The emotional aftermath of war can leave both parents and children feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and emotionally drained. To address these challenges, Ahliah’s school counselor, Miss Nour Saab, and the Head of the Support Department, Mr George Habib, hosted an awareness session for parents titled ‘Refilling the Emotional Cup: Supporting Yourself to Support Your Children After War’. The session provided practical strategies to help families rebuild emotional resilience and create supportive home environments.
The presentation highlighted the normalcy of emotional reactions such as exhaustion, anxiety, and physical symptoms, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and validating these feelings. Parents were provided with age-specific guidance to support their children effectively. For preschoolers (ages 3–5), the focus was on offering simple reassurance and physical comfort, such as hugs, to help them feel safe. Lower school children (ages 6–10) were encouraged to express their feelings through creative activities like drawing, with parents offering calm and attentive support. For middle schoolers (ages 11–13), validating their emotions and introducing practical coping strategies, such as journaling or breathing exercises, were key recommendations. For middle and upper school students, fostering open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving was emphasized.
Self-care was a central theme, and parents were encouraged to prioritize rest, hobbies, and short breaks to recharge. The counselor stressed that self-care benefits not just the individual but also models constructive behavior for children. Maintaining predictable routines, creating safe spaces for emotional expression, and using open-ended questions to invite discussions were also key takeaways.
Parents were urged to watch for signs that professional support might be needed, such as persistent sadness, withdrawal, or a decline in academic performance. The presentation also explored how community connections and shared family rituals can serve as healing forces, offering strength and stability during uncertain times.
The Head of the Support Department shared additional insights for supporting children with special needs, focusing on strategies to address heightened sensitivity to stress and environmental changes. Sensory regulation tools, such as weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones, and sensory play, were recommended to help children feel more grounded. Structured routines were highlighted as a way to reduce anxiety and provide stability, while a strength-based approach was emphasized to build resilience by celebrating small achievements, fostering decision-making, and encouraging activities aligned with the child’s interests and abilities. Parents were encouraged to build collaborative support networks by working closely with teachers, therapists, and other professionals, as well as joining parent support groups to share experiences and solutions. Additionally, practicing mindfulness activities together, such as breathing exercises or yoga, was suggested as a way to promote relaxation, strengthen bonds, and support both parent and child well-being.
This insightful session highlighted the importance of understanding, communication, and community in navigating the road to recovery. Parents were reminded that their emotional well-being is vital, not only for their own health but also for modeling resilience and stability for their children.
