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Daza

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EW MASTER
Latest post on 29 June 2016 - 17:01
RuthM, it's not normal and you are not over reacting. I'd say you are totally under reacting to be honest. Stand up for yourself and stand up for your child, she will be picking up on your stress. It's also not right that she is seeing her mummy over ruled and someone trying to keep you from her. Seriously, this woman is going to have you slicing mangoes for her soon.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 29 June 2016 - 16:53
I would say the maid isn't a fit for you, it sounds like she means well taking her to the park etc. Do you think you might be a bit too protective that the maid doesn't get a too close relationship with your child? It's difficult to change someone's personality and these girls mostly don't have much training or education and it's difficult to change if it's not working out. I don't think it's being too protective to not want your child to form a close relationship with your employee. Every family is different and we all need to do what works for us but some people don't want or need their children to be close to their maid.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 29 June 2016 - 16:41
Hi RuthM It is your home and your child, why on earth are you letting another woman call the shots? You employ her, if she refuses to accept your authority as her boss then you need to fire her and find someone who does accept that you are in charge. I would sit her down one final time (with your husband too if that would help you) and explain in no uncertain terms that she is only to interact with your child when you have specifically asked her to, at other times she is to attend to her other duties and leave you to enjoy your time with your child. No discussion, no further warnings. If she can't do this she can find another job. No need to get nasty or accusatory, just tell her how things are going to be from now on. You really need to take charge and stop having your precious time with your child ruined by someone who you have employed to help you. I'm generally a calm reasonable person but if someone tried to wrestle my child off me they would be straight out my door.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 June 2016 - 16:26
We stayed at The Chava Resort at Surin Beach in Phuket when our children were 2,4 & 6 and it was perfect. The apartments were lovely and the pool area was fantastic. Some ground floor apartments have their own pools which we didn't choose having young children. There was a great open style restaurant by the pool that you could either eat at tables poolside or they would bring it to your room. You could order from the menu or they would make whatever you wanted. The beach was across the road and through a small park, fine with a buggy. Plenty of restaurants along the beach front. We went in July, I don't remember mosquitos being an issue at all and I was pregnant so not using any deet. There was a car hire place a few doors down and a great bakery in the hotel next door. It was the most relaxed, easy holiday we've done with children and they loved it too.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 June 2016 - 20:31
I took Pregnacare during all my pregnancies. As long as you aren't deficient in anything it is one tablet a day that covers everything. Most pharmacies stock it. https://www.vitabiotics.com/pregnacare/original
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 26 May 2016 - 10:45
The forum is at Forum Home > Maids and Home Help http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/forum42-maids--home-help.aspx Or for job ads it's Classifieds > Maids and Home Help from the drop down menu http://www.expatwoman.com/dubai/classified_listing.aspx?se=&cl=4
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 26 May 2016 - 10:27
Six months left is really annoying, with the whole process being so expensive it's a lot of money to lose. Hopefully with one last effort to resolve it you'll get somewhere, good luck.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 May 2016 - 15:57
she said she would like to look for another job , however I do doubt that she has already found one ...what would otherwise motivate her so much ? also , is it normal practise to take the nannies along with you when on a long holiday ? we were planning to take her along to our home country for the summers .... that was one of the things she had resisted to ... infact she resists coming out with us anytime even if we need the help with the kids and we accommodated that as well .... do they basically get that choice ? As you are asking, -Do they get that choice? I think you weren't clear from the beginning what you expected from this maid. I think you should let this one go, find a new one and be very clear exactly what you expect from them and from there agree salary etc. Agree, and put it all in writing so there can be no confusion. If my boss only told me after I accepted a job that international travel would be expected I'd quit too. Sukhi, you haven't said how long she has left on her contract, is it very long? Can you find a compromise?
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 24 May 2016 - 20:33
I don't think there is any 'normal' practice with regards to taking maids or nannies out or away with you, each family just does what suits them. It doesn't sound like she is a very good fit for your family. You would be much better off with someone who is happy to go out and travel with you if that is what you require. If she is breaking her contract early I wouldn't pay any end of service bonus and cut my losses.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 24 May 2016 - 16:58
How long does she have left on her contract? Has she told you if she is going to find another maid job here or a different job here or if she is going home?
