Originally written by me for the Delhi Network Members' Handbook, I wanted to share this piece with you. It is by no means all-inclusive, and I again ask you to share your thoughts and advice on this topic!
Written to help those who are new to Delhi with children ... acclimate just a bit quicker!
ADAPTATION
Written to help those who are new to Delhi with children ... acclimate just a bit quicker!
ADAPTATION
Delhi is a colorful and bright city that has wonderful things to see, do and experience. Delhi can also be an assault on the senses. It can be amazingly brilliant one day and horribly frustrating the next.
It can be tough for an adult to acclimate, and sometimes even tougher on a child. Even if your young one is resilient, they still will very likely have tough days as they adjust.
It can be tough for an adult to acclimate, and sometimes even tougher on a child. Even if your young one is resilient, they still will very likely have tough days as they adjust.
Keeping an open mind, remembering to renew your sense of adventure and maybe most importantly, letting your children know that it is ok to be frustrated, sometimes be scared. As a parent of a new young one in Delhi, always encourage open sharing and communication.
Setting high expectations for yourself and your experience can be detrimental and harmful. Know that just getting the family settled and living day-to-day can take a surprising amount of energy. Be forgiving with yourself and others.
Even if this is not your first time outside of your home country with children, it may be a good idea to read Third Culture Kids by David C. Pollock or read the following articles on culture shock and adaptation :
ACCLIMATING TO STAFF
One of the things most parents discuss around the water cooler is the adaptation of having staff in their homes. It can be important to help your children understand and learn how to be respectful towards those working for your family, and also teach compassion and graciousness.
Use this opportunity to teach the balance between being served and being thankful. Encourage your children to be gracious and empathetic. Without caution being exercised, often children become ungrateful and adopt of an attitude of selfishness.
What a great teaching tool this situation can be!
DRIVING/ SAFETY
Most families employ a driver because of limited parking and dangerous streets. Unmarked roads also add to the likelihood of getting lost. When hiring a driver, be sure to check references and ensure there is no history of alcohol or drug use. Your driver may be one of the most important staff members you hire, as they are responsible for your safe transportation during your stay in Delhi.
Begin early in helping your children and driver to establish a relationship. Start the practice and habit of always buckling your children in their seatbelts and it is wise to have your children wait near the car with the driver until everyone is ready to walk away from the car.
Children should never ride in a taxi or auto rickshaw alone. Exercise extreme caution if teenagers need to travel by public transportation, especially after dark.
Bicycling on the streets of Delhi is not advised as traffic is very fast.
Traffic can unexpectedly come to a halt and you will either find yourself with crabby children, or a missed stop back at home to grab necessary supplies for the next outing.
Consider packing a special bag to keep in the car! Some helpful items to have :
· Snacks
· Water bottles
· Toilet paper, tissues, wet wipes
· Sunscreen
· First aid kit
· Crayons/Paper
· Plastic Straws (helpful for either blowing bits of paper to entertain, or to have less spills while drinking out of bottles in the car)
HOSPITALS / PEDIATRICIANS
One of the things that can be disconcerting when moving to a new city, is the inevitable need for a pediatrician. Max Med Centre has a host of available doctors.
Be advised that you will need to carry your children's medical file WITH you to appointments. Most doctors and hospitals do not use a computer system for the logging of your children's pertinent information, and the absence of their records requires you to rely on your memory to recall the last medicine that was prescribed.
Nearly every chemist has ANY medicine available, and most without the need to have a prescription. Exercise caution if you choose to self-medicate your children and always be sure to advise the personnel of your child's weight and age.
Dr. Khanna - C Block, Vasant Vihar 9871386897 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 9871386897 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Dr. Kumar - C17 Panscheel Enclave 2649 3463, 2649 2404
Trained in the United States, Dr. Kumar has a conservative approach to childcare. He does not prescribe medicines unless they are necessary. He also runs a free clinic for underprivileged children.
Dr. Kim Chawla, East West Medical Center - 37 Prithviraj Road (near Jorbagh) 2469 0429, 2469 9229
Fortis le Femme - India's first boutique birthing center, located at S-549 Greater Kailash II 4104 5104
SPECIAL NEEDS
If you have any special needs concerning education, Learning Matters is a great local resource to contact. The director is Sonya Phillip and she can be reached at 2463 3498/9.
