Parents’ role is crucial

Parents play a crucial role children's academic performance, a reader says. Other topics: Qasr Al Hosn Festival, Valentine's Day, credi card, Iran, young minister, super food

Parents play a crucial role in children’s academic performance, a reader says. Antonie Robertson / The National

Michael Lambart's opinion article Is school education getting lost in consumerism? (February 5), was interesting. I think it's important for a school to have good teachers, but parental involvement is crucial for a child to understand the importance of school. For this purpose, parents need to check school websites, attend parent-teacher meetings, check homework and make sure their child is getting proper sleep and healthy food. Teachers also need to make sure that they give their best.

Beverly Newell, Dubai

There is no doubt that parents need to be involved. A teacher only gets to teach a child for a certain hour a day for nine months. Parents get them for a lifetime. A child will thrive when parents and teachers work in partnership.

Michelle Ewaysi, Dubai

Qasr Al Hosn Festival offers a great experience

We recently spent a delightful few hours at the Qasr Al Hosn Festival and I would urge everyone to visit this event.

You will experience true Emirati hospitality, as well as a glimpse into the heritage of this country that I have been privileged to live in for many years, through the numerous traditional workshops, activities, dance displays (not to be missed) and handicrafts. A big thank you to everyone who has given up their time to be involved in this event, you made us feel very welcome.

Helen Brawn, Abu Dhabi

Shower your love, not luxury

You have mentioned luxury items as ideal Valentine's Day gifts (Valentine's Day gift for her: the luxury edition, February 5). Why does a Valentine's Day gift have to be a luxury item? Isn't it supposed to be about love and affection, things no money can buy? Give love, not luxury and show you really care.

All year long and not on some day retailers have chosen to stimulate business.

Hans Jacobs, Abu Dhabi

A Catch-22 situation

It's a bit of a Catch-22 situation (Credit card culture weighs heavily on UAE saving habits, February 4). I have a credit card, but pay it off in full the following month so I do not incur any interest or extra charges. This means I have never been in debt. Well done, you might say, but unfortunately it makes it difficult for banks or shops to discover your credit rating as it doesn't exist, even if you have never been in debt.

Name withheld by request

Pre-emption is better than cure

The largest impact of the end of sanctions is likely to be an increase in the number of Iranians seeking to study in western countries (Gulf states are the last stable forces in the Middle East, February 2).

Since Iran became an Islamic republic 36 years ago, there have always been political forces in Washington that have preached coexistence and friendship with the Iranian regime and asked the administration to follow the example of Richard Nixon’s initiative towards China in the 1970s. That means to accept Iranian influence and hegemony in the region and treat the Iranians as genuine partners. The National Iranian American Council’s vision is to take it to the level of influence of that of Aipac. Pre-emption is better than cure for the Gulf region.

Name withheld by request

An opportunity for youth

Sheikh Mohammed's idea to induct a young minister into the cabinet is definitely good (Blending youth with experience, February 5), but the candidate has to be extraordinary, well qualified and mature. He or she ought to have a good personality as well. Some are born leaders with extraordinary personality, whose hidden talent is exposed only when opportunity knocks their door.

Shahina Afsar, Dubai

What’s so ‘hip’ about quinoa?

One does not consume quinoa because one is a “hipster” (A fair weather grain, February 5). Many of us actually care about what we put in our bodies. We are what we eat.

Jean Francoise Ng Lewis, Dubai