Flavour Of The Day With Noora

Time for Some Parenting Research

In times like these when so much chaos is shaping the countries that surround us, how do we talk to our  kids about what is going on? Do we explain political issues that they may be too young to understand? Do we teach them that having a voice is crucial? Do we take them along when participating is political and social events that support our opinions.

When I was growing up, my parents did none of the above; I had no clue of the breaking news that was going on. I knew only of historical events from history classes at school and only what the books wanted to mention.

When I went abroad to complete my studies, I was embarrassed when asked about facts, events and political views. I did not know how to respond and could not argue something that sounded wrong to me. That is why, as an adult, I am conducting my own research as needed.

I want to spare my kids that confusion by constantly talking to them about world news, by thinking out side the box when it comes to other cultures and by keeping them informed of their surrounding that go beyond the borders of their own country. BUT, I don't know how :)

Time for some parenting research!

Flavour Of The Day Noora

Tips for Choosing the Right

School

Looking for the right school for your children is one of the most difficult decisions you will come across as a parent. This decision is filled with questions, uncertainties, and details you may not be aware of at this point in your parenting journey.

For that reason, I spoke with the experts at Amman Academy to understand the best way to go about your school hunting experience:

1. List the type of degree or programmes that are offered at each school. Even though MYP, IB, 

A- Levels and other degrees seem far away for first-time parents, choosing the right foundation

from the beginning is crucial. Test results are a great indication of a school's competence in the degrees

they offer, these results demonstrate the school’s ability to engage the student even at an early stage.

2. Look into a school's facilities, safety measures, social events and extra-curricular activities. While

academics are important, so are sports and other activities which help develop children's emotional,

physical and mental well-being.

3. And finally, the most important of all, is conducting proper research through schools' websites and

site visits. Talk to the staff, watch them in action, and interact with the people your child will be

interacting with for years to come. As school experiences differ from one child and parent to another,

the best research is your own research. 

By taking informed, well-researched steps, finding the right school for your child can be an exciting experience for the entire family. Once you have decided, it might also help to take your child to visit her new school before the start of the new school year. If she can see the school at her own pace, the shift from nursery to the "big kids' school" might be easier-check out what subscribers will receive in August, 2014 with their issue of Family Flavours or Nakahat 'Ailiyeh.