csafaya | ExpatWoman.com
 

csafaya

csafaya
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Latest post on 20 September 2014 - 13:08
I've always taken my two children with me to the e-gates...there is a desk there and if noone is at the desk, someone will come when they see customers there (in case of problems with the e-gates or children to allow through). You go through the egate and the child goes to the desk to get a stamp. I've always found them very helpful.
csafaya
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Latest post on 17 September 2014 - 19:23
I do the same as Geordieexpat, but that's because i already had the duvets and covers when we moved here. If i was buying, i would go for a flat sheet with a 100% cotton bedspread on top. The White Company sell nice ones and IKEA sell some basic ones.
csafaya
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Latest post on 13 September 2014 - 19:52
Marks and spencer too, although i believe TKD are the best for the prettier range.
csafaya
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Latest post on 07 September 2014 - 22:24
Ikea has loads of recycling solutions...not the red green blue, but you can always print labels to put on so people know what to put in each one.
csafaya
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Latest post on 07 September 2014 - 22:21
My first never crawled, went straight from lying like a beached whale to walking, which kind've surprised everyone. Try not to worry, but get him checked out just for your piece of mind so you can sleep better :-) If tummy time is not your little one's cup of tea, things my little one enjoyed were a doorway bouncer, a bumbo (or mamas and papas sell a really nice version which supports sitting...although a bit expensive), walkers are also popular to encourage them to be upright and build core strength. Try not to compare to other people's kids and also remember boys develop a little slower than girls at this age (they catch up later).
csafaya
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Latest post on 05 September 2014 - 08:51
Cancel your credit cards now and start emptying your bank account (quietly....don't let on to your bank that you're leaving). As credit transactions can take a while to be processed, your bank may freeze your bank account if they know you are leaving and theoretically could have run up delayed transactions. Best is to make sure you have no credit facilities 30 days before you leave. You'll then need a letter from the bank declaring that you don't owe them anything before they will close the account and let you have your money. Just in case, transfer out as much as possible in several small transactions, also build up a big wodge of cash to use instead of credi card/ debit card for the last few weeks.
csafaya
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Latest post on 03 September 2014 - 08:39
Having been through the process recently and gotten burned on numerous counts, i can summarise the following advice: Start by asking for visa status and be super specific, ideally ask to see the passport and visa. Check it's "servant" status and has a named sponsor who corresponds to the name of the family she's currently working for. Alternatively understand exactly why it isn't this straight forward. Ask for a reference (which may be written, or a phone number/email address). Also, phone number of current employer and explain that you will be calling immediately after the interview to discuss her work and confirm that the employer is ok to transfer the visa. Any hesitation should be fully explained and understood. Then in terms of questions, i'd focus on "what-if" scenarios rather than "do you have experience of". E.g. If the job entails looking after children: What would you do if the child won't stop crying?, how do you encourage a child to finish his/her food? E.g. If the job is cleaning only: in what order to you clean a bathroom?, what are your currently daily duties? What is your favourite/least favourite job? I also found the question "what do you like to do in your spare time?" Insightful (personally, i didn't want someone who enjoyed watching tv as i have small children that she would be alone with and a large tv! I also preferred not to have someone who enjoyed talking at length with her friends on my phone! You may have religious preferences in which case be sure to ask this (totally acceptable in this region, unlike in many of our home countries!) Be very specific about what the job is, what your expectations are, what you, your husband etc are like (calm and quiet, or fussy about cleanliness, or involved in house or disinterested in household chores etc), so she knows whether she wants the role. Also discuss pay, whether visa and accommodations, food, toiletries are included or she has to buy herself. The more honest, detailed and upfront you can be in interview, the better for both parties. Be sure to leave the interview with clear communication on the next steps e.g. I have some more people to see but will phone you with a decision by wednesday. Then make sure you do. Good luck.
