As regional tensions escalated and missile interceptions were witnessed across the United Arab Emirates, many parents found themselves facing difficult conversations with frightened children.

Mariam Mohammed spent Saturday evening consoling her 8-year-old daughter after a day of loud explosions. “Her eyes were brimming with tears when she asked me, ‘Will we die?’” Mariam recalled. She admitted she had been absorbed in scrolling through updates and speaking to friends about the unfolding Iran-related conflict, not realising how deeply it had unsettled her child.

Experts urge calm, honest conversations

Dr Salman Kareem, psychiatry specialist at Aster Clinic, JLT and Discovery Gardens, advised parents to use simple, age-appropriate language.

“A young child needs to know that something happened nearby, that safety systems are working, and that everyone is together and safe,” he said.

The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) echoed similar advice on social media, urging parents to reassure children of their safety. “Children may not fully understand what is happening, but they can feel the stress,” the authority noted.

Teenagers face digital anxiety

Older children, however, are navigating a different challenge. Umm Abdulla, mother of two teenage boys aged 13 and 15, said her sons had seen forwarded videos and images of missile interceptions on WhatsApp groups.

“They were worried about whether we would be caught in a war,” she said.

Dr Salman stressed the importance of discussing what children have seen online, correcting misinformation, and limiting exposure to unverified videos. He encouraged parents to emphasise that authorities are handling the situation responsibly.

Key reassurance messages

Experts suggest parents reinforce a few core messages:

  • Safety measures, including online classes, are precautionary.
  • Authorities are working to maintain security.
  • Many professionals are ensuring the city remains safe.
  • Children’s primary focus should remain on learning and family time.

As tensions continue, mental health professionals remind families that emotional reassurance and open communication are as crucial as physical safety measures in helping children navigate uncertainty.



#UAE, #Parenting, #ChildMentalHealth, #RegionalTensions, #newskarnataka