Going back to school is not so tough

Children adapt to a new environment quickly, readers say. Other topics: Narendra Modi, UAE's transformation, films

Children do not need much help to adjust to school after the summer holiday, readers say. Delores Johnson / The National

Parents can help children by adjusting sleep times a week or two before the start of school (Returning to school can cause anxiety, UAE experts warn, August 22). It's good to get them back into a routine early. Set aside time to organise school stuff as this process will help them get their minds on school. Children adjust quickly.

Jean Francoise Ng Lewis, Abu Dhbai

Why do we need psychologists to tell parents to take measures to help their children adapt to returning to school after the summer break? We all know about the fear and anxiety one is expected to go through while returning to school or college after a holiday or going to a new workplace or new house.

Maryam Al Hersi, Dubai

Did expats gain from Modi visit?

This refers to the report Indian PM hails UAE as a rainbow nation in Dubai speech (August 18).

Narendra Modi is a charismatic leader who has a huge number of followers. I have been in this region for about 20 years, during which time I have never seen an Indian leader getting so much attention from the expatriate community.

Mr Modi’s visit has proven to be a great motivator for a large number of Indians in the UAE. He has also created an impact at the diplomatic level like no other Indian prime minister did.

I hope Indians in all the Gulf countries will benefit from his visit.

Ramachandran Nair, Oman

Now that the euphoria over Mr Modi has ebbed away, it’s time to ask what did we, Indian expatriates, gain from the prime minister’s visit. Since the visit was announced, Indians had been nursing hopes over various issues, ranging from setting up of a pravasi (expatriate) welfare scheme to voting rights.

These expatriates have largely been disappointed as they haven’t heard anything from him on these issues.

No one can ignore the importance of the deals between the UAE and India. However, it remains to be seen whether the common people of India are really going to benefit from these deals.

Various social indices in Mr Modi’s own state of Gujarat indicate that the life of ordinary people has not improved despite investments flowing into the state.

The speech Mr Modi delivered in Dubai has raised many eyebrows as it was a mere rabble-rousing political speech, aimed at evoking jingoistic fervour among his compatriots.

Abdul Lateef Koladikkal, Abu Dhabi

Changes both good and bad

Recently, I was at the Dubai Mall. It was crowded with tourists as well as local people and the atmosphere was nice.

I’ve been living in the UAE for 10 years and I can see the change. Unfortunately, this is not the only change I’ve noticed.

I must say I keep seeing more awful tourists dressing without any decency. What is the point of mentioning dress code at the entrance of the malls if people are not obliged to respect it?

Daniela D'Onofrio, Abu Dhabi

Why make films on terrorism?

What is the point of making films that hurt the sentiments of others or address terrorism and people associated with it (Pakistan bans film on Mumbai attacks following protest from accused, August 22)?

The world has had enough of violence as it is and watching a movie at the cinema should be a way to relax and unwind. Sadly, with controversial films like Phantom being made, cinema-goers will barely get their share of entertainment. I am glad that the film has been banned in Pakistan as it would only escalate tensions between the two neighbours.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah