Family guidance to reassure children and the elderly during the current situation

The Ministry of the Interior and agencies concerned with emergencies, childhood and the family have provided guidance on the correct means and methods that parents must follow to reassure children and the elderly, and respond to their inquiries during the current conditions, the most important of which is avoiding circulating negative news in front of them, providing simple explanations that suit the children’s ages, and keeping the atmosphere at home calm and reassuring.

In detail, the Ministry of Interior confirmed in community messages via its digital platforms that community awareness begins with the family, calling on parents to be role models in their community surroundings, and to contribute to creating a positive culture filled with safety and reassurance.

She directed them to three guidelines: avoiding circulating negative news in front of children, reassuring them that they live in a country whose top priority is the protection and safety of community members, and not circulating rumours.

The Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Center for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi has set guidelines to reassure children and enhance their sense of safety, which are: reassuring them that they are safe, and that the competent authorities are working to protect everyone, showing support and attention to them, speaking to them in a calm and confident tone that enhances the feeling of safety, limiting their exposure to disturbing news, using supportive and reassuring words, and continuing the daily routine as much as possible.

The center’s instructions within the “Awareness Guide for Dealing with the Current Regional Situations,” which it recently launched in cooperation with its strategic partners within the second phase of the “Our Society is Ready” campaign, included the importance of answering children’s questions clearly, listening to them, listening to their questions, reassuring them, and giving them the opportunity to express themselves.

He also urged providing simple and clear explanations that suit their ages or needs, showing understanding for their fears or anxieties, and encouraging them to talk about what they feel.

The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority stated in its guide, “Reassuring Children in Times of Crisis,” that children may not understand what is happening around them, but they feel stressed and anxious, providing guidance through which support can be provided to them. This includes making the explanation short and clear without hiding the truth or causing anxiety, such as saying: “There may be strong voices, but the nation’s protectors are protecting us,” “We are safe, and God protects us and takes care of us,” and secondly, not ignoring their fear and avoiding phrases such as “There is nothing,” “You are great, do not be afraid.” Alternative phrases can be used, such as “Listen quietly,” and reassure them and let them express their feelings. Third, maintaining a routine, encouraging them to practice activities such as drawing and board games, and watching documentary programs appropriate for their ages, because engaging in useful activities relieves stress and enhances their sense of security.

The Family Development Foundation in Abu Dhabi confirmed that the elderly need special attention and caring hearts in times of distress, and that the presence of the family gives them security, relieves them of anxiety, and makes them feel loved and supported.

Within its guide, “Reassuring the Elderly in Times of Crisis,” it instructed people to follow a set of instructions that help care for the elderly and enhance their sense of reassurance and comfort, including sitting with them and talking to them calmly and lovingly, not leaving them isolated or feeling marginalized, listening to their conversations with attention and appreciation, and involving them in family dialogues and decisions.

She advised choosing reassuring and positive words that enhance the feeling of security, listening to them carefully and without interrupting, explaining what is happening in simple language, far from complexity, and avoiding exaggeration or exaggeration in conveying the news, as a kind word may dispel fear, and a calm tone may build a bridge of safety.

She urged organizing follow-up of the news, as this helps the elderly to feel stable, and to be careful to rely on official sources only, and to set times to follow the news, and avoid circulating unconfirmed information, and keep the atmosphere at home calm and reassuring, and ensure that reliable information increases their feeling of stability and security.