Back to life, back to reality? If you’re struggling with the start of a new term, this is the squad to have on speed dial. Helen Farmer rounds up the experts every family needs to know
SLEEP
From tricky tots to teens, sleep consultant Julie Mallon at Nurture 2 Sleep has seen (and helped) them all. She can probably improve your own shut eye too. With advice rooted in science, she will assist parents get into great routines with their babies and children, whether you just need a bit of coaching through a tricky time, or a tailored two-week package when she’ll be on WhatsApp to support. nurture2sleep.com
POTTY TRAINING
Who else but the potty queen herself? Lisa Sherrington-Boyd has decades of experience as a nanny, nursery principal and a mum, and is now available to help families in the UAE (and beyond) with her blend of humour, understanding and tried and tested techniques. It might be knowing when to start transitioning out of nappies, getting them ready for school, or nighttime dryness, as she says, Lisa “discovers the root cause and provide solutions for tired families”. She also has some great resources online, including a potty readiness quiz and offers ‘discovery calls’ before you book her services. thepottyqueen.me
MENTAL HEALTH
"When is it kids being kids, and when could there be something else going on with your child? There are a number of pediatric experts available to your, whether you’re seeking a diagnosis or just want to talk it through. Dr Arif Khan and his team at Neuropedia (neuropedia.ae) is a great place to start for an assessment, while occupational therapist Adam Griffin at Camali Clinic is beloved by children and parents alike for his playful sessions, and has a special clinical interest in DCD, autism and child and adolescent mental health. He’s also well worth a follow on social media where he posts as @adamtheOT for games, activities and advice to help support motor skills, attention and overall learning and development."
HEALTH
Finding a doctor and dentist that a) you trust and b) your children like, can make those dreaded appointments a whole lot easier. Seek out a specially trained pediatric dentist like Dr Rafif at Dr Michael’s (drmichaels.com) or Dr Agnes Roze (drroze.com), who will have cartoons and props at hand, and have seen it all on the fear front. As for a doctor, convenience is key – who can face an hour drive? Dr Sophie at Kings College Hospital in Dubai Hills is warm, experienced family doctor, while if your child has specific concerns around asthma or allergies, Dr Michael Loubser at Genesis (genesis-dubai.co) is your man.
PARENTING & BEHAVIOUR
As much as we’d all like to think we’re the best parents we can be, sometimes a fresh set of eyes and ideas can make a huge difference to the ways we interact with our children (and partner). From gaining a deeper understanding into your little ones to getting a grip on your own triggers, parenting consultant Hanan Ezeldin from The Family Hub offers practical advice on positive discipline, in both English and Arabic. She hosts regular workshops, and her videos online at instagram.com/thefamilyhub_hanan have useful, bite-size tips on everything from gaming addition to consent.
DON’T MISS
Listen out for Farmer’s Kitchen on Dubai Eye103.8FM in collaboration with Spinneys. It airs from 2-5pm on Fridays.
