More needs to be done to protect our children... | ExpatWoman.com
 

More needs to be done to protect our children...

12
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 January 2011 - 09:38

Unfortunately some people have to send their kids in school buses. I dont know how much the school or the bus company will do in really having women on the buses. My question is: Can the school get volunteer mums to be on the various buses like once a month. There are many mothers who are not working. They can be on the bus with the children once a month....School organises a schedule...i know this is a very tedious task...but is it still worth considering...i for one, am happy to volunteer to be on the bus once a month and look after these tired kids returning home from school..........

447
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 February 2011 - 07:58
What is the world coming to. In my country school busses are still the norm and it is save to take them. However saying that, it's extremely rare that children are alone on the bus as each bus stop is kind of a collective one. I think it is sad that parents or any attendant has to go in the bus when the children are just starting to get a little bit of indepence. From my point of view I would prefer for a much better history check of the drivers to be put in place. <em>edited by Cleopatra on 08/02/2011</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 February 2011 - 07:43
Chillout... did you catch the national this morning? Great news... perhaps this could be implemented across the UAE..... DUBAI // A school appealed to mothers yesterday to volunteer as school bus attendants after allegations that a four-year-old girl was sexually assaulted on one of its buses. Teachers have volunteered to accompany school buses but it is "increasing difficult to continue", a circular issued to parents by the school principal said. "We would like to appeal to parent volunteers (mothers) to help us over this time until we get female attendants in place," the note said http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/education/appeal-by-principal-after-alleged-rape-of-girl-4
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 January 2011 - 14:34
Unfortunately some people have to send their kids in school buses. I dont know how much the school or the bus company will do in really having women on the buses. My question is: Can the school get volunteer mums to be on the various buses like once a month. There are many mothers who are not working. They can be on the bus with the children once a month....School organises a schedule...i know this is a very tedious task...but is it still worth considering...i for one, am happy to volunteer to be on the bus once a month and look after these tired kids returning home from school.......... I love your idea. Perhaps take it up with your parents association or even your class parents group. Great thinking;) My mum was a volunteer lollypop lady for my school when I was young. I think parents just take more care and there is nothing cooler than having your mum or dad on duty;)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 January 2011 - 01:44
First priority to protect your children are the parents. The moment you send your child, no matter what age, on a school bus you are not in control anymore and will have no influence what will happen. In my country there are no school buses so we are bringing and picking up our children. I understand that in Dubai it is more difficult if both parents are working, but I don't believe that all the children on the bus need to go on that bus because of that reason. We have never used the school bus service in any country because I didn't feel comfortable about it. All good ideas, but the responsibility to protect your children is only with the parents i'm afraid. I wrote a post yesterday how the government could improve the situation by taking some measurements, but that was not received too well so I will probably have some fireworks on this one. ;)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 January 2011 - 22:39
Ugggh - can't edit because of the ad that is covering the right side of the thread (and the edit button) My last paragraph doesnt make sense because I had meant to say, that despite the good intention behind wanting to volunteer im not sure that realistically, it would be sustainable. And I need a 'think' after I :) Any ideas of how to remove or shift the annoying ads?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 January 2011 - 18:59
I the the answer is relatively easy - the school (not the bus company) employs specific responsible, trained female staff that have good communication skills. Problem is, that hikes up the bus fees and at the end of the day it is a user pay business and people can't/dont want to pay. Bus pick up times in the morning are very early, I have seen some at 6.30. What if a mum has a sick child or just doesn't turn up. You have no bus service or a bus with no assistant.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 January 2011 - 18:34
Doc advised not sending him to creche or any kind of play group until he is at least 2. Prior to this my understanding was that the more they get sick, the more resistance they build up........but he said creche kids are sick on average every 2 weeks. I find that quite a worrying recommendation, tbh. Children need to socialise through groups and benefit from meeting all kinds of people, as well as all kinds of germs. No parent can or should wrap them in cotton wool and make sure they avoid getting ill... in fact, there's a theory that the advent of sanitised houses (with anti-bacterial stuff being sprayed left, right and centre) has actually increased allergies in children. Being ill is a part of life. It's up to us as parent to just make sure that our children pass through life without any lasting harm, either to themselves or to others. Snot, coughs and colds are just as much a part of childhood as nappies and toys. Building up immunity is important - but remember, there's no immunity to the common cold and no cure (all medication is to ease the symptoms, rather than cure the illness). As I said, DD certainly hasn't been ill every 2 weeks... it depends on the child and the kind of thing that's going around at the time