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 17 May 2016 - 18:28
I know it's hard and toddlers can be little horrors but you need to step back and stop making mealtimes such a battleground. Even if it means changing your eating routine for a while it's worth sitting down with her for every meal and eating with her. Don't fight with her, chat, keep it light, talk about how much you are enjoying your food but don't overdo it. If she doesn't eat don't beg, threaten or punish just roll with it try again next time. If you aren't already it might also be worth trying to make the food a bit more fun. My toddler won't eat meatballs but if I put them on a stick he'll happily eat them. Toddlers are weird :lol:
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 May 2016 - 16:49
Have you visited either country castle? In general, there is a high standard of living in both. The cost of living in Sydney is very high and I know a number of people on good incomes who have left due to the cost of housing. Auckland is also expensive compared to salaries. Do you have any particular cities or areas you are leaning towards in either country? Australia is huge so it would be especially relevant there which area you are looking at. Have you looked closely at the entry requirements for both? I don't know about now but I do know Australia was pretty tough to get in to a few years back. I think both countries are fantastic and have a lot to offer so it really depends on what you are looking for. Whilst they are neighbours and have a lot in common they have a very different feel.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 April 2016 - 13:36
Hi Foodfanaticmum This will be our tenth summer here and apart from one summer when we were gone the whole time we are normally here most of the summer. We've never done summer camps, call me lazy but I love the relaxed pace in summer and we have many pyjama days where my children have a marvelous time wrecking the house while I loaf online and occasionally throw food their way :biggrin: This summer should be a bit easier as Ramadan will finish early in the holiday so there will be a lot more options to eat out during the day. When we make it out the house we go to malls and indoor play areas for a run around. By the end of the holiday I practically come out in hives at the words 'soft play'. Extreme Fun is and indoor play area very close to where you will be living and is great for your age children. We spend time at our community pool, we have the obligatory trip to the Sharjah Wildlife Centre, we do loads of play dates and we sometimes do a night or two staycation to break things up a bit. I like my children to get some time outside every day so once the sun is down I shoo them outside with a sprinkler on or the slip n slide or a stack of water balloons. As long as the sun is off our garden and they get wet the heat is fine. There are many positives to summer here, you'll be fine :)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 April 2016 - 13:19
Don't waste your time and money Anouja, as the other ladies have said, there is no point. I've tried a couple of treatments for cellulite and the effect they give is very temporary. If you a genetically predisposed to cellulite you'll never be rid of it. I do everything 'right' (except giving up coffee, no way I'm doing that) to minimise it and I still have loads of it :cry:
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 April 2016 - 10:33
Saggi_1 you've said "I understand its ok to take something which is common example food stuff etc" but have you ever sat down with her and explained what is and isn't ok to take? Maybe she thinks that if anything comes in with the groceries it's "common" and she can use it? It might make sense to you what is personal stuff that she can and can't take but maybe it's not so clear to her? Our previous maid who was brilliant and totally trustworthy used to wear my garden flip flops when she first started when she was cleaning up outside. I asked her to please wear her own and it turns out she thought the shoes outside were for anyone to wear. If it was money or clothes or jewellery going missing then I would try to catch her out or search her room for proof but for the things you've mentioned I would just sit down with her and say that I'd noticed my clips, hair freshener etc and her room and could she please buy her own as these weren't things I wanted to share and/or provide.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 24 March 2016 - 14:54
Not a second hand bookshop but The Old Library at Mall of the Emirates has the whole set of Beast Quest books.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 28 February 2016 - 16:23
I'm sorry to hear things have gone from bad to worse VictoriaM. If I was you I would pay her up until the end of her contract and send her home now with a nice end of service bonus.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 February 2016 - 19:14
My children of that age love The Journey at Kite Beach. It's a gorgeous outdoor playground with water features they can play in. It;s 30 dirhams entry per person for 2 hours. http://www.thejourneydubai.com/ We are also spending a lot of time at Kite Beach with the weather being so gorgeous. There are a lot of food options and a grassy area for a picnic. You can hire double kayaks for 60 dirhams an hour and they have child life jackets.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 February 2016 - 18:40
Smartee, if you have hired her to do a job and she can't do it the way you want and her beliefs annoy you so much then employ someone else better suited to working in your home. She is meant to take stress away from you, not add to it. Why do you always resort to age related digs when you go on one of your defensive rants? Does ageing scare you? One day inshallah you will find yourself older and you will realise that it doesn't mean you are senile. You might even find yourself a little wiser with the years.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 February 2016 - 14:02
