Under Construction

I apologize for my absence as the blog is undergoing a period of MAJOR construction! A much needed and long-awaited update will be coming your way shortly...

Bumps to Babies Lecture

Check this lecture out if you have had questions about Mellow Parenting/Mellow Bumps program.  It's a great opportunity!

You are cordially invited to a free lecture about bonding with your baby.  It is being hosted by Birth Kuwait at the their new headquarters in Mishref (Block 4, Street 4, House 4, Basement) on Sunday 7th October at 7.30pm.

The topic this month is "Bumps to Babies: Learning about you, your baby, and your bond" and is presented by Dr Rose Logan of the Soor Center.

Light refreshments will be provided and more information can be found on the Birth Kuwait Facebook page.

Hey mama!

Many of you lovely readers have shown interest in learning about breastfeeding and pregnancy support groups and activities.  I strongly urge those of you interested in finding about the diverse activities to visit BirthKuwait's website.  Check out their website to find out about Prenatal Yoga classes, Breastfeeding Support groups, the Mellow Bumps support group (previously mentioned here and here) and much more.

What is BirthKuwait?  Here is how they introduce themselves. 

BirthKuwait

BirthKuwait is a local nonprofit birth network— a collection of birth-related professionals—networking together and working towards providing better support for mothers and improving maternity services in Kuwait, by making resources accessible and advocating for evidence-based maternity care.

BirthKuwait brings together professionals and available resources to one website, so that mothers can find the support and information they need from conception to pregnancy and birth, and throughout their breastfeeding and early mothering years.

We also organize public lectures and workshops geared towards educating parents about birth, breastfeeding, and motherhood.

We help professional organizations reach out to and connect with mothers. In addition we help facilitate training for those organizations who want to work towards implementing the International MotherBaby Childbirth Initiative (IMBCI)or the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI).

As an IMBCI network organization, we reserve the right to refuse partnership to any organization that does not support motherbaby friendly practices.

Good morning Kuwait...

Yesterday morning I went over to Marina FM's studio to record yet another program with them.  It was during their show "Duwaniyat Hawwa" from 12-1pm, and the topic was about homework in general.  As is the case with this show, it was a less formal conversation about the topic with tips and advise in between.  This is again all in Arabic, and I have provided the full show (link below) to listen at your own convenience.  

The girls of "Hawwa" and I :)

Marina FM "Hawwa" September 2012

Eating Disorders Workshop

For those of you who are interested, Soor Center has created an Art Therapy workshop for adolescent girls suffering from an eating disorder.  Seats are limited so call in ASAP.

It's O.K. not to be O.K.

If you read my posts regularly you may know that I have a tiny obsession with vocal talent shows like X Factor and American Idol... Every now and then, I find a reason to admit it and include that obsession in my blog.  THIS particular girl's audition, Jillian Jensen, brought tears to my eyes, and I actually mentioned her audition to one of my beautiful young clients who is currently struggling with bullies in her school...

LIVE STRONG...

Keep it in the Bank!

I recently posted about the growing popularity and availability of Breast Milk Banks worldwide.  I wondered if there would be any ethical, Islamic or otherwise cultural barriers to establishing one in Kuwait...  Little did I know that we already have one!

Many thanks to the lovely Midwife of Kuwait who notified me that Al-Adan Maternity Hospital has a fully operating Milk Bank!

I urge you to visit her blog (link) to get support and information about breastfeeding specifically, and all things related to pregnancy and birth.

For more information:
Tel: +965 3940600
Fax: +965 3967840
Mahboula-Fahaheel Area
www.adansurgery.com

Marina Morning

I have been asked again by the wonderful people at Marina FM to share my advice about going back to school.  For those who may have missed it, here it is! (In Arabic)

Marina FM September 2012

Hurray for Creativity

We all at one point or another feel over stimulated or overwhelmed.  Children today seem to be the bigger victims as they are naturally drawn towards overstimulation, whether it is in the use of modern technology, or an over-active schedule.  Parents have often complained to me that their child is "always bored".  Many of our children are unable to sustain an activity for too long, or more tragically, are unable to create their own play and stimulate themselves.  They are growing more and more dependent on technology, or on their parents creating activities for them.
As someone who is pro-planning and organization, I can sympathize with parents who have strict activity and play schedules for their children.  We do, however, need to be very careful not too overwhelm our children.

• Try to provide time outdoors without a planned activity, or go swimming without the usual gadgets.  The use of sand and water is an excellent way to encourage imaginary play and creativity.

• Indoors: Encourage your child to share his toys with his friends (and vice versa), and see how children can play differently and learn from each other.

