Artwork for Afternoons with Helen Farmer
Kids & Family

Afternoons with Helen Farmer

Dubai Eye 103.8

A laid back look at life in the UAE. Stay up to date with what's happening and where to go with free advice, expert opinion and storytelling which gives an inside scoop in to real life UAE. Calling foodies, culture vultures and people who want answers from our trusted team of engaging experts.

  • 21 episodes
  • Updated Yesterday

Episodes21

  • Yesterday · 1 hr 31 min

    How easy is it for kids to make friends?

    Friendship can look like something that just happens naturally in childhood, you find someone in the playground, start playing and off you go. But those relationships are actually where children learn some of their most important life skills. So what happens when making friends doesn’t come easily? Breastfeeding may be natural, but that doesn’t mean it always comes naturally. We've got expert advices for mums and mums-to-be. If you're confused where to bring your kids for camp this summer, we've got you covered from indoor experiences to teaching them about business. And we share another Dubai success story, one camel milk soap at a time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Tuesday · 1 hr 40 min

    Why we buy what we buy

    We’ve all done it. You pop into the supermarket for milk and somehow leave with chocolate, crisps and a “buy one, get one free” you never planned to buy. There's an explanation for that. One person's diagnosis can help protect brothers, sisters, children and even cousins by prompting earlier screening and potentially life-saving treatment. Today we talk about genetics and hereditary illnesses with a geneticist and with someone who's lived this reality. And what role do our earliest relationships play in shaping how we connect with others? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • July 16 · 1 hr 19 min

    Smarter Health, Less Waste and Finding Your Confidence

    From wearable technology and preventative healthcare to reducing food waste and building confidence through comedy, we look at how small changes and practical habits can improve everyday wellbeing, communication and quality of life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • July 15 · 1 hr 16 min

    Is Your Brain Forgetful — or Just Overloaded?

    How much of what feels like forgetfulness is actually an overloaded brain, and can learning new skills help build resilience as we age? Plus, new pathways for Emirati orchestral musicians, and how playing in a band can build confidence in children. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • July 14 · 1 hr 42 min

    Are Our Everyday Habits Harming Our Children's Eyes?

    It's not just screen time affecting children's eyesight, with more children developing short-sightedness at a younger age. Plus, the new rules of digital etiquette, how social sport is helping adults make new friends, the rise of women's football in the UAE and a mid-year personal finance check-up, with practical advice on managing and paying off debt. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • July 13 · 1 hr 49 min

    Could Your Experience Become Your Next Career?

    Could your years of experience open the door to a new way of working? The show explores the rise of fractional leadership and why it could offer a fresh career path for experienced professionals. Plus, tips on dressing for the job you want, the latest Instagram features aimed at Gen Z and an update on Meta's smart glasses. And in the Legal Hour, freelancing after leaving a job, debt, missed mortgage payments and why you really should read the fine print before signing a contract. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • July 10 · 1 hr 44 min

    The Stories Behind Dubai's Favourite Restaurants

    From hidden gems to global ambitions, we're serving up the best of Dubai's food scene. Zeena meets the chefs and founders redefining Mexican, Lebanese, Japanese and Filipino dining, while uncovering the stories behind the city's most-loved restaurants. Expect big flavours, bold ideas and plenty of recommendations to add to your must-visit list. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • July 9 · 1 hr 2 min

    Travel state of mind

    Family vacations are meant for slowing down and staying in the moment, but what if work and emails are keeping you pressured? Psychologist Hiba Salem from Sage Clinics explains how our brain and behavior work. We also have Orchids Roy in the studio to share why etiquette should be learned by kids early on. Plus, our Motor Mania team Damien and Naz take us on a ride in choosing a great multi-functional family car. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • July 8 · 1 hr 19 min

    Bouncing back after a major loss

    Egypt fans are left devastated after their loss to Argentina, which prompted Helen to ask - how do we teach our children to bounce back after a major loss? This doesn't only apply to sports but also to our daily life. Ex-athlete Alicia Tillman and executive coach Megan Johnson share their thoughts. Plus, fancy joining a singing community? Helen learns more about One Day Choir, founded by David Conway. And finally, how can you improve your voice to sound more powerful/ Voice architect Kim Page has some tips See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • July 7 · 1 hr 21 min

    Do young graduates have what it takes to succeed in the workforce?