csafaya
77
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Latest post on 27 August 2014 - 17:52
Ooh, i miss potted meat, or chicken spread...but not egg and cress sandwiches....remember how they smelled after sitting in your school bag under your desk for half a day on a warm summer day?? My suggestion is pasta, pasta, pasta. If you're adding cheese, grate it on after the pasta is cold so it doesn't congeal. My little one would have it every day...with cold chicken (especially from yesterday's rotisserie), or ham or cheese or meatballs (with minced vegetables hidden inside).
csafaya
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Latest post on 27 August 2014 - 14:28
Skydive dubai (or the tamer option of indoor skydiving at Mirdiff mall), quad biking in the desert, dubai offroad club, desert drums, diving in fujairah, cycling on the al qudra bike track or round the autodrome on a wednesday night, meetup.com. Hope one or more of these interest him. You can google for more info and contact details.
csafaya
77
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Latest post on 25 August 2014 - 22:18
I drive an FJ and love it. We bought it for offroad, but actually it's the most comfortable onroad SUV i've ever driven. We bought new because when i did the maths 2 years ago, i found that second hand weren't that much cheaper and of course didn't come with warranty. That works as a negative if you need to buy second hand but a positive for buying a car that will retain its value in the future. My father inlaw used to have a Range Rover and constantly had problems with it, and servicing was expensive. I've heard the same thing from a few other people as well. The FJ is a little difficult to manoeuvre a baby into a carseat in the back, but totally possible, once you get the knack. Legroom in the back is not enough for tall rear seat passengers, so it's not my preferred car when my parents come to visit. Lastly, the FJ has massive blind spots.....despite having huge mirrors. Essential that you compensate by the old-fashioned "looking over your shoulders".
csafaya
77
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Latest post on 25 August 2014 - 22:06
Hi, i'd like to pass on a few tips of how to avoid jealousy...they seem to have worked for me, or perhaps i'm just lucky with my two and their attitude towards each other. 1. Get the toddler ready. I had a great book called "our baby" which basically keeps repeating the phrase "our baby can't.....(e.g. Dress himself, feed himself, use the toilet, go everywhere, play with my toys)....but i can". Then finishes with "and sometimes my mum and dad can't stop my baby crying....but i can" and a lovely drawing of toddler and baby hugging and laughing. It's a beautiful book and we read it lots and lots explaining that babies don't do much, but cry a lot....and isn't it better to be a big boy/girl? Have the toddler choose a present for the new baby, or i had mine pick the baby's first outfit. Same advice that i've seen on this thread that the baby should also have a present for the toddler....something they can play with on their own for when you're feeding. Also make the ground rules clear to the toddler....e.g. You can hug, but never pick up or move the baby...you can stroke the head, but on the sides only never the top of the head. Toddlers need rules. 2. Avoid terms like "don't do that (e.g. Cry, want hugs, hit the baby)....you're a big boy/girl". A new baby in the house may make the toddler want to regress to be a baby themselves....let them, and give hugs whenever your arms are free. For the first week or so, i would even put the baby down and let them cry so my older child got a hug and felt she was still loved (the baby won't remember 20 seconds of being abandoned, but the toddler will!). Same if the toddler hurts himself....prioritise comforting the toddler over holding the baby. 3. Avoid putting words into the baby's mouth e.g. "Don't do that, she doesn't like it", or "the baby wants you to be quiet now so she can sleep". Instead, make any bad news come from you "i don't like it when you hit the baby", or "i need you to be quiet for a bit". You can even encourage the toddler to know what the baby says, e.g. "What do you think she's trying to say?"... Then agree with whatever he says! My daughter is convinced she knows what my baby says and what toy she wants....and to be fair, she's usually right. 4. As soon as feasible, implement the same rules for the baby as the toddler, e.g. I'm often gently chastising my baby for pulling her big sister's hair, or hitting even though of course she doesn't understand. I tend to say "that's not allowed...when you're bigger, you have to apologise to your big sister for doing that". Then the big girl doesn't feel that the baby gets away with everything while she has to follow rules. There's loads of advice like this online (just do a google search) and it's worth memorising so when the zombielike state comes after sleepless nights, that you still remember. It's been joyful having my 2 get on so well - i can't imagine how much tougher it would be if i worried about them being left alone for a minute while i went the toilet. Good luck.
