The Play-based Behaviours of Emirati Preschool Children: Cultural Perspective into Early Childhood Education

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• This study aims to serve two purposes: (1) to provide insight into Emiratis mother’s influence on their children’s play habits by examining most common cultural-specific practices and (2) to analyse behavioural factors based on Emirati mothers’ responses by looking at the social and functional patterns of behaviour amongst Emirati mothers.

• study aims to contribute and increase both the current understanding of the universal aspects of play and the cultural differences and variations which shape children’s play behaviours.

• The two dimensions explored for the purpose of this study were play behaviours and maternal values while incorporating an exploration into cultural practices which affect parenting styles.

• qualitative and quantitative measures

• (1) to provide insight into Emirati mother’s influence on their children’s play habits (quantitatively) and (2) to analyse behavioural factors based on Emirati mothers’ responses (qualitatively).

• mixed-methods design

• ideal for assessing and uncovering what people belonging from a particular group think, feel and do

• questionnaire was used to collect information on an Emirati mother’s influence on their children’s play habits and to assess the behavioural factors that dominated Emirate children’s play

• 29 Emirati mothers

• educational levels were on average having attained at least a Bachelor’s degree

• stay-at-home housewives (8%) or employed (92%)

• single child families was 7%, compared to 93% of multi-children households

• only 10% of Emirati mothers indicated taking time off after child-rearing to be with children

• 90% that went back to work after the 45-day maternity leave period.

• dependency of Emirati families on the help of extended family and nannies with regards to care and play with their children

• 60% of Emirati children lived in an extended family household

• can play together and engage in pretend play when appropriate

• Over 50% of Emirati families indicated living with nannies

• Klein, Graesch, and Izquierdo (Citation2009) report that children in families who hire domestic help or nannies tend to be less independent and exert consistency than children without.

• Only 24% of Emirati mothers indicated that their preschool children help with basic chores