Today's Edition
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
Amid regional developments, many parents in the UAE are paying closer attention to their teenagers' emotional wellbeing as families contend with emergency alerts, constant social media updates, and the sounds of air defence activity.
Waleed Obaid, a father of six teenagers, recently noticed his eldest son seemed withdrawn after extended periods of scrolling through social media.
"I sat down with him and asked how he was feeling," Obaid shared with Aletihad. For him, it was important to acknowledge his son's anxiety and explain that it's natural to feel uneasy in the current situation.
"I didn't urge him to quit worrying or ignore his anxieties. Instead, I reassured him that we live in a nation where safety and security are always of utmost importance," he said.
The family decided to minimise their exposure to internet rumours and solely rely on official sources for updates, Obaid said, adding that "too much unverified information increases tension and confusion".
"To maintain a peaceful and comforting atmosphere at home, we've made an effort to spend more time together in the evenings, whether it's talking or engaging in simple activities," he said.
Abu Hamdan, a father of two teenage girls, feels that during times of uncertainty, listening without passing judgment is essential.
"My daughter asked me directly if we were in danger," he said. "I responded calmly and honestly, giving her a general explanation of the situation and assured her that the authorities are keeping a careful eye on developments. Teens need a place where they may ask questions without fear of being silenced."
Besides maintaining open communication, Abu Hamdan said he also keeps an eye out for signs of stress, such as irritability or sleep difficulties.
"I encourage them to engage in some light physical activity. If anxiety starts to interfere with their daily life or academic performance, I advise them to talk to school counsellors. Academic achievement is not more significant than emotional health," he added.
For Umm Rashid, whose 15-year-old son tends to internalise his feelings, more natural conversations have proven more effective.
"I casually asked him what he thought of the situation while we were driving. He acknowledged that the noises were disturbing," she said. "I reassured him that feeling uneasy is normal and that these are defensive measures to protect the country."
Umm Rashid emphasised that parents need to control their own emotions first. "Our kids will pick up on our panic. Remaining composed gives them a sense of security."
