Being a parent means taking responsibility

Readers discuss the role of parents in avoiding internet-addicted children. Other topics: avoiding debt, RAK half marathon, Valentine's Day and airline etiquette

A reader praises the easy accessibility of the RAK half marathon. Natheer Halawani for The National

With regard to your story, Parents warned against children's addiction to internet (February 14), this has to be the responsibility of the parents rather than the nannies.

Parents should play with their children. They shouldn’t give them an iPad just because they can’t be bothered to interact with them.

If you don’t have time for your children, don’t have them. We are supposed to parent, not just breed.

Phil Perrin, Abu Dhabi

Resisting the lure of easy credit

The man featured in your news article (The UAE's loan rangers chase their prey, February 14) clearly understands how loans should be seen.

Unfortunately, some people find it impossible to resist the temptation to buy all those beautiful sparkly things that are marketed to us every day.

People should earn money before they spend it. If they can’t buy something without a loan, then they really can’t afford it and instead should save up so they can buy it.

Not only will this save on interest and processing fees but it will also instil a new appreciation of the value of the thing being bought. A loan costs way more in the long run.

Giles Heaton, Dubai

The rising cost of living can be a challenge in Dubai but if we spend wisely now, we will not have to cut back later.

The latest generation especially spend a lot of money on smartphones, clothes and other objects to outshine others.

Why blame the banks? They need to survive and they will continue selling credit cards and loans because that’s their job. I know making sales these days is pretty tedious, taking into consideration the targets that need to be met, but each of us has to be accountable to manage our own budget.

Financial education needs to become a part of our national curriculum so that it’s not just the rich people who learn about money – it’s all of us.

Mathew Litty, Dubai

RAK race brings pride to emirate

Your editorial about the RAK half marathon, (The fastest half marathon, February 14), poses the question about whether the event is good for the emirate.

This was my sixth RAK half marathon – this year I was supporting friends by taking some photos – and it had a great atmosphere.

Although security was evident and effective, I am always amazed at how close I can get to the action and how I feel part of a very special and family-friendly event. This is a great healthy venture that hosts the best runners in the world and the organisers deserve our thanks.

Mark Farmborough, Ras Al Khaimah

Valentine’s is not about spending

Brett Debritz's article, Even a curmudgeon can find some value in Valentine's Day (February 14), raises several interesting points.

Each and every day in a year has a special feel, a happiness and a satisfaction. So it is for Valentine’s Day.

Hiring a Rolls-Royce is not essential – giving a beautiful flower to one’s lover will bring more pleasure and joy than anything material.

Kennedy Prakash, India

I think saying some sweet and lovely words to your loved one and giving a nice hug is enough to create a lovely and special day.

Youri Hong, Dubai

As we always do, my husband and I decided not to buy flowers for Valentine’s Day but to give the money we would have spent to a deserving charity.

In our case it’s an organisation taking care of local people who are having a tough time.

We have a beautiful day by knowing we have helped, even in the littlest of ways, a few people get a good meal and some new clothes.

Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi

‘Greedy’ airlines squeeze us in

With regard to your article about aviation etiquette (Top 10 worst habits of plane passengers, February 14), perhaps airlines should ensure there is enough room that you can recline and not cause the person behind to be incapable of movement?

Kimberly Dezarn, Abu Dhabi

I think greedy airlines who squeeze in too many seats need to take into account the comfort of passengers like us who cannot afford business class.

It’s bad enough for me at 5 foot 10 inches (1.78m), but for my poor 6 foot 7 inch husband, it’s not physically possible for the person in front to recline when he’s behind them.

Name withheld by request