Dubai: As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance children’s mental wellbeing and support families, the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC), in collaboration with Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), organized a virtual awareness lecture titled “Children’s Safety and Supporting Them During Difficult Times.” The session was held in conjunction with Emirati Children’s Day, observed annually on the 15th of March, with the aim of raising families’ awareness on how to respond to pressures and challenges that may affect children, empowering parents to support their children psychologically and reinforce their sense of safety and stability.

The lecture, delivered by Sheikha Al Awadhi, Manager of Youth Shelter at the Dubai Foundation for Women & Children, offered a comprehensive awareness discussion for members of the community, addressing key psychological and educational aspects related to how children are affected by the surrounding atmosphere during challenging times. The session highlighted how children can perceive anxiety and changes in their environment even when they do not fully understand what is happening, which may influence their emotions and behavior in different ways.

The lecture also addressed key behavioral and psychological indicators that may reflect a child’s feelings of anxiety or stress, such as mood changes, sleep difficulties, increased sensitivity, or emotional reactions. It emphasized the importance of families being aware of these signs and recognizing them early so that parents can provide appropriate support to their children.

The session further highlighted the vital role of the family as the primary source of a child’s sense of safety and stability, stressing the importance of adopting healthy communication approaches based on listening to children’s feelings and acknowledging them, while providing simple explanations that help children understand what is happening around them in a way that is appropriate to their age.

In addition, the lecture presented a range of practical strategies and parenting practices that families can apply to support children psychologically during such circumstances. These include maintaining daily routines, encouraging children to express their emotions, and engaging them in positive activities that help regulate their feelings and strengthen their sense of reassurance and stability within the family environment.

H.E. Sheikha Saeed Al Mansoori, Acting Director General of Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, affirmed DFWAC’s commitment to empowering families and equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to address the psychological and social challenges children may face, particularly amid the continuous flow of news and information across digital platforms and the potential impact this may have on children’s emotions and their sense of safety.

She explained that organizing this lecture responds to a growing community need to support parents in dealing with the impact of circulating news on children and to enhance their ability to reassure them and create a more stable and supportive family environment. She emphasized that caring for children goes beyond meeting their physical needs to include supporting their mental wellbeing and emotional balance. She also noted that the role of the family and open dialogue with children form the foundation for raising a generation that is more confident, balanced, and capable of navigating changes in their surroundings.

She further noted that the collaboration with Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority reflects the importance of integrated roles among concerned entities in supporting families and enhancing community awareness. She added that this partnership contributes to expanding the reach of awareness initiatives and engaging parents, thereby strengthening the family’s role in nurturing children and providing a supportive environment for their psychological and social development.

Dr. Amna Almaazmi, CEO of the Growth and Human Development Sector at KHDA, highlighted the vital role parents play in reinforcing reassurance and strengthening children’s sense of safety. She commended the initiative for raising awareness among parents and the wider community about effective approaches and strategies that support children’s development and psychological wellbeing, contributing to improving their sense of security and overall quality of life, in line with the objectives of Dubai’s Education 33 Strategy.

As part of its ongoing efforts to promote community awareness, DFWAC has introduced an awareness bulletin titled “Reassurance” through its digital platforms. A series of awareness tips, that aims to provide positive content that helps members of the community manage the flow of news and psychological pressures with greater awareness and balance. This series provides uplifting content to help everyone stay grounded and mindful, even when faced with a demanding news environment and life’s pressures.