csafaya | ExpatWoman.com
 

csafaya

csafaya
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 June 2014 - 09:09
We're also looking so i'm afraid i don't have anyone to recommend, but i can share a learning with you - Nepalese maids are no longer allowed in UAE. If they're already here and the previous employer agrees to a visa transfer, then it's ok, but if the previous employer cancels her visa and she leaves the country then tries to come back under your new visa, it won't work and she'll be stuck in Nepal. See the Nepalese embassy website for more details. Good luck with your search.
csafaya
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 June 2014 - 09:09
We're also looking so i'm afraid i don't have anyone to recommend, but i can share a learning with you - Nepalese maids are no longer allowed in UAE. If they're already here and the previous employer agrees to a visa transfer, then it's ok, but if the previous employer cancels her visa and she leaves the country then tries to come back under your new visa, it won't work and she'll be stuck in Nepal. See the Nepalese embassy website for more details. Good luck with your search.
csafaya
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 May 2014 - 14:01
Personally i'm not taking my 3 year old to waterparks anymore. It's super hot and the sun reflects off the water as well so burn factor is high, even with factor 50 suncream. Unfortunately the waterparks don't open early in the morning before the day gets too hot.
csafaya
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 May 2014 - 08:56
Well that depends on whether you're buying for child or for the parents /posterity. If you're wanting to buy something for his future, then a small gold bar/coin would be an option. However, please make sure you don't hand a present like that to the child himself.....he would be super disappointed to unwrap something he can't play with.
csafaya
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2014 - 10:54
Just go onto automatic pilot and answer without putting the process through your brain - often the person asking cannot compute a sarcastic response or a discussion around why they need that information, they have just been told to tick the box. I find a lot of processes in dubai are easier if you switch your brain off. Otherwise i get frustrated screaming WHY????? A lot.
csafaya
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2014 - 10:48
Cars, aeroplanes, duplos....anything indestructible that they can bash and crash.
csafaya
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2014 - 09:55
Hi all, If it helps, i had a "High Spirited" 2 year old who was a handful at home and also acted out at nursery as she was frustrated with not being physically able to do everything she wanted. She's now just over 3 and has settled down into a very well behaved young lady. So hopefully yours is also a short lived phase. I agree with the other posts - try to use positive reinforcement and understand that she's probably not trying to be naughty, but is just frustrated at not being ready to be as independent as she'd like. I read one article which likened the brain development of 2 year olds to going through puberty which helped me realise the emotional rollercoaster these little beings are on. Also i tried an experiment of limiting the number of times i said "no" in a day (pick a number at the start of the day, then try and stick to it), it made me realise i was overusing the term and making my little one immune to it. Good luck, and i hope this phase passes quickly for you.
csafaya
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 April 2014 - 21:44
Yup, i do it all the time...you go through with egate (and child in tow), then loop back to the guy at the desk to get baby/toddler's passport stamped.
csafaya
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 April 2014 - 11:01
Hi, Kewlzany - your little one sounds like mine in terms of napping being a huge sleep followed by crankiness which is why we stopped it just before 3 yrs old and replace with quiet time (reading or ipad). She also needs me in the room to put her to sleep. I'm being v strict on routine -exactly 2 stories from a book, then lights out and one whispered story from my head, then "night, night, i love you" and no more talking. If she's not calm i've started doing a gentle back massage / stroking, otherwise i just sit nearby but not / touching her or looking at her til she falls asleep. Supernanny suggests you then move a little further away each night until you're at the door. Haven't tried that yet myself. The other thing i'm going to try is when she's very tired and comfortable one night, whispering "i'm just going to the toilet, i'll come back" and she if she falls asleep on her own while i'm out. Will let you know if i get that to work!
csafaya
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 April 2014 - 13:46
I'd suggest that you don't assume anywhere is wheelchair-friendly and call ahead to check access won't be a problem. With that in mind, try "at the top" at burj khalifa, mall of emirates ski dubai has a big picture window to watch from the outside, do you think he could manage a water park - try calling wild wadi or atlantis to check their facilities. Also atlantis aquarium is good fun. I'd skip the idea of the beach at that time of year, it's just too hot - air, sand and sea! Also avoid walking around anywhere both because of heat and also lack of pavements, or drop curbs. Good luck and be prepared for a few extra frustrations...as the previous posts say, you just don't see wheelchairs here, so places are not very understanding of those needs.
