dubaiwithonlychild

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Latest post on 08 May 2014 - 11:51

We moved from UK to Dubai in Jan this year and were over the moon that 6yo DD was offered a place at DESS. 3 months on, we aren't so sure. She seems unhappy. From the bright, outgoing, bubbly girl she used to be, she's turning introverted and shy. Her teacher says she's doing well academically but is too shy to make friends. DD says she rarely has kids to play with, is often told "sorry I'm playing with xyz" and is only included when they need an additional person. At home as well, we are yet to find friends for her (and me!), so it's a bit lonely. Part of her school problem is that she is not the least bit sporty and DESS seems to be quite sports oriented - which is a good thing, but it seems to be giving her a bit of a complex. Each time there is an event (Sports Day, House Day, Swim Gala etc), we get a constant refrain of "I don't want to go, I am not good at swimming/ running..." Not sure if this could be a factor, but she is the only British Indian child in the class - the others are predominantly English or European. Not sure if it's an issue of cultural fitment. She went to an outstanding state school in UK where it wasn't an issue, but I am realizing that these dynamics work differently in Dubai. I recognize that many of these may just be settling in issues. However I am wondering if we should consider other schools for next year, while she's still not too 'invested' in this school. DD is quite academic, loves reading, board games, puzzles etc, not really interested in horsing around like most other 6yo's. What would you do? Leaving a place at DESS will brand me as a nutcase forever, won't it?

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