COUNSELING / PSYCHIATRIC
If you find yourself in a place where you need to talk with someone in a counseling setting or for psychologist help, Dyhan Summers has a private practice with over 30 years of experience working with individuals, couples, families and adolescents. She is located in Nizamuddin and can be reached at 987 1232 747 or mindfulaction@yahoo.com.
CLOTHING
Markets abound for clothing purchases. Sarojini, Khan Market, Hauz Khas, Sundar Nagar and South Extension are popular spots for acquiring anything from jeans, to sweaters, to pajamas and local wear.
Teenagers should be aware that Indian dress is very conservative. Short shorts/skirts and cropped or halter t-shirts is often considered offensive, as are spaghetti straps.
TEENAGERS
If you’ve brought a child to Delhi that is in middle school or high school, there are few things worth noting. Substance abuse, while notably an universal issue, is very prevalant and easily accessible in Delhi. Alcohol is served indiscriminately at hotels and in clubs, regardless of age. Most expat homes also have a ready supply.
Discos and clubs are located in most hotels and markets. Opening time is typically between 2000 and 2200 hours, and ids are not readily checked.
Exercise caution when your teenager is invited to a party. Know where they are going, know who will be there to supervise and always make sure their transportation is pre-arranged.
The advice given is “don’t be alarmed, but neither be complacent, and keep the lines of communication open between yourself and your children.”
EDUCATION
American Embassy School, age 3 through 12th grade
2688 8854
British School, age 4 through 12th grade
2467 0833, 2467 1006
French School, 2 ½ through 16 years
3041 0097, 2301 4158
German School, 3 years through 10th grade
2687 4204
Japanese School
2689 1230
Korean School
2688 5412
Pathways
12463188812
PRESCHOOLS
Aadyant, Vasant Vihar 46031000, 9810270412
Apple School, American Embassy Compound 2419 8000
Busy Bees, British High Commission 2687 2161, x2590
Magic Years (Montessori) 2614 0317
ACTIVITIES/ CLUBS
Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts – American Embassy School. 2688 8854
Delhi Tots – playgroup organization. Contact Tina Haskins Chadha at tina.delhi.tots@gmail.com or by phone: 98 9999 7396 for more information and timings. In the alternative, join the Facebook Group : Delhi Tots
"Delhi Tots is an expat/NRI geared parent-toddler playgroup offered once a week. It’s a great forum for parents to meet and share experiences, while children play – all in a fun and safe environment."
DelhiBabies – listserv with families sharing information and tips about raising children in Delhi. Contact them at Delhibabies@gmail.com
LIBRARIES / BOOKS
Minnie Starkman Library. American Embassy Compound. Storytimes on Saturday mornings. Must be an AWA member to attend.
British High Council. Library and video rental. 17 Kasturba Gandhi Marg, 2371 0111.
Navneet Delhi Mums’ Guide by Rina Mehta. A great source of information covering preschools, shopping, schools, activities and more. A copy is maintained in the Delhi Network office for you to browse and costs Rs. 125 to purchase.
Mummy Knows Best – a “what’s best in India” website written by moms for moms
Urban Crayon Delhi - a guidebook for parents with children written by Kim Barrington Narisetti
AROUND YOUR HOME
Ayah/Nannies :: If your family will employ an ayah or nanny, the American Women’s Association runs a staff registry on Fridays from 10:00 – 12:00. Be sure to be clear on what your family needs and read all reference letters before interviewing. For information call 2419 8509.
Also utilize word-of-mouth and take advantage of the monthly Delhi Network meetings for getting great contacts for available staff! Most often you can schedule a trial week to ensure that personalities mesh well and things will run smoothly before commiting to hiring an ayah.
Hot water heaters in Delhi do not have adjustable thermostats. Ensure that you never leave your children alone with the hot water turned on in either the bath or sink. As water is commonly heated to near boiling temperatures, always run bath water for your children and advise them to be cautious around the hot tap.
Street dogs are often kind and gentle, but encourage your children to not pet or touch dogs.
Stress the importance of not drinking tap water to your children, including the need to use purified water for brushing teeth.
Air quality is poor in Delhi and a humidifer or vaporizer are a wise investment for not only your child’s bedroom,but for other living spaces in the house.
