'Will We Die?': How UAE Parents Help Children Feel Safe, Cope With Fear

2026-03-01 11:14:24

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) After missile interceptions across the UAE, experts are advising parents on how to reassure frightened children and why they need to limit social media

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On Saturday evening, Mariam Mohammed had the tough task of comforting her 8-year-old daughter after a day of loud explosions as the UAE intercepted Iranian missiles.“Her eyes were brimming with tears when she asked me 'will we die?' as I hugged her,” she said.“I had spent the entire day scrolling and speaking to my friends about the war. I had not realised how scared she was and how much it impacted her.”

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Mariam was not alone. Several parents across the UAE had to have tough conversations with their children about sensitive topics like death. Many children cried in fear while others tried to process big emotions. Residents across the country witnessed missile interceptions and falling debris as a US-Israel-Iran conflict heightened regional tensions. However, Mariam said that it was hard to explain these complex topics to children.

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“Use honest, simple language appropriate to their age,” said Dr Salman Kareem, psychiatry specialist at Aster Clinic, Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) & Discovery Gardens.“A young child needs to know that some things happened nearby, that the government and safety systems are working to protect everyone, and that all are together and safe.”

In a post shared on its social media channels, Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) asked parents to reassure their children that they are safe.“Children may not fully understand what is happening around them, but they can feel the stress,” the authority pointed out.“Listen to the questions, acknowledge their feelings and offer simple, age-appropriate explanations.”

Teenagers

Older children are processing the situation differently. Mother, Umm Abdulla said that that she faced similar challenges when talking to her two teenage boys aged 13 and 15.“They are on Whatsapp groups with their classmates and had seen alleged forwarded photos and videos of missiles being intercepted,” she said.“They admitted that they were worried about whether we would be caught in war.”

Dr Salman said it was important to sit with children and ask them what they have seen or heard.“Correct anything frightening they may have misunderstood,” he said.“It is important to limit their exposure to videos and social media as they can be frightening especially from unverified sources. They also need to be told that there are responsible authorities in charge to make them feel safe again.”

Abu Dhabi ECA also advised parents to only rely on official sources to protect children's sense of safety.“A message your child needs to hear is, you are safe. I am here with you. I will take care of you,” the post read.

According to Dr Salman, here are some messages parents can highlight to their children:

We are safe now and that the measures like online classes are just precautionary measures
The authorities are handling it
There are many brave people working very hard right now to make sure the city stays okay
Remind them that their only job is to play, learn (even if it's online school for now), and stay close to the family