That's life: Be a good parent

Parents, what's with your aversion to raising your own children these days? I've come to believe that Dubai has the largest ratio of children per capita with full-time nannies and part-time parents. And I think it's a real shame.

Kids are a precious commodity and not one that should be traded off to someone else like a poor performing stock. Yet, this dubious exchange is happening right here, right now. And I think it's time we take our heads out of the proverbial desert sand and talk about it. Before I have a mob of angry parents at me, let me say this much: I know you're busy. I know you work hard at your jobs. You're tired. Life's demands stress you. I understand this.

I get the fact that you, as parents, often require some outside help. I have no problem with you using a nanny to help ease some of your day-to-day demands.

All I'm asking is that next time you and your baby girl are in the MedCare Hospital emergency ward and she's crying, hold your daughter in your arms. You be the one to wipe her tears — not the nanny. It's not her job; it's your job. You are her mother.

And when you take your kids to the beach, don't bring the nanny. Surely, as parents, you are capable of frolicking in the water or building sandcastles with your sons and daughters? After all, you manage your careers five days a week. Certainly, this responsibility can't be too overwhelming in comparison.

When your toddler is learning to ride his or her first bike on the Marina Walk, you be the one walking beside them. You're the one who should be there for the inevitable bumps and bruises, failures and successes — not the nanny. It's not her job: It's your job. You're the father.

Children are not fashion accessories that blend nicely with the leather in the back seats of your oversized SUVs. They're impressionable, tiny people who need you to interact with them and be their friends . How else do you expect them to build a strong family foundation on which they can base their futures?

So parents, all I'm asking is that next time you have a day off, spend it with your children — but, please, leave the nanny at home.