Pyjamas yes!! And only pyjamas. Who doesn't love all matching pyjamas on Christmas morning :) I am not a Mum but if I was I wouldn't be wearing matching with my kids pyjamas on Christmas Day. I don't think they do spiderman or frozen pj's for adults :biggrin: Saw some in the men's department at New Look the other day. Star Wars and Marvel designs. I nearly got some for my husband but decided he'd probably look like a prat. I may still get them :biggrin:
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 February 2016 - 13:50
From my understanding dressing your children matching (either to yourself or other children) can be a sign of luxury /wealth here, as it means you had enough money to buy them the clothes very recently (before 1 of them grows out of it or stains it), and enough time to ensure both outfits were clean and pressed at the same time etc. I wonder what people who believe this would make of my shambolically attired children in their hand me down several times over clothes? Love a good bag of hand me downs.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 February 2016 - 14:53
I can't speak for the UAE market but my personal opinion is no, no, no. Sarah Ferguson and her matching daughters all decked out in ginormous bows and ruffles come to mind.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 February 2016 - 14:27
There was no need for rudeness but I can totally understand someone telling someone they thought was a nanny to do her job properly. Everyone I know expects different standards from themselves as a parent and their maid or nanny. Who here can honestly say they have never thought it at the playground? Nanny/maid always on the phone or talking to their friends, ignoring the children they are being paid to take care of. I think differently of this than I do of a parent at the playground on their phone or talking to their friends. I escape to my phone if whenever I'm in a playground. However, if our maid ever took my children to the playground I'd expect her to stay off her phone as she would be working. I used to be a nanny and picked up the children in my care from school. Teachers and other parents treated me much differently than I get treated as a parent picking up my children. There was much more expectation that I would be on time and organised as it was my job to be.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 December 2015 - 13:12
It was pretty busy straight after summer when everyone got back with good intentions ;) but has quietened down since then. No doubt there will be another surge then tail off after Christmas. I've had no problem booking any classes although I do know that swing yoga has to be booked early as it only has ten places per class. I can only speak for the morning classes, I don't go in the evening.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 06 December 2015 - 13:27
Can she get her marriage certificate attested in her home country then sent here? This would cover her in case of complications. With regards to clinics, I doubt anyone is going to specifically name a clinic on here but whilst you must provide a marriage certificate at hospitals and Government clinics, you don't need to show one at most private clinics, certainly not in the early stages. If asked she could always explain it is being sent from her home country.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 November 2015 - 16:15
I'm pretty sure Tessa isn't LC. One of Tessa's posts incorrectly said "your" instead of "you're". There is no way LC would make such a grammatical faux pas :biggrin:
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 November 2015 - 15:17
"Guns do not kill people - people kill people" The simple irrefutable fact is that access to guns makes it far easier for people to kill people. Both accidentally and intentionally. Do you think the correlation between the high rate of gun ownership and the high rate of firearm related death in the US is simply a coincidence?
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 November 2015 - 11:50
if you want to avoid traffic black spots, than you would need to avoid Arabian Ranches. Why do you say this mum2girls? I'm in the Ranches are very rarely hit traffic. It does of course depend on where you are going at what time, if you had to use Hessa Street every day at rush hour it wouldn't be good but in general I find the road links good and access in and out of the Ranches is great since the Motor City roundabout U-turn opened. Yara09, when we first moved here we looked at the Springs and the Ranches, I loved the feel of the Ranches and still love it nearly 9 years later.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 November 2015 - 10:45
If he is in agreement with you and just being lazy then it's easily solved. Go to the bank together, put your name on the account his salary goes in to, get a debit card in your name for it and take out money as and when you see fit.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 November 2015 - 10:03
He only returned to NZ last night from the UK via Dubai. It's so sad, his sons are 5 & 6 and he gave an interview a few months ago in which he said his goal was to live until they turned 21. :(
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 November 2015 - 09:58
You really need to sit down with your husband and work out your finances in a way that suits you both. If you don't it will fester and continue to be a source of conflict. I also find the concept of pocket money dreadful. If it were rolls reversed and your husband was dependent on your income for whatever reason do you think he would be happy having to ask for 'pocket money'? Also, it's a two way street. You may be dependent on the income your husband is earning but he is also dependent on you to raise your child and run your home. Your role is in no way less important than his simply because it is unpaid and you should never feel that you are the dependent in your relationship. It's a partnership. My husband's salary is family money. We have joint bank accounts with cards each and both with full and equal access. We make joint decisions about our money and how it is spent and we both spend however we wish on the day to day things although major purchases from either of us will be discussed and agreed upon before being made.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 November 2015 - 14:33
