Parents need to spend more time with their children
Thank you Hala for raising this important issue in the opinion article Treat your nanny the way you want her to treat your child (May 7). I hope more people will spread this news.
I walk and play with my sons regularly in the nearby parks, and I can say that what the writer has said is correct.
Last week, when a child - about 6 or 7 years old - was called by a woman at a park, I heard another child, perhaps of the same age, say: "She is a maid. You don't have to listen to her."
It's time that parents start spending adequate time with their children. Enforcing minimum standards in the employment of maids would help. Parenting classes could also help.
An Arab father playing with his children in a park is a rare sight. Let nannies take an evening off during the week and let parents take over.
M Carr, Abu Dhabi
It is one of the best articles I have read in your newspaper. It may be a bitter truth for many; nonetheless it's true.
Teri Adams, Abu Dhabi
I was shocked to read this article. I agree that maids should be treated with respect and utmost dignity, but how can the writer justify the abuse of children by maids who are mistreated? It's absurd.
Whether maids or parents, venting anger on innocent children is never right.
Mohamed Ali, Abu Dhabi
Bieber should be more punctual
I am referring to the articles related to Justin Bieber's performances (An exhausted Bieber manages to wow Dubai crowd, May 5).
I was at Sunday's show with my three children who are 5, 9 and 11 years old. They were exhausted before Bieber took the stage. My 11-year-old was in tears because Bieber had no respect for his fans and came late. My 5-year-old seemed to be in a sleep-deprived stupor, and my 9-year-old booed.
As a parent I'm appalled at his complete lack of regard towards the children who idolise him, and their parents who had to drive them home or to their hotels. I had expected much more from him as an artist and a professional. I understand that he is young but that is not an excuse. He needs to get his act together because if he doesn't, he will lose a large chunk of his fan base. Just because children idolise him does not mean he can treat them this way.
Heidi Butaud, Dubai
Shun militants for country's future
The opinion article Taliban try to fix Pakistan's poll by attacking the Left (May 2) clearly shows Taliban's influence on Pakistani soil, particularly in the tribal areas.
In spite of promising a free and fair election, the transparency in the process is now questionable, while religious and radical groups continue to influence local and federal administrations.
It is therefore enormously difficult to convince tribesmen on the value of having a true democratic system. People in Pakistan need to unite against the increasingly unsafe situation.
It is the responsibility of the federal and local governments to convince civil society of the dangers of embracing militancy, which will ultimately jeopardise the future of the younger generation.
Ramachandran Nair, Oman
Pakistanis are all set to choose their next leader as they go to polls on May 11.
Dominant political parties have raised stakes for major provinces in the country. But Punjab will witness the most interesting race between the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Being the most populous province in Pakistan, Punjab has the maximum number of seats in the National Assembly.
It is hard to predict the winner. But the rapid expansion of PTI's support base is not only astonishing, but a cause for worry for its rivals. Imran Khan, the founder and leader of PTI, has vowed to bring positive changes to the country.
The PTI manifesto aims to win the hearts and minds of young people.
Youth, who constitute 40 per cent of the electorate, are largely supporting PTI. This has rattled PML-N, which has raised its pitch against PTI.
Unfortunately, it seems to have achieved little success, even though PTI is a relatively newcomer in Pakistan's political scene.
Rabia Rizwan, Dubai
Dark tint on car windows is unsafe
It is impossible to drive at night with even 30 per cent tint on windows (Drivers in the dark over too much tint, May 6).
I had 30 per cent tint on my car windows and I had to roll them down at night.
Maria Mahmoud, Abu Dhabi