csafaya
77
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Latest post on 23 August 2014 - 21:03
Both my girls had dry skin when tiny babies. For the first i was v natural mum...no soaps, no creams, no wipes, nothing that mother nature didn't supply her with, and her skin got so dry it would crack and bleed so i had to intervene for her comfort. For the second, i'm being realistic and using cream or oil as and when needed. My first outgrew the dry skin and i assume the second will as well. Our doc gave Mustela Stelatopia (a lightish moisturising cream) and Eumocream (a very heavy one). Neither of which i have anything positive or negative to say. You might have to try a few to see which works for your baby's skin. I also used extra virgin olive oil, but that didn't help in my case.
csafaya
77
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 August 2014 - 08:48
I went a couple of weeks back with my 3 year old daughter. It's well worth a visit. She's been before a few months back, loved it again and i think still hasn't exhausted everything there is to do there. I would advise you get there early...i'm an early riser so we were there as soon as it opened and had the place almost to ourselves. When we left around 4 pm it was getting very crowded. Enjoy.
csafaya
77
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Latest post on 20 August 2014 - 23:01
I don't think comforters are meant to be washed weekly like duvet covers. However, you could use a flat sheet beneath it so the bedclothes that touch the body are regularly washed, but you get the design you want from the comforter.
csafaya
77
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 August 2014 - 22:28
Hi, I lived in Motor City and would not recommend you buy. The build quality is very poor - in the Windsor Crescent villas at least. We had many niggles that needed fixing and we were the first ever tenants so you couldn't put it down to wear and tear, i wouldn't be surprised if the buildings didn't last 10 years...thank goodness we were renting! I can't comment on the apartments, but they're the same developer i believe. Have you considered Mudon in Dubailand or Akoya Park, those are both good developers but not as expensive as Emaar?
csafaya
77
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Latest post on 13 August 2014 - 08:39
It's a huge generalisation, based on the sweeping assumption that Indians pay less, demand more work, treat them like staff not equals and don't provide comfortable quarters e.g. Sharing with the children or even sleeping in the kitchen. Westerners tend to pay well above legal minimum, give more days off etc. i know from experience that in some cases this is true and as with any stereotype there are many many cases where it isn't at all. Don't you find that Dubai has waaaay more generalisations than "back home"?? I'm sure we all have stories about being unfairly pigeonholed based on our looks or accent. Not sure what the solution is....is it just that society will mature given enough time?
csafaya
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Latest post on 12 August 2014 - 19:37
Please be careful not to be niave going in to this. Pressure will come regarding religion, traditions, morals, cultures, as they do in every relationship and too many marriages fail because couples don't discuss these things enough, reaching agreements or compromises where necessary. With cross cultural / racial / religious matches, the challenges are that liitle bit more complicated so need more discussion before you agree to make lifelong commitments. You absolutely must have agreement on how you as a couple will respond to various attitudes of cherished family and friends, if children are on the cards how will they be raised, if/when one of the couple die which deity, if any, do you turn to etc? It's a sad reality that the mundanity of life continues to challenge after the shine of new love wears off. The marriages that make it are those which ride the bumps with open communication, not ignore them and hope for the best. Good luck with this difficult decision.
csafaya
77
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Latest post on 12 August 2014 - 19:26
Sorry, forgot to say that Bandos resort is in the maldives.
csafaya
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Latest post on 12 August 2014 - 19:26
We went to Bandos resort with our 3 year old last year and i would thoroughly recommend it. That resort is very easily accessible, mainstream enough to have all the facilities you want and not too expensive. I'm interested to hear if anyone has resorts in Bali that they recommend for our next holiday!
