Green-ish | ExpatWoman.com
 

Green-ish

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Latest post on 28 November 2011 - 06:34
I think when we're worried and sleep-deprived, it's worth remembering that there is no conclusive evidence that the introduction of solids means more/longer sleep. In my personal experience, two of my three babies had slightly [u'>more disturbed[/u'> sleep after starting solids. Don't be afraid to cut the solids waaaaaayyy back then slowly re-introduce, one food at a time so you know for sure what is ok for her tummy. xx
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Latest post on 28 November 2011 - 06:15
OH...I should add that my friend has done all of this under the very close supervision & support of her GP. The food is SO good and so much of it (higher calorie intake for BF mummas) that she has had no issues with supply. Her very, very gorgeous little one is thriving. :D
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Latest post on 28 November 2011 - 06:11
Hi DC. I've just lost a 11kg in 11 weeks. VERY proud of me!! :D I joined an online program based here in Aus but the mastermind behind it also has a brilliant book or two that basically show you how to do the same thing. A friend of mine motivated me to join her on the journey...she's early 20's and was three months post partum when she started. She's lost well over 15kg in the same time!! (lots of fluid post delivery of course, but still awesome results.) She's also followed the exercise plan (all with baby in buggy) and has gone from never running in her life to being able to run 10km!! Maybe have a look into Michelle Bridges books (or the 12WBT - 12 Week Body Transformation)? Michelle is one of the Aus "Biggest Loser" trainers and she's AMAZING!! There are a group of ladies doing the 12WBT in Dubai & Doha and we have a little FB support group going on. Next round starts in Feb but no reason you can't get the books and start now...if it appeals, lol. www.12wbt.com/MichelleBridges and https://www.michellebridges.com.au
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Latest post on 28 November 2011 - 06:02
The BCG is given to babies here as soon as they are born. Kids of school age also need to have it before going to school. Personally I believe the vaccination is crucial here and would not allow my kids to be here if they did not have it. It's not compulsory to have it at birth in the UAE and it's not required for school. My son was born in Aus and has not had the BCG...dr's both in Aus and Dubai advised it's not necessary as it's one of the least effective vaccines out there. My middle child was given the vacc at birth in Dubai because the I believed the hospital staff that it was compulsory. :( My youngest was born at Al Wasl and the paed's were absolutely respectful of my choice not to have it for her. It was never an issue for visas or school.
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Latest post on 28 November 2011 - 05:51
Hi lisalou...I'll stay off my "don't buy from just any breeder" soapbox for this one :D but I will ask you to please reconsider your choice of breed. Brachycephalic dogs are just a bad, bad idea in the climate where you currently live. Also consider that many airlines will not fly brachycephalic breeds for very good reason. Please do some considered research before settling on your breed choice. ETA - Here's the first (and not particularly great) link that come up for me on a quick search - http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_brachycephalic.html <em>edited by Green-ish on 28/11/2011</em>
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Latest post on 28 November 2011 - 05:46
I don't see what the owners can really do except keep the cat in all day and night which I don't think they'll do. ... If they are half-way considerate neighbours, that's exactly what they should do. Or, as I suggested below, install an outdoor enclosure so the cat can come and go at leisure and in safety. I know both options are a big stretch for some people, and I know cats will roam blah blah...but the fact is we should all be very aware of our responsibilities as pet owners. Just like loud noise every night or destruction of common area property, any behaviour that impinges upon the quality of life of our neighbours is not on. I'm aware I sound harsh, but I'm SO tired of people making excuses for the bad behaviour of others. WHY should the OP have to prepare herself to do battle with someone else's pet every time she or her children step into their own garden???? If the cat owners can't care for it responsibly and with consideration for others, perhaps they should not have the cat. Yep...one of those basics everyone would consider before taking in a pet...in my little Utopia. ;)
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Latest post on 27 November 2011 - 16:49
M...one of mine was gassy and fussy at night too. It's worrying and exhausting. Before we talk foods, PLEASE don't rely on that monitor too much. So much better to make a decision to start 'weaning off the swaddling' and know for sure that she's as safe as she can be. None of mine started solids until after 6 months, but I found my son couldn't tolerate any cereals at all, except for rice. Since you know rice is no good for your little girl, perhaps ditch the cereals all together? She's so little and her tummy has to work really hard to digest it all. She's getting everything she 'needs' from her formula and really is only beginning to explore flavours and textures with her solids. My older daughter developed a dreadful tummy bug when she was 4 months old...she was sick for almost 10 weeks. :( Throughout her illness she had dreadful 'gas' problems. The only thing that gave her any relief was smethicone drops (I think the brand name was Disflatyl??) Before you try any other medications though, be sure to stay in touch with a good GP or paed. :) Fingers crossed you're all getting more sleep soon.
