We try to explore as a family and have our kids help choose the activities we take part in. I would say having your kids tell you what would be enjoyable for them and then doing things as a family may be a great way to adjust and make life in Dubai more enjoyable.
I agree with Bluesky, Dubai is just another city. I find it a hard place since having kids because of the heat that is it, that's why we leave for 2 months in the summer. I do think its a good city, it is safe, there is lots to do and its how you look at it. We are not caught up in all the party life, we enjoy ourselves we treat ourselves and we are a happy family. Its up to you on what side of the coin you wanna play, homesick is a feeling that can quickly be turned into going and having fun with your kids either going to a play place, doing crafts going swimming there are loads of things to do to change the spirit.
Missing the relatives well yes this is hard but when the kids are happy they will just deal with it in a positive way.
Every weekend there is stuff to do in timeout, take in a new adventure, go to the free parks, go to the adventure parks stay home and make popcorn start to make rituals so the kids feel they are putting some roots down not having their bags half packed.
Parents raise children, not 'Dubai'. In my years here I have seen kids raised by parents who acted as though they were young, single expats (kids negativedly affected), those who were miserable and negative about everything here (kids negatively affected), marriages break down because one party took to the euphoria of single-life in Dubai (kids negatively affected), families who took on a learning journey together - kids being a part of the learning discussions (kids positively affected).
How you and your husband have faced and taken part in this journey will affect their hapiness.
.png "Interview With Expat Saanika Gandhi, Author of Children's Book 'The Yellow Kite'")