csafaya
77
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 August 2014 - 10:21
Hello, Firstly, toddlers are very resilient and will cope with whatever is necessary for you to do for the best for your family. That said, preparation is everything. If you can search on lots of property websites (dubizzle is a good one), you can narrow down your dubai house search based on popular areas and price. If you can do the viewings from abu dhadi (only an hour or so away), you might be able to avoid the temporary accommodation in dubai. Look for nurseries in the area, forums like this one for what people say about the areas, and ease of transport to abu dhabi if that's where your husband will be working. I did a similar thing with my toddler when i moved here, and i was amazed that she really wasn't phased by her life turning upside down. I would try and focus on a handful of things which say "home" to your toddler, whereever he/she is, For my little one it's a used pillow case for a familiar smell, a nightlight that they know for sight, and her ticking clock for sound. If you wanted, you could introduce some of these anchors now. Try not to overcompensate with too much excusing bad behaviour, letting them sleep with you if that's not your usual choice etc...it'll confuse and unsettle them more that just treating them normally. Good luck with the move
csafaya
77
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Latest post on 08 August 2014 - 20:50
If it's covered you might need a referral from your GP...check with your provider.
csafaya
77
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Latest post on 08 August 2014 - 20:44
I've been and was v impressed. Well worth the journey out there. There's a science museum opposite (in the same carpark). Check the opening hours before you go and be there as soon as it's open...as there's too much to do in one short Sharjah day.
csafaya
77
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Latest post on 07 August 2014 - 08:54
I agree with Roisin - the baby will often tell you if they like it or not. My first was born in the UK and the hospital didn't swaddle, and she slept fine the first night in the hospital. I had bought a special swaddle cloth, which my little one HATED and would scream if i tried to put her in it. My second was born in Dubai and the hospital swaddled...again she slept fine the first couple of days. I half heartedly swaddled at home (i.e. just wrapped a blanket round her) and had no complaints from her. With my two, the startle reflex, which swaddling is designed to contain, didn't bother them enough to require more than a reassuring pat for the first week....all babies are different. If you ask my opinion as a mother, i'm pro swaddling if the baby is comforted by it (although it's not necessary if the baby doesn't like it), but would be anti using swaddling for more than a few days/weeks as the baby needs to be able to kick their arms and legs as soon as the startle reflex subsides.
csafaya
77
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Latest post on 05 August 2014 - 17:05
Thankyou so much! Just checked out the recommended websites and have turned my afternoon into a retail therapy session!!
csafaya
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Latest post on 03 August 2014 - 22:22
I'm straining my brain with things to do indoors as i have a 3 year old and new baby. Some things i'e been doing: treasure hunts - she can't read yet so the clues are pictures of the location of the next clue (she loved this and wants to do the same treasure hunt over and over, then hide the clues for Dad to find etc), baking cakes / cookies, i bought lots of ping pong balls for indoor ball games, skittles made out of water bottles, searches on youtube for simple science experiments which impress young 'uns, dens made out of chairs and bedsheets.
csafaya
77
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Latest post on 03 August 2014 - 19:28
Hi, how about trying this...when you're on the plane, imagine your two children are a little bit scared of flying and you're trying to calm them down and get them over their fear....it helped me with my version of irrational fear i.e.spiders. It also helps prevent us passing on these cripling phobias to our little ones. Good luck with the flights.
csafaya
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Latest post on 31 July 2014 - 18:55
Hi, i lived there for a few months when my husband was in business school there. I loved the place. I didn't get a job there because we only lived there a short time, although i did look into it and the job search didn't seem so different to in Dubai. I found it a great place to live - good weather, good food, good social scene, lots of great countries nearby to visit. Most negatives other people talked about were that as it's a very small island, you get claustrophobic after a couple of years, and that absolutely everything is regulated so you're not going to discover a little quaint hidden shop/restaurant etc.