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Latest post on 27 November 2011 - 16:26
Ange74 is a great trainer. Where is she when we need her? Veritas is a behaviourist and also amazing...but she'll work on you more than the dog. ;) I'll try to give them both a heads up for you. :)
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Latest post on 27 November 2011 - 16:20
JS...I agree 100% with your first sentence. Same goes for the cat in your yard too does it not? Of course there are other options for this particular kitten...rescue groups, vets etc...and I hope the OP has learned her lesson. ;) I just strongly believe euthanasia is sometimes a valid option, always a last resort, but we should refrain from passing judgement on that choice. My guess is that the OP adores animals or she wouldn't have helped this one out. If that is the choice she ends up having to make, she'll be upset enough about it. Don't make her (or anyone else) feel worse about it. <em>edited by Green-ish on 27/11/2011</em>
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Latest post on 27 November 2011 - 16:14
Have you spoken to the owners? If the cat is bothering you, they should take steps to make sure it stays on it's own property. They could keep it indoors or install an outdoor enclosure.
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Latest post on 27 November 2011 - 16:06
I've also heard negative things about hiring a maid like that, seems it's illegal and you can be fined. I wouldn't recommend it for your friend! Go with an agency to be on the safe side. Not "seems it's illegal"...it absolutely, completely, 100% is illegal and the fines are MASSIVE. Not only fines for the person employing the maid illegally, but also for her sponsor AND the maid will be deported and possible receive a life ban. She could be the only person supporting a large family in her home country. Fines aside, I would not want her loss of income on my conscience.
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Latest post on 27 November 2011 - 15:51
I completely disagree JS. Making the very difficult decision to have an animal euthanised is sometimes a better option. As you are well aware, foster homes are in short supply, permanent homes even harder to come by, times are tough so hard decisions have to be made. I think releasing a now 'tame' kitten back to the streets to fend for itself is potentially a far, far more cruel option. All of that said, I hope the little guy finds a home. I do agree that if you can't keep a kitten for as long as it takes to find a it permanent home, don't "rescue" it. ;) Many of them do just fine on the streets. If they are old enough, trap, neuter and release as quickly as possible. <em>edited by Green-ish on 27/11/2011</em>
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Latest post on 27 November 2011 - 03:22
When you register with a vet, all the info on micro chip/ Municapality Tag will be changed to your name so it is an instant procedure. One word of warning though is there is no central database of micro-chip numbers. When a cat is lost and brought to a vet, the number may not recognised by the said vet. It would involve the vet ringing other vets and check with them.A bit disappointing that there is no central database but better to be micro chipped than not, as it increases the chances for a cat to be reunited with its owner should he gets lost. In theory there is a central database...with DM. I don't remember though if each vet is supposed to submit the information to DM or if individual pet owners can do it. It exists. It's just a long way from foolproof.
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Latest post on 27 November 2011 - 02:58
To be honest RamC, I don't think any of us know what the answer is. When I used to walk my dog (in Mirdif area) I'd speak to anyone who didn't pick up after their dog...always with a smile and saying something like, "Here you go. I always carry extra bags these days." 8 times out of 10 the person would accept it and pick up, sometimes they actually looked embarrassed to have been caught out, sometimes they glared at me. The other 2 out of ten would look at me with contempt and keep walking. In that case I'd say, "I'll get that for you then? I find picking up your dog poo revolting but I really don't want someone's child to step in it." (complete with equally angry glare) Especially in an area like yours, I think we have to be careful about making complaints to building management or security etc or doing anything too public. There have been cases before where dogs are simply banned from the area. You don't want that. There are so many things about Dubai that it just seems easier to 'accept'. You'll drive yourself mad if you get too stressed about something that's really beyond your control.
