You already know this- Summer 2021 is going to be different.
If you haven’t already predicted the outcomes, there is a small list of facts to consider.
- Travel restrictions are going to make it difficult for you to leave the country to go home- the grandparents and cousins that ideally would keep your child entertained, are not going to be around to do so.
- Most parents are likely to work for at least 1 of the 2 months of their child’s summer vacation period.
- Children are likely to be indoors the majority of the time. They’re very likely to get bored.
Between travel restrictions, increasing work-related responsibilities, and your child’s vacation needs, you are bound to get flustered. You are very likely to spend a lot of your time thinking about how you are going to ensure that your child gets their daily dose of mind and body stimulus, especially when they are about to spend most of their time indoors.
Let’s get right to it then-
Here are a few ideas for you to try, to ensure that your and your child’s summer flows smoothly and productively!
1. The Performing Arts- Online Edition
All businesses have begun functioning online due to the current situation, including learning centers, talent institutes, and… literally every other service/product industry.
First and foremost, we strongly suggest enrolling your little ones in Online classes for talent-based skill acquirements. Be it singing, dancing, or theatre, your child can learn them all from the comfort of your home. And you can watch it!
These classes are not only useful in mitigating your child’s boredom- but they are also responsible for your child’s overall development.
How?
- New hobby/ talent acquisition. By that, we NOT ONLY mean that your child will be able to perform like Beyonce in a crowd of 20K (throwback to physical concerts), there’s also the developmental by-products such as an increase in mobility, literacy, and the ability to grasp information.
- Knowledge. All performing arts institutes also teach your child history and culture, having them belong to a whole community of creative individuals, helping them hone their creative instincts at the same time.
A boost in confidence. Excelling at any art form can give your child the confidence of a King, owing to the frequent interactions with other students, the sense of accomplishment of performing well, and of course, the great confident posture that activities like dancing evoke. Most importantly, confidence also aids and strengthens your child’s mental health.
The performing arts help develop essential lifestyle habits such as discipline in the right diet, following instructions, dedication, and practice.
2. Chores are Fun
Making chores a fun idea is as simple as creating a game and an R&R system.
Whoever folds the most clothes (well) and the fastest, gets to choose the next board game to play/ movie to watch.
This is the ideal two-birds-one-stone situation that ends with your house looking spectacular and spotless, your children being entertained, and your time being saved or spent well.
Give us 10 points for this idea by hitting the “like” button on our latest Instagram post.
3. Prepare Schedules- One for you and one for tiny you
How often do you find yourself at home with your little one, not knowing what to do next to help them utilize their hyperactive energy? If the answer is anywhere close to “quite often,” you need schedules.
Plan out your and your child’s everyday to-do list. Specific times for tasks, activities, naps, and meals.
Basic Guidelines- Include an hour of TV time, an hour of board games for the whole family, an hour of reading, an hour of practicing art, an hour of playtime with their friends (safely and under regulations), or anything else you deem fit for your child/ren and yourself.
This also becomes the perfect opportunity for you to induce discipline- yes, the big D word- in your child, in a fun way. The structure is very important in your child’s life, making sure that their mind and body needs are met.
4. Childcare services all day every day
This is for that one month in which you may not be present to look after your little one. Nannies, babysitters, and childcare service providers are your best friends! Like an extra member of the family, you cannot make do without.
There are plenty of home care providers, but we strongly suggest Emirates Home Nursing!
Emirates Home Nursing Child Care services are not limited to nurses watching over your child, feeding them, and ensuring they sleep.
There are several added benefits of hiring childcare specialists:
Trained nurses can assess and understand what development stage your child is at and provide services that best suit your child’s individual needs.
Routine Development- Based on your child’s development stage, childcare specialists prepare a neat and interesting schedule filled with mealtimes, slumber times, and activity times. All to exploit your child’s growth potential.
Pro tip- Book Emirates Home Nursing’s babysitting services during this year’s summer vacations and get a free week of the service within the same period.
All said and done, try to make the most out of summer 2021 with your little one/s. Learn with them, about them, about yourself, or about whatever your interests lie in. And be patient- things are not all bad, but they can be better. Stay safe and stay home and have a good time.
