Mohammed Bin Rashid Library Hosts Virtual Session to Promote Conscious Parenting

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Library organised a virtual session titled “The Child Behind the Behavior,” presented by specialist Jocelyne Chidiac via Zoom. The session was part of The Knowledge and Specialised Sciences Program, held in line with the Year of Family. This session is the first in a series dedicated to parenting and enhancing educational awareness among parents and educators.
With wide participation from parents and teachers, the session discussed understanding children’s behaviors away from superficial judgments, highlighting that children are individuals who need understanding and support.
Chidiac stressed the importance of early childhood years, between ages 0 and 7, as the foundation during which emotional, behavioral, and cognitive patterns are formed. She pointed out the crucial role of language, interaction styles, and the surrounding environment in shaping a child’s personality.
The session reframed several common concepts, explaining that what is often described as “excessive behavior” in children—such as movement, activity, and play—is a healthy sign of an expressive and well-balanced child. In contrast, a quiet or withdrawn child may require deeper attention.
The session offered techniques to help regulate children’s energy in the classroom, and emphasised the importance of mindful presence and eye contact with children, reinforcing their sense of being heard and understood.
Furthermore, Chidiac addressed the impact of the modern digital environment, highlighting parents’ responsibility in guiding the content children are exposed to due to its direct effect on shaping their identity and behavior. She also warned against certain daily habits, such as eating in front of screens, due to their negative effects on awareness as well as physical and emotional health.
She further emphasised that parents and educators must educate themselves and regulate their emotions as this positively impacts children and society.
This session supports the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library’s efforts to promote conscious parenting and empower families, contributing to the development of a balanced generation and society, in line with the objectives of the Year of Family.