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Latest post on 26 November 2011 - 13:20
I don't know that there's anyone who won't like it. I just don't think you'll reach any of the offenders here. It's a topic that's been discussed many, many times and everyone else shares your frustration. ;)
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Latest post on 26 November 2011 - 13:11
Sadly not really "unbelievable" though is it? The constant rule changing was about the only thing I found really tiresome about Dubai. Hope they come to their senses soon.
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Latest post on 26 November 2011 - 13:08
I think you're preaching to the converted on EW RamC. I share your frustration, but I doubt you'll find the culprits specifically here.
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Latest post on 26 November 2011 - 13:06
he is beautiful. Looks like he has more than Siamese in him :)...a bit fluffy... He's a bit Birman isn't he? Gorgeous.
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Latest post on 26 November 2011 - 13:04
spongemonkey...a friend of mine here recently made her own. She used a narrow poly pipe and plumbing joints for the frame, tent pegged it to the ground and threw a bird net (for fruit trees) over the top. Cheap, easy and done in a day. She put the cats' entrance near a window. There are a couple of biggish trees in pots that help support the top of it and with the black netting, it blends in to the background nicely. You'll probably find the poly pipe and elbows, t-joints etc locally but might need to source the netting online?
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Latest post on 26 November 2011 - 12:59
I never saw agility gear in the pet shops. I'm pretty sure K9 Friends have some so they may be able to tell you where it all came from? You could get by with some poly pipe cut into lengths. Drive some short stakes into the ground, put the poly pipe over the top and use as weaving poles. You could buy a kids tunnel - http://www.elctoys.com.au/p-15773-black-out-tunnel.aspx - and use tent pegs to hold it on the ground An old tyre inner tube or large pool ring in a wooden frame and suspended by ropes - tyre jump Lots of equipment to look at here...most of it dead easy (and cheap) to make yourself. :D http://www.affordableagility.com/
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Latest post on 26 November 2011 - 12:50
From experience: - only in a very select few parts of the emirates - only if there's a very good chance you'll be there a very long time - only if bank charges, maintenance and service charges plus mortgage are equal to or less than you're currently paying in rent - only if you can afford to lose EVERYTHING you put into it if your situation, or the rules, or the economic climate change again Would we buy there again? Never in a million years.
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Latest post on 26 November 2011 - 12:44
Could you please email me a pic of the sofas. Thanks If the cats wreck another sofa, the next one will be concrete! edited by OliTomJam on 26/11/2011 My husband once won a design award for his concrete sofa. :D It's now on permanent display at the Queensland College of Art. <em>edited by Green-ish on 26/11/2011</em>
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Latest post on 26 November 2011 - 11:17
oh, and ps: it's normal to feel like shyet right now...you are in 'mourning' of a kind and the empty belly and the feeling about it is symptomatic of that. Don't be too hard on self, ok? SO true! Well said aroha!! More hugs DC. xx
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Latest post on 26 November 2011 - 03:17
Hello ladies Thank you very much for such a huge response from all of you..[b'>.the general consensus i guess is that the 4x4 even if 2 door will be more solid than the convertibles..[/b'> ... To be clear...I don't think 4WD's are "more solid". I just felt safer in a bigger car and was never 'bullied' in a bigger car. As soon as we switched to a 'regular' car, the big bullies in their massive 4WD's seemed to think it was ok to cut me off, tail gate and side swipe. As I mentioned in another thread recently, I consider myself a good, safe, aware, defensive driver. My basic driving style did not change when we switched to the smaller car, but my experience on the roads sure did! 4WD's are very different to drive and their high centre of gravity MUST be taken into account. Numerous studies have been done showing higher 4WD's are more likely to roll over than cars which are lower to the ground. There are some 4WD's around in which you might as well be driving a tin can. ;) Here's a good Australian site for safety ratings. I'm sure there would be other sites internationally that cover models not available in Aus. http://www.ancap.com.au/home Good luck with your decision. ETA: I just saw Beetleblue's post below. :) Between the two sites, you should find all the info you need. :) <em>edited by Green-ish on 26/11/2011</em>
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Latest post on 25 November 2011 - 16:35
DC...give yourself time woman!!! :D Charlotte has just turned two and until three months ago I had done nothing about getting my belly back into shape. I had (and I quote the intern with ZERO tact) "massively bad diastasis recti." I fully expected I'd never in a bazillion years get my muscles to come back together...but they are. :D Slowly, but surely. Before you worry about surgery, maybe see a good physio and get some gentle exercises to start getting things back in place? You may still need surgery at some point (I do for a hernia too), but you'll feel better for doing something about it. NO sit ups...they make things worse. ;)
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Latest post on 25 November 2011 - 16:27
I love my Ford Escape and it's not mega expensive. Very solid, good to drive and high up which makes you feel safer. It's now 3 years old and still drives as well as the day I left Al Tayer. DC Funnily enough I almost suggested looking at an Escape as well as I had one for a couple of years and loved it, but I did find the AC wasn't as good as DH's Prado and also it was 4 door so not overly 'sporty' looking, but it was an excellent car which I loved driving (never tried it off road though, always took that Prado!!) so maybe worth a look... We also had a Ford for a couple of years. They are rock solid, reliable cars (which is very hard for an Aussie to say about American cars...lol) but I agree with CM that the AC is pretty ordinary. I think they are heavier on fuel than similar size Toyotas and have much lower resale value.
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Latest post on 25 November 2011 - 14:39
You can't go past Toyota for the best AC on the market, best resale and great reliability. Maybe visit the Toyota showroom and see what takes your fancy...Prado or RAV4? (a new RAV4 model coming to the UAE in January according to the website) <em>edited by Green-ish on 25/11/2011</em>
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Latest post on 25 November 2011 - 12:45
Supervision of children is the ONLY answer. A young man died here in Australia today after a fall from a high-rise building balcony...and we have very strict building codes.
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Latest post on 25 November 2011 - 12:42
Sarah...I'm in Australia now so it's local delivery for me. ;) Perhaps have a look here - http://www.houdinistop.com/213392/html/page.html Maybe you could buy from a UK or US site and have it sent to Dubai. You could use Aramex Shop&Ship for delivery to your door. :)
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Latest post on 25 November 2011 - 05:49
Yikes...here I go again, being contradictory...distraction is not really the solution. Once they know how to get 'out', distracted or not, they can get out. It only takes a second for them to get the straps off. When driving we cannot watch them every second. I'd hate that one time they get out of the straps to be the one time some other vehicle crashes into us. I think the only solution is prevention - either buy a chest strap which they cannot undo, or have the car seat properly adjusted and checked to be absolutely sure they CANNOT physically get out of the shoulder straps. Until my chest strap arrives, my toddler whinges, "Too tight!" Too bad I say...better safe than seriously injured (or worse).
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Latest post on 25 November 2011 - 05:31
Dare I say 'online'? usually cheaper anyway, even with shipping! :) ETA: http://tiny.cc/jh8iq or http://tiny.cc/r3iq3 :) <em>edited by Green-ish on 25/11/2011</em>
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Latest post on 25 November 2011 - 05:30
Textile Souk in Bur Dubai...bazillions to choose from, some incredibly cheap and worth the trip for the amazing atmosphere alone! *sigh*
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Latest post on 24 November 2011 - 15:14
SO dangerous! My 2 yr old has recently started doing the same thing so I have ordered one of these... http://tiny.cc/ixbqe Maybe search for something similar, closer to Dubai?
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Latest post on 24 November 2011 - 15:11
cozzie (as in swimming costume).....soooo annoying! Uh oh...more Aussie slang makes the list. Can I say "Aussie"? Lol
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Latest post on 24 November 2011 - 12:55
There's no quick solution though other than vigilant parental supervision. There are SO many things about home construction in the UAE that are death traps...staircases and balustrading , pool fencing (or lack thereof) window design and placement etc etc etc. By all means campaign away, but I can't see a change any time soon. Much better to accept this is the way things (currently) are and take all possible measures to protect the little ones. ETA - home safety needs it's own Redlesley. ;) <em>edited by Green-ish on 24/11/2011</em>
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Latest post on 24 November 2011 - 12:49
... Xmas ... What's wrong with Xmas? It means the same thing and is a common (and quite ancient) abbreviation derived from the Greek alphabet. ETA: if people say "ex-mas", now that I find irritating. ;) <em>edited by Green-ish on 24/11/2011</em>
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Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 16:42
At 6 yrs old, anywhere you take her will be an amazing learning experience. We took our three children (all under 5 at the time) to Istanbul and they loved every minute of it. My son is now 6 and I'd LOVE the chance to take him on a holiday somewhere interesting. She doesn't need a course or camp...just pick a destination that interests you and feels safe, and you'll have a great time together. :)
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Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 14:13
g) having to slip into 4WD to negotiate the flash flood at the MOE entrance from SZR.
