In the fast-paced UAE lifestyle, many mothers are choosing to prioritize raising their children while still managing other responsibilities. What peaks conversations, is the demanding work routine, that somewhere brings a delicate gap in understanding if mothers can give their 100 percent focus on their child’s upbringing.
However, with strong family support systems, particularly from grandparents, these mothers are finding ways to nurture their children while maintaining balance in their lives, redefining what it means to be a parent in today’s busy society.
We heard about parenting in the UAE and Filipino mother, Jenny Casa Dy, known as “Mommy Jenny” in Dubai, has shared her perspectives on the importance of family involvement in raising children, especially in a country where many expats rely on house help.
“In the UAE, the preference of many mothers to have their children in the company of parents or elderly family members rather than relying on house help resonates strongly with Filipino culture. Family, after all, is the cornerstone of Filipino life, and the idea of entrusting a child’s upbringing to family members holds universal appeal,” she explained.
Jenny emphasized an old saying, “It takes a village to raise a child,” adding, “And, nowhere is this more evident than in both Filipino and Emirati cultures.”
Mothers are embracing the idea of letting their kids grow in an environment where they learn from their elders. “This belief emphasizes the importance of a community—comprised of parents, grandparents, and
extended family—coming together to nurture a child with love, wisdom, and guidance,” remarked Casa.
Living in the UAE, Casa Dy understands why many UAE mothers rely on family. She pointed out that trust, love, and shared values are key factors in this preference: “There’s something deeply comforting about knowing your child is in the hands of someone who shares your vision for their future and who cares for them unconditionally.”
Jenny highlighted how it is also common in the Philippines to see grandparents, aunts, or uncles stepping in to help raise children. This arrangement not only reinforces strong family bonds but also ensures that cultural traditions and values are passed on seamlessly.
“Similarly, in the UAE, mothers might prefer family involvement for the same reasons—ensuring their children grow up surrounded by love, guidance, and the wisdom of elders,” she concluded.
Ummzoya, mother to three in the UAE, shared similar thoughts saying, “Having a child is a blessing and taking care of them is very important as we are raising the next generation which needs to be under the care of their own family rather than someone from whom they are just work.”
She explained how mothers can put values in kids which house help can’t. “At home, they will feel more secure and safe most importantly loved which young-age kids need the most,” said Ummzoya.
Hafiza, whose social media gives a glimpse into her parenting style, “Hustling Mommy”, said, “My mum stays with me, I think it’s the biggest blessing I could have. I do have house help but when it comes to childcare, I think having family members or elders around is the best.”
Hafiza, who is also a working professional, shared her experience of the peace of mind she now enjoys, leaving her children at home without constant worry or monitoring via CCTV.
“Mind could never be free and couldn’t focus 100% on work, as I had a live-in nanny for 1 year, and now with my mom around, I can feel and see the difference – the feeling of love care the children receive from their grandparents couldn’t be described in words,” she explained.
In a bustling city like Dubai, and in the UAE, where work-life balance can be a challenge for many parents, these stories illustrate the importance of family support, allowing working parents to find peace of mind and focus on their careers without sacrificing their children’s emotional well-being.