How old are your children AdventurerB? I've always taken cues from my children about what/how much to tell them. If they ask anything I'll give them an honest answer in language appropriate to their age. They all have had questions quite young as with four children I've spent a lot of time pregnant or breastfeeding over the past decade! So when they ask how the baby got there etc I tell them, no euphemisms or lies. With regards to keeping safe and inappropriate touching, I've spoken to them about what is and isn't right and what to do if god forbid they ever find themselves in that situation. Periods I've spoken to them about (both my boys and my girl) although I'm not sure they all believe that such a thing actually happens every month! I recently had a more in depth to my daughter about it as she is nine and although nowhere near that stage herself she has some friends who will be soon. I think the main thing is to keep to the facts and don't be embarrassed yourself. You want them to be able to come to you with any questions or problems so try not to make it awkward. We have a great book called 'It's Not The Stork' which they have in one of their rooms and look at every now and then.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 November 2015 - 18:03
In terms of villa vs apartment living what is he general consensus with two kids and with me being a stay at home mum for now. There doesn't seem a huge difference between prices for a 3 bed apartment vs 3 bed villa. We also have just had confirmation that the company will pay the years rent upfront for us and then deduct it from my husband salary. We aren't in a position to oh such a lump sum ourselves ! Does anyone know Which schools are near Arabian ranches? This seems A popular area but online research can sometimes be out of date ! I'm in Arabian Ranches. We have a four bed townhouse, big garden but no pool and our DEWA is over £1000 a month :cry: DEWA does seem to be high in the Ranches compared to many areas. I love living here though. We own our home so not sure on rent for something similar. Schools in the area are Safa Community and Victory Heights which I've heard very good things about, Ranches Primary which I've heard nothing about, Nord Anglia, very good reports but full (and expensive), Gems Metropole not such good reports and Formarke and Kings Al Barsha, mixed reports but probably out of your budget unless your potential employer ups the salary. School choice is of course a very personal thing so don't take my word for anything :)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 November 2015 - 13:59
My husbands company didn't used to give an education allowance but they introduced it. That goes against the norm though, generally it's the other way around! I agree with your conclusion about the package being on the cusp of being comfortable. It also depends on if the company is offering to help with relocation costs. It can be pretty expensive setting up here and unfortunately landlords often ask for a full year's rent up front so you have to be able to cover that. In some cases you may be able to pay in 2,3 or 4 cheques. We also came for the lifestyle and have really enjoyed our time here :)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 November 2015 - 13:40
I once had a cheeky breeze blow my floaty skirt completely up round my neck right in front of Freddie Flintoff. Given his wife has a perfect derriere the poor man was probably traumatised after getting an eyeful of my a*se. Sensible jeans today, bring on the rain!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 November 2015 - 13:34
Children here start after their 3rd birthday (so young :cry: ). You don't have to start them then and some nurseries offer FS1 but you may want to start your youngest then to have both your children in the same place.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 November 2015 - 13:21
Hi Foodfanaticmum If they aren't offering any education allowance it's really worth trying to negotiate on this. Good schools with reasonable fees are obviously the hardest to get a place for and fees will make a big dent in your income, especially once your youngest starts.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 November 2015 - 12:21
Have you tried on Virgin? http://tickets.virginmegastore.me/index.php?event_id=3329 Failing that they have a facebook page, you could contact them there. https://www.facebook.com/events/454961454686554/
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 November 2015 - 21:00
Regular tickets are still available on Platinum List. https://dubai.platinumlist.net/event-tickets/29361/party-in-the-park-stereophonics-razorlight-m-people-the-parlotones?show=26555
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 November 2015 - 20:00
This place is great. http://www.tidjoorirestaurant.com/
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 November 2015 - 20:12
For me - no. I would not use it. I take my children with me and expect them to behave civilised and sit quietly. If I think the situation is one in which they could not I would not take them. I was on my own a lot when my children were small and it was a horror to take them out when they were 3/4/5, but I would have rather stayed home then leave the with someone else. Speak to the staff working at the IKEA Kids' Area and ask them how many children are let with them. I saw that area at the entrance to IKEA, Dubai. I would not have left my children there, as I am very protective, but there seemed to be quite a few little children in there when I passed it last. Hey ..thanks for your openion maybe if you have a trustful house maid is an option to keep your kids home cus some places r not suitable for kids ....some mothers have no option to sit and relax any places especially for 1 or 2 years old : ( I'm with AdventurerB, I wouldn't use it either. Having my children off with strangers wouldn't give me peace of mind, quite the opposite and I would much prefer to eat as a family when we go out. I don't have any expectation to sit and relax when eating out with small children. If I want to do that it's a takeaway on the couch once they are in bed :)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 05 November 2015 - 14:23
