Issue 26 April 2005

Welcome to the latest issue of “Mum’s the Word”, a newsletter whose aim is to provide information on activities and resources in and around Doha, for parents with young children. “Mum’s the Word” currently reaches over 200 mums, … if you or your friends would like to receive a copy please email Katie at [email protected].

Please help us keep “Mums the Word” interesting and informative by contributing articles, recipes, craft ideas, general information for mums and any feedback. All ideas and offers of help are most welcome!

“Mum’s the Word” contacts are: Katie Erasmus 447 6895 [email protected] Carmel Rankin 486 4607 [email protected]

April Special Events:

Regular Weekly What’s On:

Interested in joining an OUTINGS GROUP. I would like to start an outings group to meet every other week where we take out kids and head out on an adventure to the zoo, beach, pool, park or just for lunch. If anyone is interested, please contact Anita Reilly at 571- 8045 or [email protected]

Circusland at Landmark Shopping Centre Monday 10am-12pm If you are part of a “mothers group” you pay QR10 per child, which allows the child to use all none token activities ie trampolines, bumper cars, soft play and adventure playground, merri go round and the aeroplane ride.

Bop and Tot – please call Paula for more information about this and other dance classes held at the Ramada Hotel Tel. 564 2237

'Little Tykes' play group for mums and tots – Mondays 2.45pm-4.15pm Ages 2-4yrs In Busy Bees Nursery, JBK Compound, Salwa Road. QR 10 /session/child. Mums must stay! Call Nadene Shameem on 4680678/5827598 Itsy Bitsy Babies Playgroup – Thursday 10:30am – 12pm For babies from newborn to 9 months and pregnant mums with a few months to go! The venue, Club house at Al Shaheen Compound No.1, (off D ring road, behind Birla Public School). Please bring one toy and a blanket for baby to rest on. QR5 includes tea, coffee and biscuits. Call Joanne Page 561 6303 or 466 3957.

Ghanem Gardens Playgroups At the Clubhouse, Ghanem Gardens Compound (adjacent to The Centre shopping mall) Under 2’s – Monday 9.30am – 11.30am, call Jayne 4689341/5815469 Over 2’s – Wednesday 9:30am – 11:30am, call Sarah on 4693118 or Karen on 4838158 QR10 entrance fee per child includes tea/coffee; Drinks & snacks available for purchase

Big Babies Playgroup – Wednesday 10am For babies from 9 months up to about 18 months. Call Nicole on 523 2490 to RSVP and for location details.

Toddlers Playgroup – Sunday 10am For toddlers from 18 months and up. Venue changes weekly so please call Nicole Kololli on 479 5446 or email [email protected] to RSVP and for location details.

Dutch Speaking Playgroup – meets twice a month at different locations (first Tuesday of the month and second Wednesday morning of the month). For more details, please contact Caroline on 4660034/5847421 or email [email protected]

Music Classes Contact: Monica Muschalik: 483-6939 or 554-2309 Classic songs & New Favourites, Finger play, Bells, Maracas & Egg, Shakers, Scarves and Balls, Parachute time. Age 12 months to 4 years – (Parent and child class on a Sunday) Sunday 11:00 am Laguna Beach Compound Sunday 3:00 PM Al Jazi Compound, Phase 1 Clubhouse Sunday 4:00 PM Al Jazi Compound, Phase 1 Clubhouse Wednesday 8:30 AM Alfardan Gardens, Clubhouse Wednesday 4:15 PM Laguna Beach Compound New Classes starting every 8-10 weeks.

Magical Me - Creative Play Classes - Al Jazi Compound, Red O Club Class objective is to foster creativity and build confidence, for girls age 4 to 6 (this is a drop off class on Wednesday). Each class will consist of Magical Storytime, Dancing, Singing, Acting, Tea Party and Arts and Crafts Project based on a weekly theme. Contact: Monica Muschalik: 483-6939 or 554-2309

International Centre for Music offers regular music and dance classes for Mum’s and children, including Mother & Toddler Music, and Music, Dance & Drama for Tots. Located close to The Mall, off D Ring Rd. Call 467 1354 for more information.

More New Baby & Toddler Playgroups Are Needed!! If you’re interested in starting a playgroup (all it takes is for you to nominate a day/time/place that suits you…), or would like to advertise an existing group, then please email us the details at [email protected] for inclusion in next month’s “Mum’s the Word”.

New Save your Memories! Creative Memories and Close to My Heart Consultant in Doha. Please contact Anita Reilly at 571-8045 or at [email protected] to place your order. Weekly crops on Wednesday nights and in home demonstrations by appointment!

Word Of Mouth - Many things in Doha are found out about through Word of Mouth. Help us spread the word by letting us know things you have heard – whether it’s a good beautician, hairdresser, doctor, pharmacist, photographer, party supplies place, printer for invites or announcements or a toy shop. Anything about Doha which may help other mums. Details can be emailed to [email protected] .

 New The Baby Shop – Did you know there are 3 outlets of the Baby Shop in Doha. One in City Centre behind the music shop which is opposite Carrefour The second is in Al Sadd behind Royal Plaza shopping Mall The third is on B Ring Rd between Salwa Rd and Al Rayyan Rd. Head along B Ring Rd (towards the British Embassy or West Bay Area). Go under the Jaidah Flyover, travel about 500m staying in the right hand lane. Turn right into a street which has a big orange sign before it telling you that Hamad Hospital R/A is closed. (If you come to an underpass you have gone too far and you will need to do a u turn and come back.) Turn left at the second street, then left again and park outside the Baby shop. Happy Shopping!

 The hot weather is coming. Lion in the Sun UV Protective Swimwear. Despatched within 24 hours, post free! anywhere in the world. Definitely worth a look [email protected]

 Spanish Lessons during afternoons: For beginners and those who wants to improve their conversational skills. Pls. contact Amada Vera on Tel. 4651986, 5324651.

 Child/Clinical Psychologist - Working with children with ADD,ADHD and other behaviour and learning challenges. Other Services - One on One Behaviour Counselling, Family Counselling, Setting up of Behaviour Plans, Talking and working with the Schools directly, Helping children adapt to change. Please Call - Kimberley Sheedy on 571 6816.  Veterinary Clinic - well-equipped animal clinic for cats, dogs and smaller pets. You will find us on Salwa Road, coming from Doha first slip road past the Wholesale Market roundabout, next to Arabian Finance and approx. 200m before KFC. Dr Marjan Fock, MRCVS, Tel 468 43 91. Emergency Mob 569 63 91 e-mail [email protected]  Body Sculpting Fitness – Al Mazza Ladies Gym. Morning and Evening Classes available. Please contact Stacey Sessions for more info or directions on 4875457/5873960.  Penny Richardson is a counsellor/therapist/Psychotherapist specialising in individual, couples, and family counselling. Pls contact her on Tel: 571-4645.

 Do you feel like you’re stressed and running around too much? Like you’ve got no time for yourself and you just want to relax...? Why don’t you take some time out and indulge yourself with a soothing massage or reflexology treatment in your own comfortable surroundings at home? My name is Pascale King and I’m a qualified therapist in massage, reflexology and manual lymph drainage. NEW! HOT STONE MASSAGE! Call me on 4659691/5811950 or mail me [email protected].

 Home spa services 'Chantroux Pedicure or mini Facial, organise a Manicure Spa party for your girlfriends with a free gift. All in the comfort of your home to make your day stress free and you can still be there for your child . Services include eyelash tinting, manicures, pedicures, facials and waxing. Contact Jill on 538-6975.

 Agent in Doha for Desert Diamonds. There is a web site for these at www.desertdiamondsco.com. If anyone would like to book a Sparkler Party they get 100QR plus 10% of the party sales in product credit. To book or just to see what's on offer call Sandra Alexander on 4550867, or 521 6489, e-mail [email protected]

Expecting Mum’s & Recent Baby Arrivals:

Congratulations & Best Wishes Sandie and Pete upon the arrival of baby Sarah, born at Doha Clinic on 30th March.3.4kg and 51cm long. A little sister for Alex.

Looking for an obstetrician or paediatrician? Some of our expectant and new Mums may be able to help. Why not give them a call for a chat? We also know that there are lots more expecting and new mums around town, so please email us your details at [email protected] and we’ll share your happy news in the next “Mum’s the Word”!

Baby & Toddler Items For Sale/Wanted:

For Sale: Graco Baby Car Seat - Excellent Condition - rear facing with platform - easy click in - click out seat -suitable for up to approx. 9 kg. - 150 QR. Double Stroller – 3 months old (rarely used), individual adjustable seats, storage underneath, shade cover - 340QR Winnie the Pooh vibrating chair – suitable up to 9 kg. or approximately 5 – 6 months old baby. Excellent Condition, barely used – 140 QR. Bouncer swing – attaches easily to door frame, comfortable chair to let your baby bounce freely using their legs – 125 QR. Contact Jill 486-3239

Wanted: Rocking Chair - If you are selling a rocking chair in the next few months, I'm looking for one! Contact Victoria on: [email protected]

Want to buy or sell a baby or toddler item? We are happy to place a for sale/wanted notice for you. Just email the details to [email protected] for inclusion in the next “Mum’s the Word”.

April Feature Article: Tooth Decay & Fluoride Facts

Tooth decay in babies: Beware of giving your baby juice or any other kind of sugary fluid in a bottle. This increases your baby’s risk of tooth decay. And, babies that are MOST LIKELY to develop tooth decay are those that fall asleep with a bottle or sip from it all day long. Instead of the bottle, try giving your baby a pacifier, or fill the bottle, or a sippy cup, with water instead of juice. During the day, limit the time your baby sucks on a bottle. And, clean his mouth AFTER FEEDS or at least once each day by gently wiping your baby’s gums with a wet washcloth. When teeth erupt, use a soft toothbrush and a pea-size dab of toothpaste. Most dentists recommend a visit when your child is around two years old.

Fluoride facts: Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease among kids aged 1 to 6 years. One reason is that baby teeth have thinner enamel. Fluoride in moderate amounts is the best defence against cavities. . Fluoride is absorbed easily into the teeth and can repair early stages of tooth decay . Practically all toothpastes and some mouthwashes contain fluoride

A local dentist told a “Mum’s the Word” reader that the Doha water is not fluoridated, and that some bottled waters are also not fluoridated. If you are going back home over the summer it may be worthwhile consulting your dentist to see their views/recommendations on any sort of fluoride or vitamin supplement.

April Craft Idea: Rockets 1. Use a toilet roll tube or for a bigger rocket use the tube from glad wrap or foil 2. Cover in red or orange paper 3. Attach a 5cm long streamer to the bottom 4. To make the rocket head cut a circle from paper 1cm bigger than your tube diameter(width of the top of the tube). 5. Cut the circle from the edge to the middle( ½ the diameter) and form a cone 6. Attach the cone to the rocket with glue or double sided tape Reprinted with kind permission from BAMBI – Bangkok and Babies International, a project of Childbirth and Breastfeeding Foundation of Thailand. Check out their website www.bambi-bangkok.org

April Recipe : Cupcakes made by children (another BAMBI contribution)

Makes 15 approx cup cakes altogether 1 tbsp Self raising flour 1 teaspsoon sugar 2 tbsp milk/egg mixture (2 eggs mixed in 600ml of milk)

Each child mixes these ingredients in a bowl and spoons the mixture into a cup cake case. Bake at 180C for 10 mins.

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Remember, “Mum’s the Word”!!

*Please note that we endeavour to provide our readers with accurate information, but can accept no liability in the case of unintentional errors.