    That's the question Helen put to Dr. Sonia Ben Jaafar of the Al Ghurair Foundation. HR expert Avtar Gill weighs in on today's graduates and employees who are technically excellent - but have a poor attitude. Dr. Thoraiya and Helen do a deep dive into life as an expat - and what lessons we can learn by being away from home. Plus, husband and wife Sarah and Ahmed tell us the story behind Chill Me Worlds, a community that wants to see genuine friendships form in the UAE. And finally, Rhiannon Downie Hurst of Bride Club ME shares some wedding trends this season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • July 6 · 1 hr 39 min

    Can playing with Lego really make people better leaders and colleagues?

    We bring Lego bricks in the studio, not just because it's Helen's favourite, but to talk about its benefits in the workplace. We speak to YouTube about their new supervised kid accounts in the region. WhatsApp has parental controls now, we get the details from Cyber Fareedah. Why are shingles cases rising? If you are still thinking of where to go this summer break, we've got you covered. And we meet a man treating delivery riders in the emirate. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • July 2 · 37 min

    Women, ready for your 50s?

    For years, women have been told that menopause is just something to get through. But our guest today thinks it's time we change that conversation and she's on a mission to help women feel informed rather than frightened. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • July 1 · 1 hr 26 min

    Burnout in uncertain times at work

    We discuss how to recognise burnout before your body and mind force you to stop. Job seekers need to stop thinking like employees and start thinking like business developers selling their own skills, says executive search recruiter Hamza Zaouali, discussing more ways for people to land their dream job. Are smart glasses really going mainstream? How much is too much when it comes to screen time? Discussing childhood myopia with Dr Sandra Fiorentini And we share more reasons how Dubai is becoming more accessible to people of determination. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • June 30 · 1 hr 5 min

    Delaying the onset of Type 1 diabetes

    A new immunotherapy drug doesn't cure type 1 diabetes, but for people identified in the very earliest stage of the disease, it can delay the need for insulin by an average of almost three years. Does overpraising kids create more harm than good? How's your netiquette? Yes, internet etiquette. And university acceptance rates are falling, but why? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • June 29 · 1 hr 37 min

    Keeping your kids active, screen-free

    Children have around 620 hours of free time over the summer so how will you keep them busy and still learning during the holidays? Find out here. Why do performing arts doesn't always translate to social confidence? What can you do about it? And we also have the check list for you when it comes to house repairs and keeping your homes safe while you're away. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • June 26 · 1 hr 41 min

    Not your usual French-style bakery

    We've got your weekend covered with everything delicious— from freshly baked bread, pizza, coffee, and chocolates to comforting ramen, mushrooms, and edible flowers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • June 26 · 32 min

    Life after raising kids

    When children leave home, what happens to the parents? We discuss the challenges of empty nesting, what parents can do to adapt to this new chapter and find purpose beyond parenting. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • June 24 · 1 hr

    Fixing women's health gap

    Studies have shown women are more likely to experience delayed diagnoses, dismissed symptoms and gaps in care. Today we're asking why that happened, what it means for women in the UAE, and how we start closing those gaps. It might not be just dry skin... find out when it's already chronic dermatitis. And why do the World Cup affect us so deeply? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • June 23 · 1 hr 34 min

    Can sleeping in separate beds save a marriage?

    Sharing a bed has long been a symbol of a healthy relationship, but why do more and more couples choose to sleep apart? Limiting technology use in the classroom is what we discussed with Paul Gardner from Ambassador International Academy Mankool. How can hearing loss be linked to dementia? We ask Dr Zemer Wang. We meet gymnastics coach Sarah and inspiring athlete, a person of determination, Laila Labib. And yes, we know when it's over... so why do we stay? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.