Keeping Our Kids Safe

I'm blessed to live in a city that is considered very safe and family friendly.  Thankfully, we rarely hear about local crime, or violence taking place in Dubai. But, unfortunately there will always be that random story that pops up, that makes us check our doors are locked properly at night, that becomes the main topic of conversation for a few days, that we think "wow, this stuff happens even here?".  A recent tragedy about a 7 year old boy that went missing a few days ago was all over the news this week.  It's awful, and my thoughts are with his family, God give them the strength to go through this.

I decided to pull up an old email my son's school sent out a while back, about Safety with Strangers, and I read through it again (with more concentration this time) and I plan to discuss it with my kids.  I honestly think we should all have this kind of chat with our kids, no matter the age, every so often.

The information the school provided (see below) is from an organization called Kid Power. What I like about their approach is that they give great tips on teaching your child about safety, but without scaring them and making them paranoid or anxious.  Of course every family will have it's own approach, I just thought I'd share this info as I found it very useful.  Please share with your friends as well :)  and if you would like more information, you can visit Kids Power.

You can teach children to be safe without scaring them – You just need to know how.

Children need to understand that there are different safety rules when they are not in the care of their adult and when they are on their own. Children who are only a short distance away from an adult in charge even for a few minutes are on their own. They don’t need to worry. They just need to know what to do.

Kidpower Tips for Talking to Your Kids About Strangers

“Stranger danger” is an idea that can increase anxiety and make it harder for us to figure out ways of helping our children stay safe.

Instead, at Kidpower we talk about stranger safety.  Rather than focusing on the bad things that sometimes happen, we encourage parents and caregivers to focus on teaching and practicing the skills and behaviors they want their children to use to stay safe with strangers.

Be sure that you are calm yourself when you talk to kids about strangers. If you sound anxious, they will pick up on that.  Talking about “stranger danger” or focusing on scary stories can increase fear and anxiety for everyone.  Instead, tell kids in a matter-of-fact way that you believe that most people are GOOD, and that this means that most strangers are good, but that a few people have problems that might cause them to hurt kids.

Tell children that they do NOT have to worry about strangers if they follow the safety rules. If children are by temselves, the safety rule is to come and check with an adult first before getting close to or talking to anyone they don’t know well. Help kids come up with specific examples of people they know well and people they don’t.

Kidpower Safety Rules for Children when They Are on their Own

• Most people are good. This means most strangers are good.
• A stranger is just someone I don’t know and can look like anybody.
• The rules are different when I am with an adult who is taking care of me and when I am on my own. When I am on my own, my job is to check first with the adult in charge before I let a stranger get close to me, talk to me, or give me anything.
• If I am old enough to be out on my own without an adult to ask, it is safer to be where there are other people close by to get help if I need it.
• I do not give personal information to a stranger or to someone who makes me feel uncomfortable.
• It is OK to get help from strangers if an emergency is happening to me, and there is no one close by that I know.
• My job is to check first with the adult in charge before I go anywhere with anyone (a stranger or someone I know). I will tell the adult in charge where I am going, who will be with me, and what I will be doing.
• I will have a safety plan for how to get help anywhere I go.
• I will know what my family’s safety rules are for children answering the door, being on the phone, and being on the internet.

To Be Able to Follow These Rules, Children Need to Practice These Kidpower Skills:

• How to stand and walk with awareness, calm, and respectful confidence
• How to move away and stay out of reach from someone approaching them
• How to walk away from a stranger without waiting even if that person is being very nice
• How to check first even when someone they know and trust says not to
• How to get help from a busy or insensitive adult if they are lost or scared
• How to make noise, run, and get to safety in case of an emergency
• What to say and do if a stranger approaches them at home

Kidpower Safety Rules With People Kids Know

• I belong to myself–my body, my time, my spirit–ALL of me. Touch for play, teasing, or affection has to be both people’s choice and it has to be safe.
• Except for health, no one should touch me in my private areas (the parts of the body covered by a bathing suit).
• No one should ask me to touch them in their private areas.
• Touch or other behavior for health or safety is not always a choice, but also should never, EVER, have to be a secret.
• I do not have to let what other people say control how I feel.
• Anything that bothers me should not have to be a secret.
• If I have a problem, I need to tell an adult I trust and keep on telling until I get help.
• It is never too late to get help.

To Be Able to Follow These Rules, Children Need to Practice These Kidpower Skills:

• Saying “No” to unwanted or inappropriate behavior using polite clear words, eye contact, and assertive body language
• Persisting even when someone uses bribes, hurt feelings, or power to try to pressure them into doing something that makes them feel uncomfortable
• Protecting themselves from hurtful words
• Verbal choices for getting out of potentially dangerous situations
• Getting the attention of busy adults and telling the details about situations that make them confused or uncomfortable

xx

D

Live Amongst The Clouds

Clouds seem to be a big thing in the world of kids interiors these days.  They add a cute, dreamy feel to a room.  They also complement a number of themes like garden, rainbows, butterflies or airplanes.  I thought I'd share some of the cool cloud decor items I found online, check them out!

