Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst Fifi Kiwan discusses how Bahraini parents can talk to kids, keep routines and manage schooling during uncertain times.
When the headlines feel heavy and neighbourhood chatter is tense, parents in Bahrain face the dual task of managing their own stress while shielding children from anxiety. Children notice more than we think – changes in routines, hushed conversations and constant news can all unsettle them. The good news is that with calm communication, steady routines and thoughtful approaches to schooling, parents can help children feel safe and supported until things settle.
Talk with Care
Children do not need every detail. They need honesty, simplicity and reassurance. Tailor explanations to your child’s age: a preschooler may need one sentence: “Some people are upset, but we are safe,” while a teenager may want a longer, fact-based discussion. Start by asking what they already know, validate feelings: “It is okay to feel scared or confused,” and correct misinformation gently.
Example Scripts
Ages three – six: “I heard grown-ups talking about events. You are safe with us. If you feel worried, tell me and we will hug.”
Ages seven – 12: “There are things happening that have made people worried. Some rules might change for a while, but we have plans to keep you safe and learning.”
Teens: Open the floor. “What do you know about this? How are you feeling? Let’s look at reliable sources together.”
Limit media exposure. Children and adults do better with boundaries around 24/7 news. Designate specific times to check updates and use trusted local sources rather than social feeds that can spread rumours.
Routines as an Anchor
Predictability reduces fear. Keep core routines – meals, bedtime, schoolwork and play – as consistent as possible. Add simple family anchors that reinforce connection: a nightly family story, morning tea together or a short pre-sleep reflection where each person names one small good thing from the day.
Actionable Routine Tips
• Keep school hours consistent, even if learning moves online.
• Use visual timetables for younger children; pin one on the fridge.
• Schedule daily outdoor time in safe neighbourhood spaces – even 15-20 minutes helps regulate mood.
Navigating Online Schooling
If schools shift online or students need to avoid campus temporarily, online learning can keep academics moving – but it has pitfalls: screen fatigue, social isolation and blurred home boundaries. Work with your child’s school to understand expectations and ask for recorded lessons when possible, so children can learn at their own pace.
Practical Online Schooling Strategies
• Adopt a hybrid day: focused learning blocks of 45-60 minutes for older children, and shorter for younger ones, followed by 15-30 minute active breaks.
• Create a dedicated school corner with minimal distractions and all supplies.
• Promote social connection: arrange supervised video playdates or study groups so children keep peer ties.
• Set clear screen limits after school hours and encourage offline activities such as reading, arts and chores.
Expert Perspective
Children look to the adults around them to judge whether they are safe. When caregivers stay calm, offer honest explanations and keep daily routines steady, children regain a sense of control. Small, consistent actions matter far more than perfect answers.’
Quick Tips to Start Today
• Set a 30-minute news-free family time each evening.
• Write a one-week routine and post it where everyone can see it.
• Arrange one offline family activity daily – play, cook or walk.
When uncertainty feels prolonged, steady small habits – honest talk, predictable routines and sensible schooling strategies – build resilience. In Bahrain’s close-knit communities, leaning on school staff, neighbours and each other can help families weather this period together.