We hope you and your little ones have the best summer!
One of the most challenging experiences in a parent’s life is to be able to ensure that their child remains well taken care of while they’re away at work or when they’re busy.
Assistance is necessary more often than not. Hiring a babysitter or a caregiver for your child can help take a load off your chest and even ease the guilt you may face during the initial phases of having to leave your child behind!
Hiring a babysitter for the first time is a lengthy and complicated process. A few parents have reasonable reservations for not wanting to hire a babysitter, such as their lack of trust or even sometimes cost. The first thing you must keep in mind is that hiring a babysitter is SAFE and the spend is worth it!
This blog will tell you exactly what you need to do to hire the perfect babysitter, whom you and your child will learn to adore.
There’s also a bonus section on things you must not say to a babysitter- which is something you should keep in mind to build and maintain a healthy relationship with your child’s caregiver.
Let’s begin!
Step 1: You must figure out exactly what you want and need.
Break down a bunch of reasons why it is necessary to hire your next babysitter.
Be it your work timings, your duties to your family members, or even the basic need for a night out.
Step 2: Figure out your budget based on your wants, needs and requirements.
Figure out your budget based on your wants, needs, and requirements.Keep in mind that a lot of specialized babysitters charge a little more for younger children or multiple children which is natural because they require more attention and effort to be taken care of.
Pro tip- A detail you mustn’t miss out on while planning is the tone of voice you need your babysitter to have for your and your child’s needs to be fulfilled.Do you want an upbeat and fun babysitter? Or a strict babysitter that can enforce house rules? What are your dealbreakers? What extra qualification would you prefer them to have?
Bonus pro tip- You may even look for CPR-trained nurses with additional first-aid skillsets. All nurses at Emirates Home Nursing carry such qualifications.
Step 3: Plan according to availability- how often you need a babysitter and for how long?
This step is crucial and needs to be carefully planned since your next babysitter’s costs may vary according to timing, hours, and frequency.
Step 4: Communication
If you haven’t heard these words enough in a variety of contexts, here it is again- COMMUNICATION IS KEY!
Once you’ve developed a list of babysitters to interview, you move on to meeting them and discussing all your requirements and expectations.
Do- Expect the basic childcare-centric tasks- making sure that the child eats, sleeps, and plays on time.
Pro tip- Routine development is something you must look for in your next babysitter. Child Care Service providers like Emirates Home Nursing specialize in planning activities for your child that keep them engaged and also build timely eating and sleeping habits.
Don’t- The main task of a babysitter is to ensure that your child’s needs are fulfilled. It is unreasonable to ask them to mop floors or dust all the shelves in your household (yes, a few employers do that), If you’re looking for a nanny to be able to do both, you’re going to have to rethink your budget. Generally, qualified babysitters may not abide by instructions related to cleaning/cooking meals for your whole family. Don’t be surprised when they say no!
Step 5: Schedule or book your babysitter at least a week in advance.
Anticipate any likely events/occasions, flights, meetings, etc. for which you may require a babysitting service.Canceling a booked appointment Is still better than being stranded at the last moment.Although, if you decide that you may not need a service at a given time, keep your babysitter informed a night or two in advance.
Bonus Step 5DO NOT FEEL INSECURE.
“What if my child starts liking my babysitter more than me?”
Now, this is a mindset you may experience after you hire your first babysitter.Your child will look forward to your babysitter coming over and spending time with them at some point. It’s reasonable because your child will imagine your caregiver as their friend! They will also care about them, talk about them, and more.That DOES NOT MEAN that your child will love you any less.
What should you do when you have such thoughts?
It’s as simple as substituting these thoughts with the idea that this person has taken care of your child, nurtured them, and taught them important new things. All in all, your babysitter has been there for you in your time of need.
Last but not the least, it is our duty to let you that your relationship with your babysitter is important.
Here’s what you must not say to a babysitter:
Last but not the least, it is our duty to let you know that your relationship with your babysitter is important.
“Sorry, I’m late”: Being late is one thing, not informing your babysitter about the possibility of you being late is unreasonable. Ask your babysitter about her flexibility in timing, considering her personal schedules or other work schedules.
“I’ll pay you next time”: Okay sure, at some point you may feel super comfortable with your babysitter- as if she or he is an extended member of your family. Nevertheless, they’ve got bills to pay and things to do that they’ve planned for themselves based on their paydays. Decide in advance, when you’d like to pay your babysitter and stick to it.
“We treat you very well”: This statement is not compensation for the timely appreciation your babysitter deserves for a job well done. Don’t forget that your babysitter is an actual person- with basic human needs for acknowledgment, appreciation, and job satisfaction. A few kind words are all it takes.
“Today, you must…”: Just like you may not appreciate being micromanaged by your employer, neither does your babysitter. Once you have conveyed your needs to your babysitter beforehand, you must leave it to them to carry out your prior-given instructions.
Certified caregivers like those from Emirates Home Nursing may even be able to provide you with childcare advice- which you need to be open to listening to. Your babysitter knows what they’re doing, and they may even be able to help you take better care of your child.
“Can you do the dishes?” / “Can you clean the house?”: As mentioned earlier, there are those parents who may suggest “while Dora is asleep, you can wash the dishes or vacuum the house.” While your child is asleep, your babysitter will spend their time making sure your child’s room is cleaned, your baby’s feeding bottles are sterilized,your child’s clothes are cleaned, dried, and ironed. Their Job description must match the task assigned.
We hope you find these tips helpful and wish you the best of luck in hiring your next babysitter!
Feel free to contact Emirates Home Nursing for your Babysitting and Childcare needs. Click on this link, to learn more about our Babysitting services.
Ramadan this year brings along several health concerns in light of the Coronavirus spread. From compromising your immune system to keeping the virus at bay through drinking water, we debunk some of the most common fasting myths surrounding during the holy month.
Common Fasting Myth: Fasting can compromise the immune system
Reality: Fasting improves your immune system
According to scientific research, fasting triggers cell regeneration which could regenerate the immune system and reproduce new white blood cells with a stronger ability to fight disease.
Common Fasting Myth: You need to drink water every 15 minutes to prevent the coronavirus
Reality: Drinking will not prevent anyone from catching the coronavirus
Healthcare providers warn against believing homegrown social media advice to prevent the coronavirus and instead following recommendations from official sources. Recently many social media posts encouraged drinking water every 15 minutes and gurgling. While this can keep your body hydrated, doctors say it will not prevent anyone from getting the virus.
Common Fasting Myths: People Gain Weight During Ramadan
Reality: Fasting Aids Weight Loss and Boosts Metabolism
Iftar feasts and Arabian sweets can be tempting, but if you stick to healthy eating habits, fasting can aid weight loss by limiting calorie intake and boosting your metabolism. According to a research published by Pubmed, fasting can increase metabolic rate between 3.6 to 14%.
Common Fasting Myths: Fasting Makes you Lose Focus
Reality: Fasting Improves Brain Function
Fasting reduces brain over-activity, allowing you to focus on your tasks. Various studies proved that fasting enhances memory performance, cognitive behavior and reduces depression activity.
Common Fasting Myths: Fasting Cause Fatigue
Reality: Fasting can Boost your Energy Levels
There is a misconception that fasting can leave you feeling tired and low on energy, but, scientifically, limiting the intake of carbohydrates and sugar over a long period of time will prompt your body to use stored fats for energy and therefore boosting energy levels. At the same time your body will be releasing growth hormone and regulating insulin levels to create an energy mix in your body.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Being a new mum is difficult as it is, creating a bond with your newborn baby is a whole new worry. Studies find that 20% of new moms and dads feel no real emotional attachment to their newborn in the hours after delivery. Sometimes, it takes weeks or even months. For moms, this is usually because of the tremendous hormonal changes taking place during, and immediately after pregnancy (including baby blues and sometimes PTSD).
For both, moms and dads, it could also be the initial hassle with the diaper changes, vomiting, crying, and endless sleepless nights. These major changes take longer for some to adjust to and for a few others, it’s a breeze.
However difficult, parents must have significant emotional attachments to their babies. One of the biggest reasons is the impact of neglect on your baby’s mental health in the long run- an increased risk of depression, anxiety, learning, and memory impairments. (1) There’s no need to feel underwhelmed with the lack of initial baby attachment, it takes time and effort for a lot of people. #YouAreNotAlone
Here are the 9 Baby Bonding Tricks we recommend in helping you make a strong bond with your newborn baby.
1. Schedules
First thing’s first, make sure you set aside a time for your baby, once a day, every day. Believe it or not, your baby is a creature of habit. When you set a schedule, your baby will feel more at ease, knowing that her/his mum magically knows when they’re about to get hungry, sleepy, or even when they just crave attention. It also makes them feel cared for and understood.
2. A song just for you and junior you
It’s as simple as listening to your favorite song on repeat when you’re around your baby. Be it Beyonce or even Justin Bieber, your child will start to identify the sound and before you know it, you will see your baby bobbing their head back and forth and wiggling to your favorite tune. It’s so cute!
3. Eye-contact
Frequent Eye-Contact may seem funny or awkward in a spectrum of contexts, but that’s not the case when it’s your little one whose eyes, you’re looking into.While you’re bottle-feeding, make sure you look into your baby’s eyes. When they stare back into yours, you’ll just know what you mean to this baby and how much you love them.
4. Cuddles
Skin-to-skin contact is a highly effective and recommended method of baby bonding. Your baby feels secure, comfortable, and safe while touching your skin. They’re used to the idea that you’re their caregiver and guardian angel- an idea they develop when you’re breastfeeding them or carrying them.
They’re able to recognize your warmth, scent, and skin very early on in their development stages. And let’s face it, it’s a beautiful gesture altogether- cuddling someone you love- a baby, a piece of you, it’s the happiest feeling in the world. In a way, you feel secure too.
5. Acknowledge when they’re crying
This is for those parents who believe that carrying a baby when they’re crying means spoiling them.
It is a hoax. Your baby, however young they are, is going to feel worse with the lack of attention. Comfort stems from the fact that you have someone to acknowledge your sadness/discomfort. Carry your baby, swaddle them, calm them down- make your baby feel like you’re there for them.
6. Speak to your baby
Babies are the best listeners (and yes, it’s because they can’t talk).
You can speak to them about your bad days, good days, insecurities, anything! Your baby loves listening to you speak, and you’ll feel a load off your chest at the end of this conversation. Relish these moments because before you know it, you’ll have them speaking back at you.
7. Be funny
As absurd as it sounds, it is a huge stress-relief for mums that also results in toothless smiling babies.
Stick your tongue out, dance all weird or maybe even babble like a baby. It’s all worth it especially when your baby starts smiling back at you.
8. Baby massage
Never, EVER underestimate the importance of a baby massage. Once again, this has to do with skin-to-skin contact. It also improves your baby’s flexibility; it makes them feel relaxed and the oil you use moisturizes their delectate baby skin. Soon enough, your baby looks forward to it and enjoys it! Make sure to keep eye-contact.
9. Ask an expert
When it’s too difficult for you to handle work life, personal relationships, and caring for a newborn baby, owing to a busy schedule, it is always best to seek help from a professional such as a Midwife who will be there with you through your pregnancy and for the first few months after birth. They’ll be able to help you with baby bonding tricks, sleeping and eating patterns, and other methods of taking care of your baby, making both yours and your baby’s life easier.
Lastly, you can try asking yourself the following questions to empathize with your baby.
> How does my baby see the world?
Your baby’s perspective is entirely different from yours. Their eyes constantly waver, looking and trying to understand new shapes and sizes, people, and more.
> What does my baby like or dislike? and why?
Since babies cannot communicate on their own, they express their feelings through cues like crying or smiling. When they cry, it means that the object of their immediate reaction is making their life difficult. For example, certain babies are susceptible to feeling discomfort with different kinds of fabric. Them crying is an indicator that this fabric is making their skin itch or burn as an undiagnosed allergic reaction. Do not ignore these cues. In social scenarios, your baby may want to stay with you instead of being passed around by family members. Keep an eye out for all kinds of reactions. Happy baby means happy you.
> Am I being flexible?
Your life patterns may not match your baby’s. And that is completely normal. Adjust.
“Many parents struggle to build a relationship with a newborn who can barely make eye contact, let alone communicate in a way to build a close relationship,” says Chuck Schaeffer, Ph.D., reproductive psychologist.
“As long as you’re having fun and feeling happy around your kid, he’ll feel happy and safe, and bonding will naturally occur.” (2)
Always remember that time is the main player in this game of forming an attachment with your newborn baby. Be patient, calm, keep trying, and it will happen. In gist, love, support, and time with your baby are all it takes to build attachments between the two of you.
Feel free to contact Emirates Home Nursing for your Newborn Care needs.
Click on this link, to learn more about our Midwifery and Newborn Care Services.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
عندما تكون والدًا جديدًا ، ليس هناك سؤال تافه جدًا. تجيب الإمارات للتمريض المنزلي على أكثر 10 استفسارات حول رعاية حديثي الولادة.
خدماتنا
نقدم لك خدمات منزلية نوعية ومصممة وفقاً لاحتياجاتك الخاصة
Step 2: Figure out your budget based on your wants, needs and requirements.
Figure out your budget based on your wants, needs, and requirements.Keep in mind that a lot of specialized babysitters charge a little more for younger children or multiple children which is natural because they require more attention and effort to be taken care of.
Pro tip- A detail you mustn’t miss out on while planning is the tone of voice you need your babysitter to have for your and your child’s needs to be fulfilled.Do you want an upbeat and fun babysitter? Or a strict babysitter that can enforce house rules? What are your dealbreakers? What extra qualification would you prefer them to have?
Bonus pro tip- You may even look for CPR-trained nurses with additional first-aid skillsets. All nurses at Emirates Home Nursing carry such qualifications.
Step 3: Plan according to availability- how often you need a babysitter and for how long?
This step is crucial and needs to be carefully planned since your next babysitter’s costs may vary according to timing, hours, and frequency.
Step 4: Communication
If you haven’t heard these words enough in a variety of contexts, here it is again- COMMUNICATION IS KEY!
Once you’ve developed a list of babysitters to interview, you move on to meeting them and discussing all your requirements and expectations.
Do- Expect the basic childcare-centric tasks- making sure that the child eats, sleeps, and plays on time.
Pro tip- Routine development is something you must look for in your next babysitter. Child Care Service providers like 
Step 5: Schedule or book your babysitter at least a week in advance.
Anticipate any likely events/occasions, flights, meetings, etc. for which you may require a babysitting service.Canceling a booked appointment Is still better than being stranded at the last moment.Although, if you decide that you may not need a service at a given time, keep your babysitter informed a night or two in advance.
Bonus Step 5
DO NOT FEEL INSECURE.
“What if my child starts liking my babysitter more than me?”
Now, this is a mindset you may experience after you hire your first babysitter.Your child will look forward to your babysitter coming over and spending time with them at some point. It’s reasonable because your child will imagine your caregiver as their friend! They will also care about them, talk about them, and more.That DOES NOT MEAN that your child will love you any less.
What should you do when you have such thoughts?
It’s as simple as substituting these thoughts with the idea that this person has taken care of your child, nurtured them, and taught them important new things. All in all, your babysitter has been there for you in your time of need.
Last but not the least, it is our duty to let you that your relationship with your babysitter is important.
Here’s what you must not say to a babysitter:
Last but not the least, it is our duty to let you know that your relationship with your babysitter is important.
“Sorry, I’m late”: Being late is one thing, not informing your babysitter about the possibility of you being late is unreasonable. Ask your babysitter about her flexibility in timing, considering her personal schedules or other work schedules.
“I’ll pay you next time”: Okay sure, at some point you may feel super comfortable with your babysitter- as if she or he is an extended member of your family. Nevertheless, they’ve got bills to pay and things to do that they’ve planned for themselves based on their paydays. Decide in advance, when you’d like to pay your babysitter and stick to it.
“We treat you very well”: This statement is not compensation for the timely appreciation your babysitter deserves for a job well done. Don’t forget that your babysitter is an actual person- with basic human needs for acknowledgment, appreciation, and job satisfaction. A few kind words are all it takes.
“Today, you must…”: Just like you may not appreciate being micromanaged by your employer, neither does your babysitter. Once you have conveyed your needs to your babysitter beforehand, you must leave it to them to carry out your prior-given instructions.
Certified caregivers like those from Emirates Home Nursing may even be able to provide you with childcare advice- which you need to be open to listening to. Your babysitter knows what they’re doing, and they may even be able to help you take better care of your child.
“Can you do the dishes?” / “Can you clean the house?”: As mentioned earlier, there are those parents who may suggest “while Dora is asleep, you can wash the dishes or vacuum the house.” While your child is asleep, your babysitter will spend their time making sure your child’s room is cleaned, your baby’s feeding bottles are sterilized,
2. A song just for you and junior you
It’s as simple as listening to your favorite song on repeat when you’re around your baby. Be it Beyonce or even Justin Bieber, your child will start to identify the sound and before you know it, you will see your baby bobbing their head back and forth and wiggling to your favorite tune. It’s so cute!
3. Eye-contact
Frequent Eye-Contact may seem funny or awkward in a spectrum of contexts, but that’s not the case when it’s your little one whose eyes, you’re looking into.While you’re bottle-feeding, make sure you look into your baby’s eyes. When they stare back into yours, you’ll just know what you mean to this baby and how much you love them.
4. Cuddles
Skin-to-skin contact is a highly effective and recommended method of baby bonding. Your baby feels secure, comfortable, and safe while touching your skin. They’re used to the idea that you’re their caregiver and guardian angel- an idea they develop when you’re breastfeeding them or carrying them.
They’re able to recognize your warmth, scent, and skin very early on in their development stages. And let’s face it, it’s a beautiful gesture altogether- cuddling someone you love- a baby, a piece of you, it’s the happiest feeling in the world. In a way, you feel secure too.
5. Acknowledge when they’re crying
This is for those parents who believe that carrying a baby when they’re crying means spoiling them.
It is a hoax. Your baby, however young they are, is going to feel worse with the lack of attention. Comfort stems from the fact that you have someone to acknowledge your sadness/discomfort. Carry your baby, swaddle them, calm them down- make your baby feel like you’re there for them.
6. Speak to your baby
Babies are the best listeners (and yes, it’s because they can’t talk).
You can speak to them about your bad days, good days, insecurities, anything! Your baby loves listening to you speak, and you’ll feel a load off your chest at the end of this conversation. Relish these moments because before you know it, you’ll have them speaking back at you.
7. Be funny
As absurd as it sounds, it is a huge stress-relief for mums that also results in toothless smiling babies.
Stick your tongue out, dance all weird or maybe even babble like a baby. It’s all worth it especially when your baby starts smiling back at you.
8. Baby massage
Never, EVER underestimate the importance of a baby massage. Once again, this has to do with skin-to-skin contact. It also improves your baby’s flexibility; it makes them feel relaxed and the oil you use moisturizes their delectate baby skin. Soon enough, your baby looks forward to it and enjoys it! Make sure to keep eye-contact.
9. Ask an expert
When it’s too difficult for you to handle work life, personal relationships, and caring for a newborn baby, owing to a busy schedule, it is always best to seek help from a professional such as a Midwife who will be there with you through your pregnancy and for the first few months after birth. They’ll be able to help you with baby bonding tricks, sleeping and eating patterns, and other methods of taking care of your baby, making both yours and your baby’s life easier.
Lastly, you can try asking yourself the following questions to empathize with your baby.
> How does my baby see the world?
Your baby’s perspective is entirely different from yours. Their eyes constantly waver, looking and trying to understand new shapes and sizes, people, and more.
> What does my baby like or dislike? and why?
Since babies cannot communicate on their own, they express their feelings through cues like crying or smiling. When they cry, it means that the object of their immediate reaction is making their life difficult. For example, certain babies are susceptible to feeling discomfort with different kinds of fabric. Them crying is an indicator that this fabric is making their skin itch or burn as an undiagnosed allergic reaction. Do not ignore these cues. In social scenarios, your baby may want to stay with you instead of being passed around by family members. Keep an eye out for all kinds of reactions. Happy baby means happy you.
> Am I being flexible?
Your life patterns may not match your baby’s. And that is completely normal. Adjust.