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 January 2011 - 18:33
I know this veers slightly away from the original post but I worked at a school once and for a few weeks, I used the school bus to travel home. I had heard from some of the younger students that there were high school students who were kissing at the back of the bus and sure enough, I caught the students one day...kissing and a lot more in full view of Dubai traffic, not to mention the other students on the bus....The school's response concerns me to this day. They said that once the students left the building, they were no longer their responsibility and if I hadn't stood my ground, the school was unwilling to get involved. The only point which seemes to make a difference was that while the students were wearing uniform, all 'acts' could be easily reported back to the school and affect their already sullied reputation. The idea of mums on the bus is a great one...I fear that many schools here will not be supportive as there will be things they would rather you didn't see but I know that lots of teachers would be behind this idea.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 January 2011 - 17:52
Has anyone seen this today?? What is going on?!! http://7days.ae/storydetails.php?id=101794&page=localnews&title=Labourer%20jailed%20for%20attempting%20to%20rape%20girl
Anonymous (not verified)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 January 2011 - 17:14
I've been working years in school and I was responsible for that and I don't think other people can stay in the bus. Only staff and students. and in the schools I was working for, always male driver /female assistant, to protect boys and girls.( or female driver/male assistant) Please be sure in your school that children ( boys or girls) are not sitting close to the driver, especially when we are talking about minivans carrying almost 15 children.(Honda, Hunday,Toyota,.... )
192
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 January 2011 - 16:27
Like i said I tried a creche, quite an expensive one. To put my son in just 2 afternoons per week was the plan, for his own development really. After the second day he was sick, really sick. Needless to say I didnt bring him back. There is obviously no door policy in these places. What i noticed about this creche was when i went to collect my son after the first day, i buzzed to be let in, and was let in by someone i had not met before. They did not ask who i was, did not id me. I walked right through the creche and not one of the employees batted an eye lid. When my son saw me he got excited and toddled over to me. the lady looking after the room full of kids just said, oh are you the mother? I said yes, and was allowed to walk away with him. I could have been anyone. Also, the main door to the front of the creche was wide open, fine its just a reception area, but its also where the parents leave their strollers, some of which are quite expensive. What is wrong with these people????? It's not the case everywhere. My DD's nursery has the same chap on the door every day. A few weeks ago they got a new chap in and he actually asks to confirm that the child leaving with you is yours, bless him. Also the teachers won't let anyone apart from the approved people pick up, and if they have a doubt, they pack 'em off to see the head before letting the child go! thats good to know. What creche do you use? Just on the 'sick' issue, if your child is sick do they still admit him /her for the day, or do they send them home? I know there are moms who work and have no choice but to leave the child in a creche. It's not a creche, it's a Raffles nursery. As for being ill, they are clear that the best place for a sick child is at home, which is a no-brainer, really. If the illness comes to light during nursery hours, they assess it there - they have a full-time nurse and a sick-room. Colds and coughs they are relaxed about, which imo is fine, but get more concerned about fevers, vomiting or anything else untoward, in which case they keep the child in the sick-room (with company) until they're picked up. I've been called a couple of times, but DD has been ill no more or no less than before she started nursery, but then again, she's always been mixing with kids. Yes, it's inconvenient to pull your kids out of nursery when you're working and they're really ill, but hey, that's part of the package.
192
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 January 2011 - 15:43
Like i said I tried a creche, quite an expensive one. To put my son in just 2 afternoons per week was the plan, for his own development really. After the second day he was sick, really sick. Needless to say I didnt bring him back. There is obviously no door policy in these places. What i noticed about this creche was when i went to collect my son after the first day, i buzzed to be let in, and was let in by someone i had not met before. They did not ask who i was, did not id me. I walked right through the creche and not one of the employees batted an eye lid. When my son saw me he got excited and toddled over to me. the lady looking after the room full of kids just said, oh are you the mother? I said yes, and was allowed to walk away with him. I could have been anyone. Also, the main door to the front of the creche was wide open, fine its just a reception area, but its also where the parents leave their strollers, some of which are quite expensive. What is wrong with these people????? It's not the case everywhere. My DD's nursery has the same chap on the door every day. A few weeks ago they got a new chap in and he actually asks to confirm that the child leaving with you is yours, bless him. Also the teachers won't let anyone apart from the approved people pick up, and if they have a doubt, they pack 'em off to see the head before letting the child go!
407
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 January 2011 - 14:25