csafaya
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Latest post on 26 July 2014 - 22:17
I've recently stared swimming after my second baby and am self conscious about my top half which is still humongous due to breastfeeding, and my tummy, so i bought a rashvest (i think that's what it's called) - basically a long sleeved tshirt designed for water sports. I wear it over my bikini and it has the added bonus that it's UV protective. I bought it at mall of the emirates...billabong i think, and it hides a multitude of imperfections!
csafaya
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Latest post on 26 July 2014 - 21:56
I had my first baby in the UK under NHS and my second at Al Garhoud private hospital. Both my deliveries were normal and uncomplicated so i didn't need much care afterwards, but what was offered here was head and shoulders above UK....an abundant supply of maternity pads, regular bedsheets changed and maternity sheets on the bed, regular blood pressure checks, nurse helped me walk the 2 metres from the bed to the bathroom the first time and i'm certain would have helped me inside had i not indicated that i could manage alone. They also obsessed about asking whether i'd wee'd and poo'd...an important indicator of any possible damage if you can't. In terms of medication, i was given normal painkillers (maybe paracetamol?) and they kept checking to see if i'd taken it / needed more / something stronger....i didn't. I was given Mebo cream for the stitches (i believe it's a burn cream, but the doc said it's great for this purpose too). I would recommend arnica tablets which you can get in any pharmacy here in the alternative medicines section...my brand was Nelsons. These help the body heal by clearing up and internal bruising. And if you're planning to breastfeed, Lansinoh cream - nothing beats it and i wish the hospitals would be more supportive on advising on products to get you through the first few days of breastfeeding which can be quite painful, until everything settles down into the rhythm and routine. In fact the nurses saw my initial difficulties (which were v minor as both my girls were excellent feeders) and promptly brought me a bottle of formula...not v supportive of the best and most natural way to feed. If i were you and you felt that you may need particular products after delivery, have them in your hospital bag just in case.
csafaya
77
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Latest post on 26 July 2014 - 08:55
I went to the white room in motor city. It's a ladies only spa and did nice massages throughout my pregnancy.
csafaya
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Latest post on 23 July 2014 - 20:28
You can't hire Nepalese maids from Nepal any more, only people who are already here if the previous employer agrees to transfer the visa so she doesn't have to leave. We got burned by that recent change driven by Nepal. The Nepalese embassy website has further details. The processing cost for an Indian maid has gone up astronomically recently. It's supposed to be a refundable deposit, taken by the Indian embassy...let's see if we ever get it back.
csafaya
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Latest post on 23 July 2014 - 19:35
Make sure your cleaning products are well out of reach. Lakeland sells a shelving unit which fits over a door - we have it on the back of our laundry room door, to keep the detergents up high. I've seen people use a similar thing which was designed to hold shoes, but i don't know where you can get those in dubai. If the baby goes into the kitchen, you can out cupboard locks on all the cabinets except one, in which keep only tupperware. Then the little one doesn't get frustrated that everything is off limits, and it keeps them amused and in sight when you're cooking. Medicines should also be out of reach, e.g. In a box with a baby-proof lid on the top shelf of the wardrobe.
csafaya
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Latest post on 23 July 2014 - 15:36
Assuming the maid is on your sponsorship, you have a substantial responsibility under UAE law to be accountable for her actions all the time, not just during the time she is in your home working. If she gets into trouble, at any time, in any form, you are accountable. Of course, her choice of clothes is her choice, but if i were you, i would definitely have a chat about expectations as her VISA HOLDER to ensure you are both on the same page. This may include abiding by UAE modesty norms, UAE laws on *** outside of marriage, public displays of affection etc. Don't assume her friends/peers are informing her of the laws and consequences of breaking them. I recently employed an Indian maid and it's now part of the process for sponsor and sponsee (sp?) to have an interview by the Indian embassy where they inform both parties of the common troubles maids find themselves in, and implications for the sponsor, which really opened my eyes.
