Home and away

Mums, toddlers find new way to spend time

A meeting place away from home with a lot to keep the bountiful energy of hyperactive toddlers constructively channelled is a welcome thought for most mothers.


It is this concept that drives mothers from different parts of Dubai to meet up about thrice a week for a couple of hours for a social and interactive session. The group is called mums 'n' tots and comprises a group of mothers and their toddlers.

The women in the group belong to one of the following categories. They are either mothers who are new to Dubai and are looking for avenues to meet new people, or mothers with newborn babies looking for more people sailing in the same boat as themselves, or mothers who were previously employed and have taken a break from work and are thus open to various ways of spending time with their children and friends.

"It is a wonderful way of getting new mothers to meet and spend some time with their kids in a fun-filled and safe environment away from home," says Anne, the coordinator of the group, who has been with them for the past three years.

A large decorated hall filled with colourful toys, teaching aids, toy cars and bicycles is used as the venue for the meetings. The area is safe for the children to play anywhere in the room and large enough to provide mothers with well-deserved breathing space while enjoying a hot cup of coffee.

The second half of the meeting comprises a singing session using different musical instruments, games or exercises being performed with the mothers and their children as a group.

People from all nationalities are welcome to join the group and each two-hour session costs Dhs 15 per mum, irrespective of the number of children. The sessions are held on Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays between 9.15 am and 11.15am.