UAE parents warned on role of home helpers

This content was originally posted in 7DAYS UAE website at: UAE parents warned on role of home helpers Some children are failing to develop properly because their parents are leaving them to be brought up by maids and nannies, a psychologist has said. Problems learning to speak and read are among the issues being seen as a result, according to Aisha Nasr, a specialist from the Social Support Centre at Abu Dhabi Police, said in a lecture at Halima Al Sa’diah School about the impact of relying on domestic help to raise children. She said mothers play a vital role in a child’s upbringing and development and that both were suffering because of the “present trend” of families leaving their children to be taken care of by nannies and maids. “Significantly relying on domestic help to raise a child negatively impedes the child’s linguistic development,” said Nasr. “A mother’s duty is taking good care of her child. Families should limit the role of domestic help to aspects of house chores, and should not completely rely on the help of a maid or nanny to raise and care for their children.” The psychologist added that leaving children to maids and nannies can result in behaviour that has an adverse effect on the entire family. “The upbringing of your child is your responsibility,” she said. “Don’t let others do if for you or one day you will lose their love as they don’t spend enough time with you.” Nasr urged mothers to communicate with the Social Support Centres and other competent authorities to seek help as her department provide social and family counseling, and educational guidance on how to handle and raise their children. ismail@7days.ae Read the original story at: UAE parents warned on role of home helpers