• Some children will whine and complaint, as we are all creatures of habit, so do become a role model and come up with creative games to play.  You can also ask your child to come up with his/her own game.  It also helps if there is more than one child playing (siblings, cousins or friends can join).

• Use nature as an inspiration: you can use stones and rocks to make shapes and letters, go bird watching, or track insects and plants.  

• Unstructured and free play time can be completely non-verbal, and as such is encouraging for children who are more introverted, or verbally less confident.  It can also be a great release for children who are more active.  

• lastly, do not be afraid to let your child make a mess and get dirty every now and then. 

Anything cuter that this?

GOT MILK? Share it.

We have heard of donating organs, blood, and hair, but donating milk to a Milk Bank? 

A recent article in NPR's blog (SHOTS), shed some light into what has been recently termed "liquid gold" donations; milk donations. A Milk Bank opened a year ago in Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, as research grows on the multitude benefits of breast milk for natural development, as well as many childhood related diseases.  This bank is one of many that have rapidly been opening up around the U.S. and Europe.
The idea would not be too foreign for this part of the world, as "sharing" breast milk, or rather, actually breastfeeding someone else's child was very common not too long ago.  Some of you might have heard that an aunt, grandmother or relative has breastfed a sibling or neighbor's child when the child's own mother was unable to breastfeed.  It would be interesting, however, to see how long it would take for a Milk Bank to exist in Kuwait.


For the full article please follow this LINK

Eid Wishes & Song

Words to live by...

A popular nursery rhyme goes like this... "Sticks and stones may break my 

bones, but words will never hurt me". Even though this rhyme is said to 

inspire strength and resistance in children who are being bullied and 

harassed, but the truth is, words do hurt... Badly!

One book on this topic that I can highly recommend is by James 

Garbarino, Ph.D. and Ellen deLara, Ph.D., titled: "And Words Can 

Hurt Forever" (link).  I have met Mr. Garbarino personally and I 

have a lot of respect and admiration for his research. 

Not only does the book highlight the scaring effects of words (which 
is related to emotional bullying) and the warning signs to look for, but
it also presents parent recommendations and pointers on how to protect
our adolescents from these effects. The book is very well researched but
it is important to note that it is based on the American population, so for
my local readers there are some parts that may not be applicable in
Kuwait or relatable. Bullying, however, is universal, and the dangers
are growing at an alarming rate due to children's exposure and access to 
violence (among other social, economic and environmental factors). 

I have written about bullying several times in this blog, do feel free to review 

the following posts:

• Be the Difference

• 0% Tolerance

• Mean Girls

• Let's Talk about Abby

• From Bullied to Applauded

I leave you with some words to live by...

Hit & Ruin

A study in the August 2012 issue of Pediatrics journal concluded:


Harsh physical punishment in the absence of child maltreatment is associated with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance abuse/dependence, and personality disorders in a general population sample. These findings inform the ongoing debate around the use of physical punishment and provide evidence that harsh physical punishment independent of child maltreatment is related to mental disorders.

Another study titled, "Physical Punishment and Childhood Aggression: The Role of Gender and Gene-Environment Interplay," recently published in the journal Aggressive Behavior concluded:


"... that genetic factors affect which children display aggressive behavior, but we also found that genetic factors matter more when children were exposed to spanking as a disciplinary tactic," said Barnes, an assistant professor of criminology in the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences.


In this study, the link between environmental factors (in this particular study being spanking) and genetic predisposition to aggressive behavior was only found in boys.

I ask all of you... Is this worth it?

For more information about the effects of corporal punishment, please read this post.

Ramadan, not drama-dan

During Ramadan, our whole schedule changes.  The timings, food habits, work schedules and let us not forget the increased family obligations that come with it.  This is NOT easy when you have children.  It often results in increased tension and anxiety.  Some parents do not change their children's schedule at all, which can be ideal, but it is quiet unrealistic when you have children of different ages.

So,what is the solution? Is there a perfect schedule that I magically came up with?  Unfortunately not!  But there is some good news... I do have some tips:)

• It is important to make sure your children have enough GOOD QUALITY sleep.  It may be easier for some to let the children stay as late as they want as they can sleep in all day since it is summer vacation.  This is NOT healthy.  There needs to be enough hours in the day where children see sunshine, and sleep when it is dark... Simple enough right? sleep when it is dark and wake up when there is sun outside.  Ideally, we all (especially children) should be asleep between the hours of 10pm-12pm.  I will look for the research that supports this statement soon.

