Sky nannies have their work cut out

A reader says Etihad's new "flying nannies" will be kept busy. Other topics: road safety, passion and the smart government initiative.

A readers say Etihad's new flying nannies will have their work cut out for them. Ravindranath K / The National

Smart government initiative will make all our lives easier

I would like to comment on A smart plan for 24-hour access to government services in Dubai (September 2).

This is the future of the UAE and the world: no queues, no waiting, no quarrels or arguments.

If people learn to use it properly, this smart government initiative will be a boon for everyone, eliminating time-consuming government procedures.

I wish those involved with the initiative all the best. May you succeed in reaching your targets, making our lives better and easier.

Moiz SA, Sharjah

Safety campaign needed at schools

Schools have opened after the long summer and Eid holiday break.

As there are now many new residents in the country, it is important to start traffic safety campaigns so everyone is aware of the dos and don'ts - especially mothers who are dropping off and picking up their children.

I have found that many of these drivers are not wearing seat belts.

Why not introduce a campaign where the road-safety checks are made by female police officers?

I feel they will be more effective when it comes to imparting knowledge to women and children about the dangers of not following traffic rules and regulations.

It will also give added prominence and recognition to the female members of the country's police forces. Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

Flying nannies will need special skills

I refer to Upset child? Send for Etihad's flying nnany (September 1).

How will children take to strangers trying to calm them, especially when they feel more comfortable and secure in their parents' arms?

Specialised training will be required for these nannies to handle such situations.

They will require certain positive personality traits to manage these children in the air.

Also, there are many natural remedies that parents can administer to calm their children.

Zeenat Khan, South Africa

Why are some parents so unable to manage their own children?

I've seen things on flights that only make me shudder.

S Touma, Dubai

There's something about flying - tiredness, lack of space, rushing to make the plane and so on - that can make the happiest of babies and children grumpy.

Unfortunately there's nowhere for parents to hide them on a plane.

A little more consideration from other passengers wouldn't go amiss, as I think most of us are just doing our best.

Shadia Rafiuddin, Abu Dhabi

Mixed reactions to Twitter complaints

I refer to Kyle Sinclair's story 'Friend' transport chiefs ... and tweet complaints (September 3).

I have turned to social media on several occasions, but to no avail.

Most of the time I would simply be ignored and and my concerns would remain unanswered.

It is rare to get a decent and encouraging response.

Fatima Suhail, Dubai

I have used social media to get support from some companies and, for the most part, it has worked.

Unfortunately, many companies hide by not having a Twitter account or ignoring messages.

Sajjad Rizvi, Dubai

Computer gamers lacking in passion

I refer to Hareth Al Bustani's blog post Passionate about passion (August 19).

I have two huge passions, and it breaks my heart to see that other people are not passionate.

The young people are worst; here in Sweden they are like little robots who only know about computer games.

B Roth, Sweden

Editorial should be read by all Indians

Congratulations on the editorial, India opens up to an unbearable dialogue (September 3).

I wish every Indian could read this evocative and thought-provoking editorial.

I also wish every Indian paper would carry your editorial translated into its regional language.

Rajendra K Aneja, Dubai

Parents must keep an eye on children

I refer to Villa explosion caused by teen girls sniffing gas, court told (September 3).

I believe the blame has to be shared by the parents.

It seems to me that they did not monitor their children at home and had absolutely no knowledge of what went on while they were at work.

Name withheld by request