Latest news with #families
Khaleej Times
6 minutes ago
- General
- Khaleej Times
Picking berries, sleepovers: How UAE parents are keeping kids off screens this summer
The renewed focus on group activities has not only revived the spirit of childhood play but also strengthened family bonds Once filled with the lively sounds of children playing traditional outdoor games, neighbourhoods today are much quieter. In recent years, the UAE has noticed a change in how children spend their free time, with many now opting to stay indoors rather than engaging in outdoor play. However, many parents still take proactive steps to reduce screen time and reintroduce their children to interactive, screen-free play. This renewed focus on group activities has not only revived the spirit of childhood play but also strengthened family bonds, especially during the summer holidays, when children often grow restless with too much free time. The nature of play itself has undergone a significant change. Games that once defined neighbourhood childhoods, such as hide-and-seek, role-playing, and football, have given way to indoor-friendly alternatives. Parents often prefer keeping their children safe inside the home, especially since interpersonal connections have weakened and fewer families know their neighbours well. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Even outdoor play no longer carries the same sense of safety and fun it once did. Many children who play outside are often seen riding e-scooters and electric bicycles, or simply wandering the streets with little awareness of passing cars. What used to be a space for carefree games is now marked by traffic risks and safety concerns. As previously reported by Khaleej Times, many children are requesting e-scooters and bikes that are not only potentially dangerous but also illegal for children under 16 years old. Competition mode Emirati mother Alya Abdullah, a mother of four based in Dubai, described to Khaleej Times how she keeps her children engaged. "I like my children to stay active with different activities. At home, I organise competitions and give out motivation prizes, even if it's just Dh1 for the winner." During breaks at work, Alya browses social media for trending activities to try out with her children. "We do drawing and colouring contests, and I organise fun games that test their memory, reaction time, or speed, and when I am busy, I let them play in the backyard," she said. Each year, she organises a berry-picking challenge. "I have my kids pick the berries from the tree as a competition, and then I give them away to our neighbours and family." Alya doesn't mind screen time as long as it's balanced. "My children still play hide-and-seek and other popular games, though they now go by different names. "I don't have a built-in pool, so I bought an inflatable one and added water guns and balloons to create a fun, outdoor experience," she added. Card games While many children attend summer camps and various summer activities, some still have large blocks of free time, often because they stay up late. Sharjah-based Reem Hassan, a mother of two children aged 10 and 14, said her children are enrolled in multiple programmes yet still experience boredom. "They play football, swim, join physical activities, and even take summer jobs, but by the weekend, they are bored," she said. To keep things lively, Reem shops with her children for group games at the start of every summer vacation. "We buy games like Uno, Sequence, and Monopoly, and invite their cousins to stay over. I also buy trivia games with funny dares and cultural questions from bookstores and online." She's not just an observer, but joins the fun. "I play with them and sometimes paint their faces to break the routine," Reem added. Maryam, a mother of three from Dubai, said her children enjoy sleepovers at their cousins' homes during vacation, and she often hosts relatives as well. "On weekends, I organise cultural competitions for both adults and kids." She is also open to digital play, provided it's meaningful. "There are so many apps now that offer great challenges — not just cultural trivia but life skills too. Online games like 'Tarbaa' and 'Seen Geem' are some of our favourites." Maryam added that she prefers online games that allow her children to interact with friends. "They love playing 'Fun Run' and 'We Play' — it gives them a chance to compete, laugh, and stay connected with family and friends." And when outdoor time is needed, she sets up a pool at her house or lets her kids ride bikes around the neighbourhood.
BreakingNews.ie
8 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
Googlebox Ireland looing for new families for upcoming series
Googlebox Ireland is looking for new families ahead of its new series in the Autumn. If you would like to be part of the next series, here is what Googlebox are looking for. Advertisement It is the turn of the TikTok generation, so if you are in your early 20s and love to watch television with your friends, then Googlebox want to hear from you. New families are also a priority, so if you enjoy watching television in the evevnings with your parents, brother, sister, grandparents, this coud be your chance. If news and current affairs shows are high up your list, this could be your opportunity. For those interested in getting involved in the new series, email casting@ with your contact details and tell us who's in your gang, where you're based, what you like to watch together and a photo of you all together if possible.
CTV News
2 hours ago
- CTV News
Planning a family summer getaway in the Laurentians
Ottawa Watch For families looking to plan a road trip not too far home we have a suggestion for you.
ABC News
10 hours ago
- General
- ABC News
Carolina Wilga search triggers uncomfortable questions
The discovery of missing German backpacker Carolina Wilga, who survived 11 nights alone in the West Australian outback, was met with joy and relief across the country. But her remarkable story of survival has triggered an uncomfortable question among families of others who have gone missing in remote WA: Do we care more about some missing people than others?
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Beloved OKC outdoor camp facing closure saved with new partnership
Two nonprofits are partnering to ensure the continued operation of a beloved outdoor space for children and families in the Oklahoma City metro area. Camp DaKaNi, an outdoor camp sitting on almost 40-acre in Oklahoma City, will fall under the stewardship of the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City through a new partnership between the YMCA and Camp DaKaNi. Camp Fire Heart of Oklahoma had operated the camp at 3309 E Hefner Road for decades. Numerous young people and families, particularly those affiliated with the Camp Fire Boys & Girls, expressed shock and grief in 2024 when Camp Fire Heart of Oklahoma officials announced the popular urban camp's closure due to financial struggles. The new partnership announced on Tuesday means the camp will come alive with trail walks, day camps and other activities once again. "This is an extraordinary example of what's possible when nonprofits work together for the greater good," Kelly Kay, YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City president and chief executive officer, said in a news release. More: Camp Fire Heart of Oklahoma to dissolve, taking OKC's historic Camp DaKaNi with it: What's next? "Camp DaKaNi has long been a place where kids experience adventure, confidence and connection. We're honored to continue that legacy and expand its reach to even more families." April Jolley, chief executive officer of Camp DaKaNi, expressed deep gratitude for the path forward. "Camp DaKaNi has always been about connection — to nature, to community and to one another," Jolley said in a statement. "This partnership with the YMCA allows that mission to grow and thrive. I'm incredibly proud of the resilience shown by so many in Oklahoma's nonprofit world who came together to make this possible." The two organizations said the transition secures the future of Camp DaKaNi and opens the door for expanded programming through the YMCA's extensive youth development and camp offerings. With aligned missions and a shared passion for community, both organizations are confident this partnership will only strengthen access to meaningful outdoor experiences for Oklahoma families. In their statement, the pair of nonprofits said the partnership was made possible through thoughtful collaboration and legal guidance, including instrumental support from Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, whose office played a vital role in navigating the transition. "This agreement represents the best of public service and nonprofit cooperation," Drummond said in a news release. "Camp DaKaNi is a treasured space for Oklahoma families, and I'm proud that my office could support efforts to protect it for future generations." The YMCA and Camp DaKaNi said more information about summer camp programs and the future of Camp DaKaNi under YMCA leadership will be available soon. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Camp DaKaNi will continue under the YMCA of Greater OKC