Unfortunately some people have to send their kids in school buses. I dont know how much the school or the bus company will do in really having women on the buses. My question is: Can the school get volunteer mums to be on the various buses like once a month. There are many mothers who are not working. They can be on the bus with the children once a month....School organises a schedule...i know this is a very tedious task...but is it still worth considering...i for one, am happy to volunteer to be on the bus once a month and look after these tired kids returning home from school.......... when I was little, the Mom's used to take turns. They would do a week each every year. I would take a week off from work to do it but.... don't know how I would feel about some of the mum's supervising my children - I know mums who yell, scream and beat up their own kids. Maybe some training would help with a list of do's don't could be a starting point. It may help the bus trip issue - not only abuse issues, but other tragic happenings such as a child being left on the bus. I can imagine though this parent volunteer thing opening a full new can of worms with responsibility issues. Overall more steps are required, such as the cleaning staff discussed yesterday. I went to DD's school today to drop off a book and was pleased that I was not allowed entry into the classrooms area. I have always been allowed, because they know me, but it was always at the back of my mind...that someone else who 'knows' them but other intentions could pass through and no one was keeping track of when I arrived and left. They seem to have moved swiftly and things seem in order suddenly. Hope it lasts, when this is out of the media.
12
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 January 2011 - 13:36
it is indeed very difficult to do it...but most of the mums i hv seen, usually have a helper at home...surely, one day in a month is not too much to ask for....
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 January 2011 - 10:57
On a different note about a similar subject, did anyone read the story about the Ajman teen who had his hand chopped off? http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/crime/ajman-teenager-s-hand-chopped-off-in-fight-1.749203 I don't really understand how kids have access to SWORDS? I mean...just sounds so prehistoric.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 January 2011 - 10:13
I doubt the insurance would cover for having babies on the bus. But, again, it could be arranged if it is for a week, perhaps the Dads can stay home later to help out. my husband is currently doing the job of 6 men and leaves very early and gets home late. Doubt he would be able to help outmaybe you and another Mom could help each other out? All things are possible, just a matter of juggling. I wouldn't do it as we have no bus to our area, plus I prefer to take them myself, and if I was unable I have access to a driver/maid etc, but really like to drive them personally. yep I drive my daughter to school too but this could all change in sept as lo starts school too and the timings are different. Yoiu will get used to lolling around in the car for hours on end......and your car will start to become an extension of your home......been there....UGH
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 January 2011 - 10:10
I doubt the insurance would cover for having babies on the bus. But, again, it could be arranged if it is for a week, perhaps the Dads can stay home later to help out. my husband is currently doing the job of 6 men and leaves very early and gets home late. Doubt he would be able to help outmaybe you and another Mom could help each other out? All things are possible, just a matter of juggling. I wouldn't do it as we have no bus to our area, plus I prefer to take them myself, and if I was unable I have access to a driver/maid etc, but really like to drive them personally. yep I drive my daughter to school too but this could all change in sept as lo starts school too and the timings are different.
384
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 January 2011 - 10:08
I doubt the insurance would cover for having babies on the bus. But, again, it could be arranged if it is for a week, perhaps the Dads can stay home later to help out. my husband is currently doing the job of 6 men and leaves very early and gets home late. Doubt he would be able to help outmaybe you and another Mom could help each other out? All things are possible, just a matter of juggling. I wouldn't do it as we have no bus to our area, plus I prefer to take them myself, and if I was unable I have access to a driver/maid etc, but really like to drive them personally.
787
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 January 2011 - 09:52
I doubt the insurance would cover for having babies on the bus. But, again, it could be arranged if it is for a week, perhaps the Dads can stay home later to help out. my husband is currently doing the job of 6 men and leaves very early and gets home late. Doubt he would be able to help out
384
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 January 2011 - 09:51
I doubt the insurance would cover for having babies on the bus. But, again, it could be arranged if it is for a week, perhaps the Dads can stay home later to help out.
787
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 January 2011 - 09:46
A very good idea in theory but alot of stay at home mums stay at home because they have babies / toddlers etc to look after. I for one wouldn't be happy about sitting on the school bus with my 2 yr old. Still...there must be other mums out there wil no young children I guess.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 January 2011 - 09:44
So its not a new concept..it can be worked out then....EW can spearhead it....
384
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 January 2011 - 09:40
Unfortunately some people have to send their kids in school buses. I dont know how much the school or the bus company will do in really having women on the buses. My question is: Can the school get volunteer mums to be on the various buses like once a month. There are many mothers who are not working. They can be on the bus with the children once a month....School organises a schedule...i know this is a very tedious task...but is it still worth considering...i for one, am happy to volunteer to be on the bus once a month and look after these tired kids returning home from school.......... when I was little, the Mom's used to take turns. They would do a week each every year.
 
 

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