Cloud Hanger by Down To The Woods - Super cute if you hang something off the bottom rail and display against the wall.

Available at Leo & Bella 

Or you can just hang a few of them on the wall like this.

Image from lark. 

Cloud Softlight by BuoKids is so cute and can add a soft glow to your kid's room.  As a plus, the fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles!

Available at Buokids 

Cloud and Heart print.  Add a little shine and color with this cute poster.  It comes in a range of sizes. 

Available from Toucan

Cloud Shelf from Urban Outfitters - this is a cool piece.

Available at Urban Outfitters

Storm Bay sheets by Tobias & The Bear. These sheets are the perfect combination of naughty and nice.

Available at This Modern Life

Cloud LED Retro Marquee light - The metal adds a little groovy vintage vibe to the room.

Available at Retro Kids

Musical Black Stars Cloud Cushion - I love stars so found this to be super cute!

Available at This Modern Life

Personalised Wooden Sweet Dreams Cloud mobile. You can also write "Dream big xxx".

Available at Not On The High Street

Cloud night light lamp.  Super cute!

Available at Leo & Bella

xx
D

More Personalised Storybooks!

Does your kid love Peppa Pig?  Kenz loves her and her grunting family, so I was totally thrilled to find this!

I personalised a book for Kenz on Peppa Pig and Me, where not only is she part of the story, but the girl looks just like her too! There are a few subjects to choose from like birthdays, Christmas and of course jumping in muddy puddles.  I chose the swimming one since Kenz is learning how to swim and I thought this would help keep her interested.  To say she was in love would be an understatement.  She just didn't want to put the book down!

Check them out at Peppa Pig and Me :)

And if Peppa isn't your kid's cup of tea, check out Put Me In The Story which has a choice of stories that can also be personalised.

Images from Put Me In The Story

xx
D

p.s. This is not a sponsored post.

Cool Prints

You know when you're checking out really cool kids rooms on Pinterest or Instagram, and you wish you can add that little something to your kid's room to make it as awesome?  Something that will make their space a little more unique and a lot more hip.  Having the right art piece in the room can make all the difference, and it's an easy and practical way to update a room.  Here are some great prints you can get online.

I love these whimsical prints by Pax & Hart

Available at The Poster Club

Available at Leo & Bella

Available at Beau Monde Babe

Then there are these dreamy watercolour prints by Mrs. Mighetto.  There are a few different collections each featuring different characters that can add charm to any kiddie room.

Mrs Mighetto posters can be found at Leo & Bella

And how about these awesome takes on some famous gals by Magicblood.  I would get the three posters and display them just like this.

Available at Society6

These Geometric Dinosaurs prints (they come in a set of 3, in either A4 or A3) are modern and can add some great color to a boy's wall.

Available at hardtofind 

While we are on the subject of dinosaurs, check these watercolor prints out.  Thenobleowl is a really cool etsy shop with a great selection of watercolor art.

I also really loved these butterflies from them.  Since you can select the size you want, you can order a few and display them around the room. 

Prints available here

xx

D

I Found Retail Wonderland!

Let's be honest, it is very hard to find a place both moms and kids love to spend time in.  Either kids find the place dull and stuffy or the moms feel they need to pop a few sedatives before taking kids to an area to have fun.  Enter Level Kids.  This morning, I was lucky to get a tour of this incredible space, and all I could think was: I can't wait to bring my kids here!

Level Kids is a luxury concept store, for all things kids related.  When you enter, you feel like you are entering retail wonderland. Each of the three floors transports you to a different world.  The ground floor, where the premium brands are, is the Underwater World.

The 1st floor, which is contemporary fashion and shoes, is the Blossoming Desert.  

The 2nd floor, which is the Layette, is the Fascinating Sky.

Throughout the shopping experience there are multi scenery elements for kids (and adults) to enjoy,  that take you through these different worlds and amplify the whole experience of wonderment. There are interactive digital stations throughout the space for the little ones to check out too.  It is so much more than just retail heaven.  There are two yummy F & B outlets, a play area, a princess dress up area and a photography studio. There are specialised services for kids, like stylists, a spa with a hair salon and a birthday venue.  Kids will also get to enjoy different types of classes within the space.  

Level Kids is bright, spacious and very stylish and it's within the latest phase of City Walk Dubai, which is such a beautiful new addition to the Dubai scene.   If you live in the U.A.E. or plan to visit, you must go check it out. And yes, bring the little ones.

xx

D

(As always this post is my personal opinion, I have not been asked or paid to write any of the content).

Let's Chase a Rainbow!

Kenz's latest obsession is rainbows. We have rainbow coloured drawings, we have "rainbow" play doh which she has mixed up and yes drives me nuts, and we have rainbow PJs, T-shirts and dresses.