csafaya
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 April 2014 - 08:45
Hi, my DD is at nursery in the morning, then comes home, has lunch or snack depending on what she's eaten at nursery then plays with the maid. She doesn't have a nap anymore as she's always been tough to put to sleep in the evening, but if she needs some downtime she asks for half an hour of ipad (mickey's clubhouse or Peppa ***), then does active play with bricks, toys, beads etc. dinner at 4.30pm then to the park to meet her friends until 6.30 when i get home from work so we have a catch up and chat about the day. Supper or a glass of milk if she wants, Bathtime at 7, storytime 7.30, sleep by 8pm. Sometimes, yes she's exhausted and tantrummy in the evenings, but if she naps even half an hour, she's up til 9.30pm, which i've realised means net less sleep!! The park routine for her is the best bit of her routine. It gets her meeting some other friends, running around and wearing her out. When summer comes, we'll do some indoor playdates with her local park friends or let her ride her bike/scooter inside, or go to the local soft play centre. Good luck with designing a routine which suits your family....do lots of trial and error, but give each option a few days to bed in, before deciding if it works.
csafaya
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 April 2014 - 20:16
Hi - i can't advise but will offer my experience from my hungry little one. She was exclusively breast fed, then at around 5.5 months, she was showing an interest in food and spoons, so i thought i'd try her out on baby mush (can't remember if it was rice or porridge, but i've been told that milupa is a good brand). I just did one teaspoonful mixed with breastmilk before her feed and she gobbled it down, then i did the rest of the feed as normal. Once i saw that (a) she enjoyed it, and (b) she didn't have any digestion problems, i did again the next day. Then introduced to real food solids the next week, one foodstuff per day so i could see any effects (i heard that pear is the easiest fruit to digest and arbi....an indian root vegetable that i'd never previously heard of). She gobbled down everything offered. I would say that as long as you take it relatively slowly at first and listen to her reactions, then why not. Only thing i'd say is that solids didn't make mine sleep any better :-(. And be ready for some interesting nappies! Good luck with whatever you choose.
csafaya
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 March 2014 - 18:12
I recently bought some bunk beds so i've looked at most of the shops in dubai! I was actually looking for white ones and don't remember seeing many in brown or black, but try pan-emirates which has quite a selection at reasonable prices. Also i think i saw some dark bunk beds on dubizzle if you're prepared to consider second hand (you can always then just get new mattresses). Good luck.
csafaya
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 March 2014 - 14:00
Hi, I agree with the others on this thread. If the doc has a good reason for induction then he needs to convince you of it. I was induced, but I was 15 days over due date, so it was necessary. As the others have said, they give the drugs, then normal labour starts, but it was v quick (3 hrs total), so I think a bit more painful (I only have 1 baby so nothing to compare to). Has your doc inferred that being induced and c-section are linked....to my (non expert) knowledge I don't see a link...you can be induced and have natural birth and not be induced and have a c-section, plus all combinations in between. If you've read previous threads, it seems Dubai is very pro-c-section which I would be keen to argue with the doc over...in fact, any intervention should be properly explained to the patient, otherwise, let mother nature do what she does best! Good luck whatever you decide.
csafaya
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 March 2014 - 13:38
There's meatone on the high street in Motor City.
csafaya
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 March 2014 - 19:37
I like mine at medicentres motor city (can't remember her name but reception will tell you). She listens to parents' concerns and doesn't over-prescribe drugs.
csafaya
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 March 2014 - 21:11
I found mirdiff mall best. Can't remember the name of the shop...something like maternity junction. Not superb quality, but adequate and cheap enough. I also tailored some shirts for work, then they're to my own design and measurements.
csafaya
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 March 2014 - 15:40
I don't have any expertise on this matter, but can offer my opinion - if the child is joint custody, then don't you need the ok of the father to take the child out of the country? Also, if the father decides to cause a problem here, it's all well and good saying that you're UK residents, married and divorced there etc, but if he knows which authorities to speak to, maybe the onus would fall on her to prove all those things. You didn't mention nationality - I hope both the mum and dad are Brits and he's not an Emirati or Arab. Under local law, the child naturally goes to the father in case of separation, so the father's voice may be worth more here than in the UK. I appreciate you said that they're not on amicable terms, but a NOC (no objection certificate) from him giving her permission to take the child to Dubai would go a long way to alleviate any concerns if there's any chance of her getting one.
