to have fun. Your kids will do the same as they follow whatever you do. You enjoy, they enjoy. Simple!

Let us change our thinking and customise a healthy, active lifestyle for our children.

By Fatmah Azam Ali

Is Your Newborn

H E A LT H

Healthy?

Here is how to find out

…

By Dr Federica Vagnarelli

1 3

Specialist, Paediatric and Neonatology, Danat Al Emarat Women & Children’s Hospital Healthy appearance and position. Your baby will pull their arms and legs towards their body when they are awake and do not appear limp, especially when they are carried.

2

The baby’s breathing pattern is regular and skin is pink.

Seek your paediatrician’s advice if baby looks pale, blue or is breathing quickly or with difficulty. Your baby may develop jaundice (yellow colour of the skin or eyes). This is common and usually safe, however, your paediatrician should check as sometimes tests or treatment may be required.

Baby cries only when hungry and sleeps regularly. At first, your newborn’s cries may seem like a foreign language, but you will quickly learn how to recognise crying for hunger from other reasons for crying (pain, colic, discomfort). Babies generally settle soon after feeds, but in case of excessive crying, your paediatrician can help rule out any illness.

4

After the first 3-4 days of life, the baby is wetting a minimum of 5-6 diapers per day. If you are breastfeeding and worried that your baby is growing slowly, check that latching happens correctly and offer both breasts at each feed. If in doubt, seek advice from a lactation consultant.

5

If formula-feeding, make sure to prepare feeds correctly. Add too much water and baby may not get the nutrition they need, too little and they may not get enough fluids. Stool should change colour from dark to yellow.

Baby is making eye contact at close range (during feeds). A newborn baby has limited vision, but is able to see a mother’s face and facial expressions during feeds. A consistent, positive relationship helps build healthy brains and protects from the negative effects of stress.

92 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

The MB&C ‘‘Mamarazzi’’ Mama Meets’ Kids HQ Playdate

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

94 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD

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