Moving to Doha with 2 Toddlers-HELP!

Hi Louise, I'm new in Doha too.

Word of advice is to get the kids in nursery/school as soon as possible. This is my second relocation and last time I kept 2 toddlers in the house and it nearly drove me up the wall.

So far Doha has been great because alot of the expats get together and are extremely friendly and welcoming.

PM me and we'll get together when you arrive.

I imagine teenagers are difficult at the best of times! ;)

I have such mixed emotions. And you tend to worry how your kids will deal with everything new I suppose. I will be sure to call on the wisdoms of the "Been There Done That" experienced expats.

I look forward t joining you soon and hopefully meeting some ofyou f2f!

Songogga

your children are very young and will deal with it just fine. It's the teenagers who are the problem (I know as I've got 3 at the moment!) I had each of my little ones pick a few favorite toys to bring in the accompanying luggage. there is a TOYS R US here as well to explore and you can buy a few new things as a "good behavior award" after you get here. This should get you by until your shipment arrives.

Hi Everyone, we are at the very beginning of this adventure. My husband is going out in December and me and the kids hope to follow him by February at the latest from the UK (although we are south africans been living in the UK for 10years now and need the sun again!)

We have three kids, Son 5 and two daughters 3 and 1 and am wondering how you lot managed to get their toys etc out to Doha...did you bring a couple of thing in the hand luggage or sent tea chests?

I'm nervous about the move, but VERY nervous about how our children will deal with it!!

Thanks

Songogga

Welcome, Brown-eyed-girl, you will love it here.

Mandi

Hi Louise, I am also moving to Doha from UK in 3 days! with 2 kids. 4 y.old and 5 months old. Hoping to join one of the Mums groups when I arrive. I was told by a freind who moved earlier this year that there are plenty of activities here for kids. Give me a shout when you arrive, we could meet up.

"This is my third expat assignment. When I arrived in the other two countries, I was obsessed with getting the house ready, getting organized and finding someone "like me" to hang out with. "Like me" meaning someone that I really wanted to hang out with vs. just anyone."

----> expatsueno, you got the right attitude to be an expat :)

Louise, welcome to QL. Nothing to add on your thread that i can think off. I run Mums in Doha group on this board. And i try to make meet up for breakfast at least once a month.

Anything else you want to ask about living in Qatar just shout... plenty of people here will try their best to help you.

Good luck and see you soon :)

This is my third expat assignment. When I arrived in the other two countries, I was obsessed with getting the house ready, getting organized and finding someone "like me" to hang out with. "Like me" meaning someone that I really wanted to hang out with vs. just anyone.

The result was that it took me a long time to find my groove and get involved with others. For about six months each time I wasn't very happy and by the time I really got into the grove it was practically time to leave. (Our assignments tend to be in the 2-year range.)

When we moved to the U.S. (to a new city for me) I decided not to follow the same plan and I had much better results. Ditto for the move to Doha.

In short: don't wait around to have everything perfect for the kids (or for you) before venturing out. If you don't already drive, learn to do so before you come so you can get out immediately and start socializing with others without being dependent on your spouse, taxis, etc. Waiting for a social event that is "close" to your home may result in quite the wait :o(

Also, I'm starting a group called Doha Expat Mums and Kids, which will be a Doha-wide group open to all expat mums with kids in Doha. We'll have playgroups, a Moms Night Out, an Expectant Moms Group, and other things. Perhaps the best part is the members-only, secure online forum where mums can ask questions of other mums.

It is being modeled off of the group that I ran in Houston for nearly 600 mums. Our website will be up in a few weeks. Feel free to send me a PM with any questions.

Best,

Expat Sueño

Come join us at MOPS (mothers of pre-schoolers)... www.mops.org Second Monday of the month (except Dec when we meet the first Monday). Lots of families w/ little ones- I have a 2 year old too...

PM me for directions.

Hi Louise,

Where abouts will you be living? My other half moves here end of December with our two young sons.

Hope the move goes well.

If your going to move here, do it November thru March inclusive. The thought of settling in Doha in the summer heat is seriously revolting.

Welcome, Louise, and don't worry too much. Your husband will have done the hard work by getting here first and having the housing and phone and car and all those devilish details taken care of. You will just come and enjoy the lovely weather at this time of year! Although I suspect he will want you to take care of the maid/nanny issue. Come to as many events in the first few months - church, women's groups, etc. - as you can in order to make friends and get valuable information.

Mandi