Too little time for children to relax

A reader calls on parents to ensure that their children get time to relax at home. Other topics: play areas, smoking, leadership training, health

A reader urges parents to ensure that their children have time to relax. Mona Al Marzooqi / The National

Regarding the story Fun, frolics and free play (July 31), too many parents forget that their children always rush from one class to another.

As a swimming teacher, I have children coming to me who have, for example, played tennis and after my lesson have Arabic class. These kids do not have time to relax at home.

When I ask them whether they find time to play with their dolls or Lego, they answer in the negative. It’s very sad.

When my children were small, I enjoyed watching them play imaginary games.

Carol Goodey, Dubai

Complaints on noisy children seem strange

With reference to the article Parents see red after play ban on green area (August 2), I want to express my astonishment at people living in (usually) family-friendly compounds who complain about children playing close to their villas.

We face this problem in Mangrove Village, where tenants want to stop children playing football on a lawn next to the tennis and baseball courts. They say the children make too much noise while playing.

However, I enjoy the laughter and the noise of children. It gives me the feeling of being alive.

If someone wants to live in a totally quiet area, then that person should move to a lonely villa outside a compound. It should not be difficult to find a place far away from normal life.

It is unfortunate that tenants’ complaints about playing children lead to bans on green areas.

Dagmar Reich, Abu Dhabi

Many ways to curb smoking

Jonathan Gornall's article on smoking (Smoke and mirrors, August 1) was interesting and informative.

Once, I asked a cashier at a supermarket whether they sold cigarettes to teenage children. He told me that they do as they are helpless. “If we don’t sell it to them, they might come in groups and create a scene there,” he said.

The problem is that they pick up this habit from the adults. Sometimes advertisements are also responsible for encouraging young people to smoke. Many countries banned smoking in public places. Even though similar laws exist here, enforcement is weak. I am sure stricter enforcement, along with an increase in prices of tobacco products will yield positive results.

However, it’s encouraging to know that the space for smokers is increasingly shrinking all over the world.

Mathew Litty, Dubai

Why not train expats too?

I appreciate Sheikh Mohammed's initiative (Vice president launches training for young leaders, July 31).

I think expatriates should also be included in this. I’ve lived here all my life and it is my home. People like me need opportunities.

Long time residents are not like those who come here for a few years to fulfil their specific goals.

AbdulMatheen Yousuf, Dubai

Change habits to stay healthy

With reference to your editorial Healthy living starts young (July 31), we should limit the amount of junk food available in shopping malls and petrol stations, and encourage healthy eating (through awareness campaigns as most schools already do). More timetabled sport lessons should be made mandatory in schools.

Sussanne Cherrie, Dubai

You can’t exercise your way out of a bad diet. Nutrition and eating habit education are the starting points.

Kate Hepburn, Dubai

Stop being lazy and honking horns, go into the shop yourself.

Carry your own shopping to your car. Walk to the shops.

Walk home from the shops with your shopping.

Matthew McCobb, Abu Dhabi

Avoid packaged foods. Stay away from sugar as much possible. Have home meals and eat organic when po=ssible. Exercise or play a sport of your choice regularly. Do not stock unhealthy food at home. Avoid fast foods and colas. Eat your food as medicine. Heal with a meal.

Ajay Thombre, India