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Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 14:12
f) to give the SALIK gates a wash!!!! :D ...and the painted camels and horses. (...and the real camels and horses too for that matter ;) )
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Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 14:11
Why would you want it to rain???? Feel like i have had enough to last a lifetime before moving here.... There's nothing quite like the novelty of curling up with a good cuppa & watching the rain on the windows...in the desert! In time, you'll appreciate it! :D
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Latest post on 22 November 2011 - 15:33
I also agree sweetcorn, that your current nursery seems to be a bad fit for your little one. You'll have far more peace of mind, and your son will be much happier, if he's in an environment where he's valued, respected and challenged.
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Latest post on 22 November 2011 - 15:30
DKC is probably your best bet for current, accurate information. :) http://www.dkc.ae/
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Latest post on 21 November 2011 - 17:27
Come on aroha...once one is a mother, one should be able to do everything with just one of one's hands! Ouch though. Sorry you're mangled and wishing you a speedy recovery. xx
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Latest post on 21 November 2011 - 17:14
You could try Wolfi's. They won't have a massive range in any one size, but the staff are really helpful and you'll get the right bike for your daughter. For what it's worth, not all 16" bikes are created equal...you can't go on frame size alone. It really is best to get your daughter to 'try before you buy'. ETA - Wolfi's http://www.wbs.ae/ <em>edited by Green-ish on 21/11/2011</em>
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Latest post on 21 November 2011 - 14:37
I'm sorry to hear your baby girl is unwell AD. :( Don't worry about the toilet training until she's feeling better - unless she really wants to use the potty.
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Latest post on 21 November 2011 - 14:33
Yes, cats definitly prefer moving water, all 3 of mine come running if I even look towards the sink...Have recently bought a water fountain for them, and I find they are drinking a lot more. Also, forgot to mention that cats also prefer to drink away from their food bowl. edited by Sabrina H on 21/11/2011 Yep. :) We had a cat that (no matter how thirsty) would not drink water from a still source. I've read cats can be very fussy about how 'fresh' their water is and will often choose moving water over water in a bowl, even one that's frequently changed.
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Latest post on 21 November 2011 - 14:29
Sorry I don't have a link, but I believe there is a company in Dubai which hires such equipment.
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Latest post on 21 November 2011 - 14:28
... Ask any Emirati friend in the know. There is definitely an unofficial restriction on the Eqal in the UAE, non-GCC people cannot wear it. They can wear the thobe, the Hamdaniyya, the Ghatra but not the Eqal along with it. edited by Arch on 21/11/2011 Who is "in the know"? The one Emirati friend I have with whom I am still in contact says she is unaware of any such rule. I'm genuinely interested to know why there would be an issue with the wearing of the agal, but not the rest of the local clothing. Is there a specific reason Arch? (and I mean no disrespect in asking)
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Latest post on 19 November 2011 - 05:35
I reckon the best advice I've ever read here was to insist on seeing a cooker with the oven at full heat before buying! The number of houses I went to where LOTS of heat was escaping out the oven door (while closed, lol) was amazing. They seem to have really crappy seals. Friends even spent a small mortgage on a Smeg and the door seals were so bad they couldn't bake in it. Our cooker also had a great gas cooktop, but the leaky door seal made the oven pretty useless. (It came from the Seimens factory but was an unbranded poor cousin.) Absolutely try before you buy!
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Latest post on 19 November 2011 - 05:17
:( While I loved the social interaction my then 4yr old got through attending school in Dubai, I really disliked the academic push on children who are just so young! He was at a British curric school (that I was very happy with) and one of the youngest in his class. I freaked out a little when 'they' suggested remedial handwriting tutoring for him and that he needed occupational therapy to improve his fine motor skills. I'm happy I had the courage to say (more politely than this ;) )..."Are you freakin kidding me? HE'S FOUR!" BEG - fast forward to now, he's about to finish Prep in Aus and he's thriving. He was the very bottom of his class academically in Dubai, and while he's not at the top now, he's doing really well. He is enjoying reading and writing and where I feel he should be for his age. I'd be more inclined to take the teacher to task over such personal discussions in front of other parents. There's enough pressure on kids without what teacher perceives as his 'weaknesses' being aired for all to hear.