So I thought I'd look around for all rainbow items that might be a cool addition to her room.  All these items are found online and the links are included.

1. These Pastel and Bright Rainbows by Pixistuff are being spotted on many kids' interiors blogs.

Rainbows available at Retro Kids

2.  This poster from EefLillemor is adorable and just puts a smile on my face.

Rainbow poster in A3 found here

3. This wooden rainbow rocker is so cute and kids can do so much more than rock on it.  They can go over it, under it, pretend its a boat for their toys, and probably a bunch of other things that my adult mind can't think of.

Rainbow rocker from Lunatur

4. This set of decorative wall decals from Shutterfly can be personalised and arranged in any way you like.

 Rainbows and Sunshine Wall Decals found here

5. Rainbow Cases from Retro Kids.  Cute and functional!

Cases available here

6. These rainbow necklaces by Pop Cutie are handmade and kinda kitschy.

Necklaces available at Retro Kids

7. Not exactly a rainbow, but they are pom poms in rainbow colors and I love pom poms!  This pom pom light string would be awesome in Kenz's room.

Light string by PomPom Galore available here at This Modern Life

8. If you're into a little bit of an 80s vibe, this Wheels Up Decal Poster is pretty cool.

Decal Poster from Land of Nod

9. This Sunday Heart Eyes poster by Pax and Heart is very cool and whimsical.

 Available at Leo & Bella 

xx
D

Hola Barcelona!

We traveled to Barcelona for our Easter holiday this year.  We wanted a city destination since we went to Mauritius for Christmas and we wanted to go someplace with relatively mild weather.  It didn't hurt that an El Clasico game (name given to football games between rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid) was happening there at that time, so it was easy to sell the idea to the Mr.

So here goes, my tips for things to do with the kids in this beautiful bustling city.

Cultural Activities

1. Walk around the Sagrada Familia.  Considered the city's greatest building, this master piece by Gaudi is a must.  To be honest, we didn't attempt to go inside as the queue for the tickets was just too long.  But what made the experience even better was the playground right in front of it.  Kids got to let loose while we got to take in all the details.

 2. Picasso Museum - We decided on this museum because Yousef learnt a little about Picasso in school, so it was a great opportunity to show him some of the art up close (I won't lie, sometimes he got too close and I had to grab his hand before security kicked us all out!).  Also, the exhibition is in a relatively small space, so it's not too overwhelming for the kids and we knew they wouldn't get restless.  One thing that did help keep them quiet was the audio guide that we gave them, which they enjoyed listening to.

This is the only picture I have as we weren't allowed to take photos inside.

3. Montjuic Castle - Getting there was half the fun.  We took two Teleferics to get to this 18th century castle.  The 360° view of the city and the Mediterranean sea is jaw dropping.  And the kids loved the cannons and towers on the premises. The surrounding Montjuic park is a nice way to spend the day out. There are playgrounds with slides going down the side of a hill and plenty of picnic spots.  

Tibidabo Amusement Park

This is a must.  Anyone who knows my family knows we love theme parks, but even if you aren't really into them, this is a must.  If for no other reason, just to check out the insane view.  Tibidabo is great as it's not very far from the city centre, I think it took us 20 minutes in a taxi to get there.  And it's not very big, so you can do most of the park in 5 or 6 hours.  There aren't many thrilling rides so it's more of a family attraction (there are a few cool rides for the thrill seekers don't worry).  And even though we went on a Sunday, the queues weren't bad at all.

Getting Around Town

Barcelona is a walking city.  We walked a lot.  Coming from Dubai, this alone was an experience for the kids. It was great for them to see the city and its people this way.  They also got to meet a few smaller friends.

Although a little pricey, the hop on hop off buses are a great way to check out different sites and neighbourhoods with little ones in tow.

I highly recommend taking the Teleferic (cable car) over Port Vell to Montjuic mountain.

Other Points of Interest

1. The Chocolate Museum of Barcelona - if you happen to be in the El Born area, you should check this out.  Even the ticket is chocolate.  It's also less than a 5 minute walk from the Picasso Museum.

 2. L'Aquarium Barcelona - even though we have a pretty cool aquarium in Dubai Mall, this was quite impressive.  It was a good way to spend a rainy afternoon.

3. The Markets - We took the kids to the famous Mercado de la Boqueria as well as the smaller, less touristy Mercat de Santa Caterina.  There are all types of stalls, from fish mongers, to butchers and yes also those that sold chocolate and candy.

4. Park Guell - Unfortunately we didn't get the chance to go this time, but I remember it from my last visit.  It's a beautiful park. The kids will think they fell down the rabbit hole. 

 Images from Parkguell.cat

5. Camp Nou - A visit to FC Barcelona's home is a must, especially if you have boys.  You can do a tour and visit the museum, or if you're lucky catch a game and as my husband would say "watch the magic".

xx
D