Not only is it sometimes/oftentimes a necessity for both parents to work, how about this for a progressive thought: [b'>Woman have the RIGHT to continue their professional careers after having children.[/b'> And NO we don't have to make excuses or have "legitimate reasons" (we need the money) or be apologetic (I feel guilty because I'm not at home with the kids). SERIOUSLY? Take a look at the calendar...it's 2015. I can't believe in a metropolitan, multicultural society women have to justify why they put their children in daycare/preschool/nursery. If I was this woman's employer, I would fire her. Not because she voiced her opinion (everyone is allowed one) but she went on a self-described "rant" about her clients on a radio station. Where is her professionalism? I would never want my children to be left in the care of a crass, immature, disrespectful woman. Totally agree TCF. Men [i'>never[/i'> have to justify or make excuses for going back to work after starting a family. They aren't judged or deemed to be failing as a father because they choose to continue with their careers rather than put them on hold or give them up to raise a family. They don't agonise over if they are doing the right thing. The worst part is that it's [i'>always[/i'> other women judging.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 November 2015 - 11:40
In the new section all the ones on this link are open apart from Eat Greek. http://whatson.ae/dubai/knowledge/32562/first-look-whats-inside-new-wing-mall-emirates/ I've been to Common Ground a few times which is great, it's another branch of Tom and Serg, just with a different name. Din Tai Fung there is always a queue, I haven't been but friends who have said it's fantastic and cheap. Not on the link above but also definitely open is 800 Degrees pizza, they will bring menus and you can order from the table rather than going to the counter if you prefer. Also open are More, Yo Sushi and Starbucks.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 November 2015 - 14:28
If it's an actual emergency you'll get seen very quickly but a swollen ankle isn't an emergency. When you go to an emergency department they will quickly assess you and you'll be given a numbered rating depending on the urgency of your problem. A swollen ankle would get the lowest rating hence you will wait. Doctors can get really frustrated with non urgent cases taking up their time especially when busy and you would be much better off just going to a doctor's clinic. I don't know about DSO but the Mediclinic in Arabian Ranches has an X-Ray. When my son broke his foot I took him there, they were able x-ray and put the cast on there, no waiting. Same for me at there Dubai Mall clinic when I broke my ankle. Save the emergency room visits for genuine emergencies. I've been to two emergency departments here, both were brilliant. The first time was Medcare a couple of years ago for me. The second time was City very recently for my toddler. Both times I was seen immediately and the care was excellent. City was particularly good, the staff were amazing. I hope your ankle is feeling better soon :)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 October 2015 - 19:59
Constant things like that would drive me barmy VictoriaM! It sounds like she has mentally checked out of her job already. I guess you just need to decide if she has built up enough goodwill in the time she has been with you to put up with it all and keep employing her until she retires.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 October 2015 - 18:41
I don't think you are being unreasonable VictoriaM. If she was new then I'd say it's just a matter of training but if she is in to her third year with you then I doubt she's going to suddenly improve. If her job is laundry/cleaning etc then with the amount of time she has been doing it she should be able to do that job without constant errors, guidance and correcting. Whether it's laziness or lack of common sense it doesn't really matter if the end result is the same. Whether someone is a maid or a CEO they really should be capable of doing the job the are paid for. If they can't, it might be time for another job.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 October 2015 - 14:22
Arm and Hammer baking soda can often be found in the cleaning aisles in Spinneys in larger sizes. Sold as either odour eliminator or fruit and veg wash but both are 100% baking soda and good for cleaning. http://www.armandhammer.com/deodorization/baking-soda/Products/arm-and-hammer-baking-soda-fresh-n-natural-odor-absorber.aspx
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 October 2015 - 14:11
The pediatric ophthalmologist at the American Hospital is very good.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 October 2015 - 12:35
I suggest you look up mortality rates from certain diseases before and after vaccinations were introduced. I thank my lucky stars that my children live a world where thanks to modern medicine they don't have to suffer the horrors of diseases that killed so many in previous generations.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 October 2015 - 12:17
Our maid cleans our cars once a week. No ladder involved though sarahlou ;) When she is not working or if they need a mid week wash I do it. No big deal, I grew up in a house where all chores car washing, mowing the lawn, cooking, cleaning etc were divided equally with no gender differences. I'm raising my children the same. Everyone has different expectations. Whilst our maid cleans our cars I wouldn't dream of asking her to change one of my children's nappies or clean up their sick. That's in my job description, not hers :\: