Latest news with #supportnetwork
UAE Moments
3 days ago
- UAE Moments
Tips for Raising Children as an Expat in the GCC
Raising kids is no easy feat—and doing it while navigating life in a new country? That's next-level parenting. If you're an expat living in the Gulf—whether in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, or Oman—you're not just managing bedtimes and school lunches. You're also juggling cultural norms, different schooling systems, language barriers, and maybe even extreme weather. But guess what? You've totally got this. Here's your ultimate guide to raising well-rounded, happy children as an expat in the Gulf region. 1. Pick the Right School (It's a Big Deal) School can shape your kid's entire experience abroad. From British and American curriculums to IB and French systems, you're spoiled for choice. Do your homework (pun intended) and check accreditations, extracurriculars, and school culture. Many schools in the GCC have long waiting lists, so apply early! 2. Culture Matters: Teach Respect, Not Fear You don't have to lose your own culture to embrace another. Teach your kids to respect local customs—like dressing modestly, showing courtesy during prayer times, and understanding local laws—while still staying proud of their roots. It's about blending in without fading out. 3. Build a Support Circle—It Takes a Village Your extended family may be miles away, but your support network doesn't have to be. Connect with fellow expat parents through Facebook groups, community centers, or school WhatsApp chats. Trust us—playdates and parental venting sessions are lifesavers. 4. Don't Sleep on Arabic (Even If You Don't Speak It) Kids are sponges—help them absorb as much Arabic as they can. Many schools offer Arabic as a second language, and learning the basics can help them make friends and feel more connected to their environment. 5. We know, summers here are brutal. But don't let the heat cramp your kids' style. The Gulf is packed with indoor fun—from soft play centers and aquariums to indoor ski slopes and trampoline parks. Staying active doesn't always require a park. 6. Teach Gratitude in a Land of Luxury Life in the Gulf can be super comfortable. But it's important to teach your kids appreciation, empathy, and the value of hard work—even when life comes with a housekeeper and Friday brunches. Volunteer together or get involved in community initiatives. 7. Stay on Top of Health & Wellness Healthcare is generally top-notch in the GCC, but always know where your nearest pediatrician is and stay up-to-date on vaccines and school health requirements. Some Gulf countries even require health insurance proof for school admissions. 8. Blend Cultures Through Food Food is one of the easiest and most delicious ways to help your child embrace their new home. Try Emirati dishes, Qatari Machboos, or Omani Shuwa—and let your child help in the kitchen. It's fun and educational. 9. Mind the Rules—They're Serious Here Teach your kids early on that rules in the Gulf aren't suggestions. Whether it's crossing the road, chewing gum in public, or using social media, make sure they know what's cool and what's definitely not. 10. Make It an Adventure At the end of the day, raising your kids in the Gulf is an adventure—not a challenge. From desert safaris to multicultural festivals, there's so much to explore together. Lean into the uniqueness of it all. Final Thoughts: Raising children as an expat in the Gulf means rewriting your parenting playbook a bit—but it's totally worth it. With the right mindset (and a well-stocked AC), your kids can grow up global, grateful, and grounded.
The Guardian
01-07-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Raducanu to lean on Wimbledon support network for tough Vondrousova showdown
Emma Raducanu stressed the importance of leaning on her support network at Wimbledon as she prepares for her challenging second-round match against Marketa Vondrousova, the 2023 champion. Raducanu, who reached the second round on Monday with a solid 6-3, 6-3 win over the 17-year-old British wildcard Mimi Xu, reflected on the additional support she has received at the All England Club. 'At Wimbledon, it's particularly special. I had really good friends in the box there,' said Raducanu, before reeling off a list of names. 'To have them all here in this one week, and the way the stars align that they could be here, it means so much when I see them there. It just makes me really happy.' After her win, Raducanu said that it was emotional to briefly catch up with those close friends and the feeling of being supported sharply contrasts to her solitary existence the rest of the tennis season. 'Big time,' said Raducanu. 'After the match there, I just went outside to see them for five or 10 minutes and speak to them. And that's just an opportunity that is so rare, and you don't really get that at other tournaments, because I don't really travel my friends out. They have lives. So I have a few friends in other cities, but to have my real core, best friends here, it means a lot.' Raducanu is accompanied at Wimbledon by her coach, Mark Petchey, and the former player Jane O'Donoghue, who acts as an elder sister figure. With her fitness coach, Yutaka Nakamura, away for personal reasons, Raducanu is working with Ian Aylward, a strength and conditioning coach for the LTA, and the rest of the British governing body's fitness personnel. She will need all of their encouragement as she faces an extremely difficult task in round two against the in-form Vondrousova. Two years ago, the Czech produced one of the most surprising title runs in Wimbledon history. She was a French Open finalist in 2019 aged 19 and the Tokyo 2020 silver medallist, but Vondrousova's career has been ravaged by serious injuries. After already missing significant periods in her career due to multiple wrist operations, she underwent surgery on her left shoulder in 2023 shortly after her Wimbledon title run. Although she has struggled to compete regularly on the tour, she has shown her quality during her brief periods of good health. Nine days ago, Vondrousova won the Berlin Open WTA 500 event with supreme victories over Aryna Sabalenka – the world No 1 – and Madison Keys, the Australian Open champion. Vondrousova is an intelligent, crafty left-hander who outsmarts players with her vast variety of shots. The 26-year-old has won her last two matches against Raducanu, including in straight sets this year in Abu Dhabi, but the Briton beat her in the second round of Wimbledon in 2021 right at the beginning of her breakthrough run. 'I remember watching her when I was young making the final of the French,' said Raducanu. 'She was so young there. Always seemed like way above me, way further ahead than me. Then she had wrist surgery and then came back and won Wimbledon, which is incredible. So she's a really, really talented player. We played earlier on in the year in Abu Dhabi. I know she's super tough. It's very difficult to maintain that top level after winning a slam. But yeah, she's really playing in form right now.'
