On International Day of Families, UAE discovers real meaning of family

UAE residents are going the extra mile to spend quality time together on the Family Day today. Saahil Fazil’s 18-member joint family plans to spend the day together—“probably by eating out, followed by a fun game night at home”, says the Al Quoz, Dubai resident.

For others, the day will be a quiet, intimate affair. Shereen Shabnam, a Dubai-based public relations and media consultant, says, “My husband, daughter and I are indoors people and for us family time is about staying in, making popcorn and going on a movie marathon.” A KT online poll shows that happiness, love and sacrifice were the most popular words that come to mind when one thinks of family. Having recognised the importance of family time in fast-paced cities such as Dubai, Centrepoint, the region’s largest family fashion retailer, has launched a community initiative to help families engage in uninterrupted quality time during the day. The campaign, called “Family Clock — 15 minutes of quality family time”, has enlisted the help of a panel of experts to spread awareness about the matter.

“One of our basic needs as human beings is to feel like we belong in a family; to love and be loved. It is a very important source of security,” says Dr Hanan Kandil, a psychiatrist with Zulekha Hospitals. “For true quality time, a family needs to do fun activities together, and feel loved and accepted by each other.”

Besides playing a huge part in boosting morale, family time also goes a long way towards child development. Lucy Bruce, who partnered with Beverly Jatwani to launch Home Grown Children’s Eco Nursery, says, “Research in the US and Europe has shown that children who spend time with their parents and siblings on a regular basis perform better academically than those who do not. Moreover they are better communicators and are more likely to show empathy to others.”

Dr Mohamed Rashid El Nadour, who heads the pediatrics department in Medeor 24X7 Hospital, says, “This is a day of celebration, a day to acknowledge all the achievements you and your family have made during the last year, and to think about how we can improve in the years to come. It is a journey of success.”

 6 things to do during your family time

The region’s largest family fashion retailer, has launched a community initiative to help families engage in uninterrupted quality time during the day. The campaign, called “Family Clock — 15 minutes of quality family time”, has enlisted the help of a panel of experts to spread awareness about the matter.

“One of our basic needs as human beings is to feel like we belong in a family; to love and be loved. It is a very important source of security,” says Dr Hanan Kandil, a psychiatrist with Zulekha Hospitals. “For true quality time, a family needs to do fun activities together, and feel loved and accepted by each other.”

Besides playing a huge part in boosting morale, family time also goes a long way towards child development. Lucy Bruce, who partnered with Beverly Jatwani to launch Home Grown Children’s Eco Nursery, says, “Research in the US and Europe has shown that children who spend time with their parents and siblings on a regular basis perform better academically than those who do not. Moreover they are better communicators and are more likely to show empathy to others.”

Dr Mohamed Rashid El Nadour, who heads the pediatrics department in Medeor 24X7 Hospital, says, “This is a day of celebration, a day to acknowledge all the achievements you and your family have made during the last year, and to think about how we can improve in the years to come. It is a journey of success.”

5 movies to watch:

1 - The Sound of Music

2 - Mary Poppins

3 - Home Alone

4 - Frozen

5 - The Incredibles

5 foods to make:

1 - Cake

2 - Cookies

3 - Trifle

4 - Homemade pizza

5 - Smoothies

5 fun activities to do:

1 - Wild Wadi

2 - Ski Dubai

3 - Ferrari World

4 - Dhow Cruise Dinner

5 - Al Ain Zoo

5 places to visit:

1 - Yas Island

2 - Burj Khalifa

3 - Zabeel Park

4 - JBR Beach

5 - Snoopy Island in Fujairah

5 books to read and discuss:

1 - To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

2 - Harry Potterby J. K. Rowling

3 - Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

4 - Lord of the Flies by William Golding

5 - Malgudi Days by R.K. Narayan

5 songs to listen:

1 - Daddy Cool by Boney M

2 - Circle of Life by Elton John

3 - Another Day in Paradise
by Phil Collins

4 - Yesterday Once More
by The Carpenters

5 - Father and Son by Cat Stevens

janice@khaleejtimes.com