Here I go again on my own
Beaming with joy and zeal and saddled with a bag full of dreams, this little boy seems to be tap-dancing his way to Delhi Private School Sharjah after the two-week winter holidays. Also returning to the back-to-school schedule on Sunday were thousands of parents. —
dubai — It’s back to early sleeping routines, studying, homework and usual traffic as the UAE children return to school after their twoweek winter holidays.
Some parents told Khaleej Times their children got plenty of time to relax during the winter break, while others said their kids caught up on some extra studying. Now, parents are returning to their usual back-toschool schedule.
Bindu Satyan, said her daughter, Sreelakshmi V, studying in Grade 10, was excited to return to school to see her friends. “It was a normal day and she woke up without any hesitation as she was enthusiastic to meet her classmates and friends,” Satyan said.
“During holidays, waking up in the morning late was a real headache, because she used to sit very late in the night, doing her vacation homework and revising and watching TV. But five days ago, I made it compulsory for her to wake up at the same time during the school days, hence all other routine changed back according to school timings.
“Normally, long vacations are really a problem for parents as children have an entirely different routine. It is important to make them understand that ‘vacation’ is for a shorter period and they have to follow the same timetable as during the school days. It will be beneficial as they will get more time for enjoyment after their studies. We, parents, have a big role to play in this — to make them comfortable and create peaceful back to school moments without any morning hassles.”
Dhanya Pranesh, said her child, Kashinadh, took time off from studying during the winter holidays and took the opportunity to relax. However, he also used the time to do some volunteering work. Now, it is back to the usual school routine in the Pranesh household, which means early bed hours for Kashinadh and dedicated time for studies. “Kashinadh completely relaxed from the school stuff this festive season and enjoyed holidays with his little sister by watching their favourite cartoons and doing other activities,” Pranesh said.
“He started his winter holidays by joining a cleanup campaign and plant-a-tree campaign, which is related to environmental activities. He visited Burjman Centre and Festival City on the Christmas day. For the New Year Eve, we had an outing to Al Qudra lake and spend some time with the swans. He also got a chance to perform in the Global village talent show.”
Another parent, Raheela Khan, said she is “relieved” her three children are back at school as it is “quieter” at her home. “I love my children but two weeks off with three kids can be a little difficult, especially when they are all aged 12 and under. We had a great time during the holidays. They all went to bed later than usual and watched TV more than I would allow them to during school days. Now they are back to more studying, sleeping earlier and helping more around the house,” Khan said.
Five days ago, I made it compulsory for her to wake up at the same time during the school days, hence all other routine changed back according to school timings.” Bindu Satyan
Kashinadh completely relaxed from the school stuff this festive season and enjoyed holidays with his little sister by watching their favourite cartoons and doing other activities.” Dhanya Pranesh
They all went to bed later than usual and watched TV more than I would allow them to during school days. I hope they enjoyed, because, now it’s back to more studying, sleeping earlier and helping more around the house.” Raheela Khan