csafaya
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Latest post on 17 July 2014 - 10:20
I find a lot of things much more expensive here. The things i bought for mine when i was back in the uk (via amazon) were: - lansinoh nipple cream, an absolute essential if you're planning to breastfeed. It fixes hurty nipples within hours and gets you over that 10 day breastfeeding hump. Useful for cracked heals / lips when breastfeeding is over as it comes in a big tube. Boots sell that. - ashton and parsons teething powder is difficult to find anywhere so if you see it in Boots UK, worth getting some. - lansinoh breastmilk storage bags if you're planning to pump and freeze If you want to be cheeky and sign up to some baby clubs before you go to uk (assuming you have a uk address) you can get lots of freebies and vouchers. The Boots baby club is my favourite as they gave me a great babybag...mind you that's 3 years ago with my first when i was actually living in the uk. Sainsbury's baby club were good at giving pampers vouchers. I'm guessing that nursing bras would be cheaper in the uk and perhaps more choice (i'm thinking marks and spencer, or Bravissimo if you want something more attractive and some good personal advice). I find George baby clothes good quality and cheap, although i don't know if you'll find an ASDA in London. Also George sells muslin cloths quite reasonably which are useful to have. If you can find a "splashabout" swim nappy (available on amazon) it'll save you a small fortune in disposable swim nappies, if you're intending to take your baby swimming here. You could get all sizes for baby's growing bum if you're a big pool / beach fan.
csafaya
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Latest post on 15 July 2014 - 11:21
Homemade fish fingers - slice of raw white fish e.g. Cream dory, kingfish, hammour, coated in beaten egg then coated in breadcrumbs and shallow fried. You can also do this with thin strips of chicken. Super easy and it keeps well....can also freeze. Fishcakes - basically mashed fish, potatoes and any vegetables that you want to get into your child. Bind with an egg, then cover in breadcrumbs and shallow fry. You can add herbs or spices if your child likes them, or to make a batch for the grown ups. Again, you could do similar with minced chicken. Meat sambousek/ cornish pasty - minced meat and a few veg cooked up then sealed in a ready-made pastry parcel.
csafaya
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Latest post on 13 July 2014 - 22:22
My parents were very impressed with the mosque tour (book via the SMCCU at www.cultures.ae), and also dubai museum. I also recommend the Sharjah wildlife centre which has lots of local animals in awesome enclosures (not like dubai zoo). I assume you've already done ski dubai, at the top at burj khalifa etc? For another outdoor sport, you could go diving in fujairah.
csafaya
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Latest post on 10 July 2014 - 14:41
We sent our newborn's application at end april as well. After 8 weeks i called the helpline for a status update and they promised a callback from the process team, but i never received it so i complained and then got an email saying the passport has been prioritised and I'll have it in 10 days. Seems they are only getting them done for people who complain.
csafaya
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Latest post on 08 July 2014 - 22:48
I did the opposite (i.e. used gbp to buy a house in aed) and used a company called Hargreaves Lansdown to convert the money and i thoroughly recommend them. You have to set up a currency account, which has some anti-money laundering paperwork, but then it's v simple to make the actual transfers at a much better rate than banks. The best bit is you speak to real humans when you call them so can ask advice. Worth you speaking to them to ask if they could be a solution for you. You can google their website.
csafaya
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Latest post on 02 July 2014 - 14:44
Anyone who applied for renewal in May got their passports back yet? Are we the only two left waiting??? I think a few people that applied in May have had theirs back now. I'm still waiting for my baby's passport. They received the application on 1st may and it hasn't even been sent for printing yet...which they say takes up to 14 working days. So i guess i'm here for July at least :-(
csafaya
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Latest post on 30 June 2014 - 12:06
Nighttime sanitary towels are much better than maternity pads in my opinion. Always nighttime extra long are available pretty much everywhere.
