Mohammed Bin Rashid Library Emphasises Role of Families in Building Children's Confidence and Resilience

Dubai, UAE, 10 June 2026: The Mohammed Bin Rashid Library organised a session titled Rebuilding Confidence and Resilience in Children, presented by specialist Jocelyne Chidiac. This session supports the objectives of the Year of Family.

The session was held as part of the Library's efforts to promote family awareness and empower parents and educators to adopt educational practices that support children's mental well-being and contribute to developing confident personalities capable of facing challenges.

It also explored the concept of psychological resilience in children and the importance of nurturing it from an early age. Chidiac explained that building self-confidence and the ability to adapt to stress is not achieved through punishment or pressure, but rather through creating an environment based on love, security, support, and effective communication.

Furthermore, Chidiac highlighted the pivotal role of the family as the child's first mirror for learning behaviour and interaction patterns. She emphasised that children learn more through observation than direct instruction, and that parents' behaviour and responses to everyday situations directly influence a child's personality and ability to cope with challenges.

She stressed the importance of providing children with a stable environment by maintaining a clear daily routine that includes regular schedules for sleep, meals, study, and activities. Such consistency helps strengthen children's sense of security while reducing anxiety and stress. She also emphasised treating children's mistakes as opportunities for learning and growth, encouraging them to try and experiment without fear of failure or making mistakes, thereby boosting their self-confidence.

The session addressed the impact of ongoing psychological stress on children and its effects on academic performance, social relationships, and daily behaviour. Chidiac discussed the importance of positive communication techniques with children, including active listening, maintaining eye contact, and giving children space to express their feelings without judgment or criticism.

She presented a range of practical exercises and techniques, such as deep-breathing exercises and self-soothing techniques, to help children manage stress, fear, and various emotions.

The session also examined challenges related to sibling relationships, explaining that many aggressive behaviours among children stem from feelings of jealousy or a need for attention. This underscores the importance of reinforcing children's sense of security and love while promoting values such as respect, empathy, and positive communication within the family.

Moreover, Chidiac emphasised the value of setting aside regular family time during which family members gather away from electronic devices. Such time strengthens family bonds, reinforces positive values, and creates opportunities for open dialogue between parents and children. She noted that children do not need perfect parents as much as they need emotionally present parents who can provide support, understanding, and attentive listening.

The session concluded with the message that resilience is built through love, security, support, and communication, and that every encouraging word, supportive action, or genuine moment of listening can contribute to shaping a child's future, enhancing their ability to recover, grow, thrive, and build healthy, successful relationships throughout life.

This was the fourth and final session presented by Jocelyne Chidiac as part of a series of programs organised by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library over recent months. This initiative reflects the Library's commitment to fostering community awareness and spreading knowledge among different segments of society. These programs support the Library's efforts to enhance quality of life and support community development by hosting leading experts and specialists to discuss issues affecting families and individuals, thereby contributing to a more informed and cohesive society.