• It is O.K. to have some sweets.  As you know, I am not a big fan of elimination diets (where you completely stop your child from eating a specific thing) UNLESS, there is an allergic or medical reason for it. Provide alternatives and healthy options when possible, and put a limit.  Same with fried food, but I honestly think there is no need for fried at all since you have so many yummy alternatives!

• Find time to be with your children.  As your free time is challenged this Ramadan, a little bit of pre-planning is in order.  Ramadan is a time for family, so why not think of group activities that you could do together.  This can help you with the first tip, as you can plan a nice night-time activity as a pre-sleep routine.  You could also have an activity right after futoor/iftar since there is usually a period of relaxation.  One suggestion with older children is playing trivia or board games.

• Organize activities for your children during the day (at home or outside).  This will ensure less phone calls to you during work, and less agitated attention-seeking behavior when you are home.  It also ensures that your children are awake during the day, and tired at an acceptable hour by night.

• Lead by example.  This is always the best tip and applies to ALL of the above.

These are my tips for tonight, I will keep them coming as the month progresses...

Ramadan Greetings!

 

   مبارك عليكم الشهر

Voice for Success - Zaina Al Zabin

I am finally sharing with you a video that has been a work in progress for the past couple of months.  The aim for making the video is to spread awareness about the needs of our children, and to get the message that policy change HAS to happen in order for our children to get the rights they deserve.  I am humbled and honored that I have been chosen by the Voice for Success program (see details below).  They have done a wonderful job! I do hope that you enjoy it... 



Voice for Success is a program initiated by en.v in collaboration with the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) to promote Kuwaiti civil society by giving greater visibility to local social activists.

To participate in our program, email us at info@envearth.com or visithttp://www.voiceforsuccess.envearth.com

This project is funded through the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, Office of the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI). MEPI is a unique program designed to engage directly with and invest in the peoples of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). MEPI works to create vibrant partnerships with citizens to foster the development of pluralistic, participatory, and prosperous societies throughout the MENA region. MEPI partners with local, regional and international non-governmental organizations, the private sector, academic institutions, and governments. More information about MEPI can be found at: www.mepi.state.gov.

Mean Girls...

Bullying... A topic we frequently talk about her at PTL.  Here is a great way to talk about this topic with your children.  Share this new song by Rachel Crow with your daughter this summer, and ask her about school and friendships.  As a parent, you could help not only in teaching your daughter about assertiveness and protecting herself, but it is very important to teach her about empathy.
Let us, one by one, teach our children to protect themselves and others, and not be bystanders allowing the bullies to continue tormenting others... Enjoy the song!

Away I go...

I try to always practice what I preach, and as such I will be taking a much needed break... There might be some posts written during the holiday, but I will try my best to resist and relax xxx

MAN-united

As soon as a plan is in place to start a family, many start their preparations by reading.  Very commonly one specific book is reached out for: "What To Expect When You're Expecting".  Written by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel, this book was originally published in 1984!  It quickly became an international best-seller and staple in many households.  It grew into a series of books, a website, a foundation and now a movie...

Aside from the excitement to see the interesting cast in this movie adaptation, I have chosen the alternative trailer below to ask you lovely readers about something specific.  What sort of support system do you have in place.  Fathers especially, as you will see from this clip, would you consider doing a "guys support group"?

In my opinion, ignoring the comedic aspect we see in the film, finding support from other fathers is extremely beneficial.  It allows you to exchange and expand your knowledge base, a chance to express your worries and concerns, and let's not forget that it also counts as a great play-date for your little ones!
Creating such a support group also means including yourself more in  your child's life.  I often hear from fathers that they feel left-out or find it difficult to connect to with their young child (who might be more attached to his/her mother).

So let's do a PTL experiment and try.  Ask your friends, cousins or co-workers who are dads if they are interested in meeting once a week, with their children. You may surprise yourselves with the outcome.  What are you expecting?;)

***Mentioning fathers here today does not mean that mothers do not need the support.  Obviously they do.  Mother do tend to create that support group naturally, through school, friends and family.  

Important date change

Change of date for the Potty Power Workshop, here are the details...

Dear All,

There has been a change to the “Potty Power: Toilet Training for Children with Special Needs” workshop. The workshop hosted by ABC of Kuwait is to be rescheduled for Monday the 28^th of May at 6.30pm.

We apologies for any inconvenience but for all of those that have reserved seats your place(s) will continue to be held. If you are unable to attend or have any other problems please contact us on the number below.

For everyone else who would like to attend, please contact us as soon as possible as seats are limited.

Kind regards,

ABC Team

Phone +965 22960991

info@abckuwait.com

www.abckuwait.com