Confusion over courier charges
Dear Sir,
The introduction of the online clearance system at Qatar Customs has been proving a boon to cargo agents and importers. It is a transparent system which informs importers and cargo agents about the status of their shipments on arrival in Qatar and the formalities to be completed and the payment process.
Every step in the clearance process generates an e-mail to the importer, helping him to know the status of the shipment. These are all excellent measures.
But of late, there is certain confusion over “legalisation charges” for shipments imported by courier/express companies. I have come across such shipments arriving without these charges when imported through some courier companies and with those charges through others.
Because of this, should all the courier companies collect these charges (which come around QR250/QR350) from customers?
And it is not clear why some couriers are given the exemption while others have to pay.
TEF, (Full name and address supplied)
Parent- child relationship
Dear Sir,
In response to the letter “The right way to rear children” (Gulf Times, April 14), I believe that healthy bonds are based on the development of a positive attachment with parents who fulfil early dependency needs. The bonds are further shaped by parents through the process of setting limits for children and teaching them empathy.
Love, limits and empathy are thus the building blocks of a strong parent-child relationship. They are also the key to the child’s healthy psychological growth and the potential to have fulfilling adult relationships in future.
Parents need to spend quality time with their children. There really is no way to get around this important step.
All relationships are built upon close contacts characterised by caring, dependability, trust, empathy, acceptance, energy and time.
Relationships that are not tended to and nurtured on a regular basis become problematic and eventually break down.
So the first rule of the thumb is that you must figure out a way to make some “relationship time” with your child that is separate from discipline or tasks.
The second part of the equation has to do with how the time is to be used and what is to be accomplished as a result.
There are four types of activities that are particularly conducive to building the parent-child relationship while accomplishing the goals of involvement, self-exploration, recognition, problem solving and expression of feelings.These are play, conversation, participation in activities outside the home and verbal recognition. Realising the importance of these aspects will help in having a healthy relationship with your children.
Jency George, Parent counsellor, (e-mail address supplied)
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