csafaya
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 March 2014 - 17:58
Hi, i'm 35 weeks and nervous about what i've read about dubai being pro-c-section. My first was delivered naturally despite head not being down until she was overdue, but she turned and dropped right at the end no problem. Don't blame yourself whichever way it turns out - sounds like you're doing everything right. Personally i would definitely get a second opinion and be very adamant with the other doc that you don't want a c-section, just to see how they respond. My doc said i needed a c-sec just because of my age (39) despite having a perfectly normal delivery 3 years ago. I firmly refused and then she quickly changed her tune saying i'm probably right and that natural delivery would be ok! Good luck, i agree with the threads that the most important thing is a healthy baby and we're lucky to have good medical facilities here, so don't let it stress you too much.
csafaya
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 February 2014 - 21:22
Hi, i was also looking and couldn't find any! I used dubizzle, expatwoman and findyourmaid website. Had to broaden the search to sri lankan in the end (but couldn't then get hindi speaking). Everyone i spoke to said you're best bringing someone over from india. Let me know if you have more success than i did. Good luck.
csafaya
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 February 2014 - 13:31
I saw squirty Jiff lemon in DIFC Choitrams the other day, but it was in a really random section which is why it stuck in my mind....I think it was in the cake section (as in ready-made, not baking) or the dried fruit section. Maybe try asking the staff if they have it, in case your local supermarket also puts it in a strange place.
csafaya
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 February 2014 - 12:48
Hi all, I've found this thread really useful while looking for a maid/nanny. My experience of Filipinas has been similar to people below - I've had about 30 not return calls, 2 not turn up to interview, 2 accept an offer, then not return my calls....overall, lots of frustration and no success. So per the advice below, I widened the nationality search and have had better experience with Sri Lankans, although poorer quality of english (which is why I had originally preferred Filipinas, since my daughter is 3 so her english grammar is still developing). I also widened the search beyond "previous experience with a western family" as that generally translated to "high expectations of money and allowances". I've found that by looking for someone who has limited experience or experience only outside of Dubai, but a nice personality and common sense you get someone with more realistic expectations on workload and money. I'm using lots of "what if" questions in interview e.g. what do you do if the baby won't stop crying, what do you do if the baby gets sick and I'm not around, what do you do if the child tantrums in public etc to see how they think. Good luck for all of you who are still searching.
csafaya
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 February 2014 - 12:20
Hi, I've used them and have no complaints about the website....some of the maids on the site aren't being truthful, but that's the same anywhere. It's definitely skewed towards Filipina maids, but again, I think that's representative of the supply in Dubai. I haven't heard of any other agencies that aren't just big rip offs.
csafaya
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 February 2014 - 15:22
I think Dragonmart is the cheapest place for curtains, but they often don't come out to do measurement / fitting, so you need to be good at measuring windows accurately and knowing how much material you need. An alternative with possibly better customer service is Satwa - just look in the windows for the places that sell curtaining material then pop in and ask. I find them super helpful and reasonable (maybe not great spoken english). Good luck.
csafaya
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 February 2014 - 15:12
One compromise which you could consider is moving to a villa with external maid's quarters (I know these exist in Arabian Ranches, and Green Community Motor City at least - not sure where else). Then you get the advantage of live in maid, but your own privacy as well. Depends on your living arrangements though as they tend to be big, expensive villas. Otherwise, i agree with the other respondants that you need a full time nanny, or an arrangement with another parent, but I've never heard of those arrangements here. You could quietly approach a nursery teaching assistant to ask if they want some babysitting money by looking after your little one after nursery (unlikely to be "approved" by nursery for their staff to do private work). However also note that nursery hours seem to change on a whim here, e.g. they shortened the hours last week due to road disruption for the bike challenge, and it's half term 2 days closed next week. As a full time working mum (living with in-laws and live in maid), nurseries are not nearly as understanding of working mums here as back home (UK). Try Hummingbird nursery in DIFC which seems to be the most linked to working hours - I've never spoken to them myself.
csafaya
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 February 2014 - 21:21
If she hasn't already gone to the previous respondants, i'd be interested in interviewing her. I live in motor city and need a nanny for my baby due in april so march start would be perfect. No pets, own room, loving family. Thanks cathy Caafaya5 at g mail
csafaya
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 February 2014 - 09:27
Hi, I can recommend a really good tutor who is very skilled but also makes the lessons fun for the kids, so gets great results. Her name is Nilantheny Narendran, she's a BSc (Hons) Mathematics and Part Qualified Actuary and can be contacted on 050 556 0848 or [email protected].
 
 
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