csafaya
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Latest post on 30 June 2014 - 09:33
I've used a babybath for both of mine, but that sling looks v comfortable and i'm sure any baby would love it. 2 considerations which may help you to decide: - My little one is just over 2 months old (admittedly a big baby) and the baby bath is now too small for her - a baby might get cold in the sling as she's not submerged....you'd need to turn off any a/c and keep pouring water on her or keep bathtime to only a couple of minutes. My baby goes in an adult bath (only a few inches deep) with my 3 year old and absolutely loves being submerged (my hand supporting her head/shoulders above the water of course) and "swimming" i.e. kicking and splashing around. This wouldn't be possible in a sling. Babies only need bathing once a week if you keep their nappy area and neck clean, so a bath is not the most important purchase. I've bathed mine in the sink a couple of times in an emergency mess situation!
csafaya
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Latest post on 22 June 2014 - 18:07
Hi all, anyone know where i can pick up Hanes men's underwear? My hubbie refuses to wear anything else but i haven't seen them outside the US. Thanks for any info on sightings.
csafaya
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Latest post on 18 June 2014 - 21:59
I've chosen to send my little one to big school for FS1 for the reason that i don't want her to be the odd one out next year when going in to FS2. I'm assuming that the kids will all be in the same boat getting used to the school and classmates in FS1, so have lots of support, but then when they all move up a year together, it might be more challenging for a new starter to fit in. Course, we're in dubai so there'll be lots of people joining and leaving every year, so maybe it's not a big deal....just sharing one thing that helped me to make the decision.
csafaya
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Latest post on 18 June 2014 - 09:39
Are you checking the noticeboard in geant arabian ranches where maids who are looking for jobs advertise? My advice is to ask for references first and speak to previous employers before interviewing anyone. Good luck.
csafaya
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Latest post on 18 June 2014 - 09:36
Chocolate and beetroot cake - lots of recopes online to google. It's delicious and moist and noone ever guesses there is beetroot in it! Store in the fridge.
csafaya
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Latest post on 11 June 2014 - 21:00
The best prevention and cure of mild nappy rash is nappy free time in indirect sunlight (make sure the sun is not on their face or head and the a/c is not blowing on their naked bits). No artificial chemicals needed and they get a dose of vitamin D at the same time. However, i agree that all babies (and their bums) are different, and i've used sudacream for prevention and bepanthen for cure of more severe cases e.g. when teething.
csafaya
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Latest post on 08 June 2014 - 10:03
I got mine from ACE and they're one meter squared and about an inch thick. They've been down for 18 months (indoor) and still going strong...thoroughly recommend.
csafaya
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 June 2014 - 08:12
I would also give the nanny some ideas for what games to play with the toddler e.g. Do you want her getting paints / playdoh out, or just playing with blocks. It's good for the child to have interactive play rather than just being plonked infront of a toy box...i know my DH needs ideas for how to stimulate our toddler! Also make sure she knows your rules on discipline and what is she allowed to do, e.g. Bribes, and threats i.e. sweet rewards or "santa claus won't bring you presents if you don't eat all your brocolli" are v common methods with some nannies which i'm not a fan of, but similarly it's not fair to leave her with no discipline tools so she just has to put up with naughty behaviour. When you get back, encourage your toddler to talk to you about what he/she did, how they played, what they ate etc. open communication will help you see how happy they are with the arrangement and spill any secrets in how they've been looked after in your absence.
csafaya
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 June 2014 - 10:36
You can open an offshore bank account for him/her then transfer money fromyour own bank account as and when you like, also deposit any cheques they get given later. If you're trying to merge money accumulation with a good financial lesson for the kid, National bonds promote the notion of gambling (depending on your feelings on that concept) rather than the alternative lesson of compound interest that you get with a regular interest bearing account.
csafaya
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 June 2014 - 09:15
Hi, It must be tough at that age since they need you to assist in play...be comforted that she'll soon be at the age where she can play on her own once you start her off with a suitable toy/book/game and you can sit and rest. In the meantime, can you put her in nursery 5 days and try and get a rest in the morning while the baby is napping to reset your energy to cope with the rest of the day?
 
 
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