Dr. Jane Halsall, a chartered counselling psychologist, shares how parents across the UAE can foster calm, resilience, and emotional security when the world feels unstable.
To read the full article, visit Mother, Baby & Child, article written by Sophie Voelzing
Emotional responses can be anxiety, fear as they may worry about their safety or the stability of their environment. Responses can vary by age and temperament. Younger children may become clingy and tearful. School-aged children may show irritability, difficulty with concentration, or increased reassurance-seeking. Teenagers may appear withdrawn, angry, or preoccupied with news and social media. There is often confusion and even sadness. In terms of behavioural responses, inability to sleep, they may isolate more and possibly show more signs of aggression and frustration. These behaviours are not “misbehaviour” they are stress responses.
In children, prolonged stress may show up as:
Children need honesty but filtered honesty in an age-appropriate way. For younger children, simple and contained explanations work best. An example would be, “There are some problems happening in another country. The grown-ups are working hard to keep people safe.” Avoid graphic details or continuous news exposure. For older children and teenagers, invite conversation: “What have you heard? What are you thinking about it?” Correct misinformation gently. Keep explanations factual, calm, and reassuring without minimising their feelings. The goal is to inform without overwhelming.
