Woman This Month - April 2026

womanthismonth.com | MARCH 2026 INTERVIEW 2 From interior styling to multidisciplinary design, Bahrain-based artist Rand Alkishtaini has built a creative practice shaped by exploration and reinvention. Here, she reflects on her journey into design, the inspiration behind her chapter in Begin It Now, and the message she hopes to share with women pursuing their own creative paths. Designing Her Path

womanthismonth.com | APRIL 2026 INTERVIEW 3 Your work spans interior styling, product design and visual art. What first drew you to creative work, and how did that early interest develop into a professional path? I began my creative journey as an interior stylist and decoupage artist, working in these fields for nearly a decade. Over the years, I explored several creative disciplines, spending about 13 years experimenting before beginning my professional path in design. I have also been an art collector for more than two decades. As an interior stylist and decorator, I was always searching for unique pieces to enhance a space, which inspired me to start creating my own designs. I wanted to blend art with functionality and add a distinctive touch to interiors. You founded Vintage House Decor as a platform for your design work. What was the original vision behind it, and how has it evolved as your creative practice has grown? Vintage House Decor started as a platform focused on interior design. Over time, as my creative practice evolved, it naturally expanded to include multidisciplinary design and art pieces. Today, it reflects a broader vision where interior styling, functional design and art come together. Many of your projects sit at the intersection of art and functional design. When approaching a custom piece or interior space, what typically guides your creative process? Every project begins with understanding the client’s requirements, which form the foundation of my creative process. From there, I take inspiration from the overall mood and character of the interior. I aim to create pieces that feel naturally connected to the space while balancing artistic expression with functionality. You have built much of your career in Bahrain. How has living and working in the Kingdom shaped your perspective as a designer and artist? Living and working in Bahrain has had a strong influence on my perspective as a designer. The Kingdom’s multicultural environment allows me to experience different aesthetics and cultural influences, which naturally inspire a more eclectic approach in my work. Additionally, Bahrain is known as a hub that welcomes diverse artistic expression. The country places great value on developing artistic and design talent, creating an inspiring environment for artists and designers to explore new ideas. Your chapter in the book Begin It Now is titled A Journey from Desperation to Passion. Tell us a bit about the story behind this chapter. What inspired you to share it? My chapter in Begin It Now was inspired by my personal journey and the turning points that shaped my career. In April 2025, after being named a winner of the Woman Changing the World Global Award in the Creative Industries category in London, I was invited to share the story of how my professional journey began for inclusion as a chapter in the book. My story began during a difficult period in my life that pushed me to reflect and discover my true passion. Although my background was in IT, I realised it was not where my heart was. After about 13 years of exploring different fields, I found myself undeniably drawn to interior decoration, art and design. I wanted to share this story because it captures how difficult times often lead us to discover our real purpose. I hope it can serve as a reminder that it is never too late to pursue your passion and build the path you truly believe in. What did contributing to the book make you think about or realise as you revisited your journey and ideas? Contributing to the book was a very reflective experience for me. It gave me the opportunity to look back at my journey and realise how the challenges I went through helped shape who I am today. Revisiting those moments reminded me that perseverance and self-discovery are essential in finding your true passion and purpose. The anthology Begin It Now will also be included in gift bags for nominees at the 2026 Academy Awards in Hollywood. How does it feel to know that your story may reach such a wide international audience? It is truly an honour to know that my story may reach such a wide international audience. Being part of Begin It Now and knowing it will be included in the 2026 Academy Awards gift bags makes the experience even more meaningful. It feels incredible to know that my message about having the courage to pursue passion will resonate with an even broader readership. Bahrain is home to a growing creative community, with more women exploring careers in art, design and entrepreneurship. What message would you share with young women in Bahrain who may be considering a creative path but feel uncertain about taking the first step? My advice to young women who feel uncertain about pursuing a creative path is to step out of their comfort zones and take the time to discover themselves. Real success comes from understanding who you are and what genuinely inspires you. Keep exploring and searching for what gives your life meaning. A career may have its limits and stages, but discovering your passion is something that can stay with you for a lifetime. When you find what truly excites you, it becomes a lasting source of purpose and creativity.

womanthismonth.com | APRIL 2026 INTERVIEW 4 Purpose With Poise Advaita Shetty, Miss Supranational Bahrain 2026, reflects on growing up in Bahrain, preparing for the global stage and using pageantry as a platform for purpose, identity and meaningful representation.

womanthismonth.com | APRIL 2026 INTERVIEW 5 Speaking with pride, Advaita believes that being crowned Miss Supranational Bahrain 2026 is not simply a milestone in pageantry, but the result of years of growth, discipline and self-belief. Closely tied to that journey is Bahrain, the country she says shaped her confidence, values and sense of identity in lasting ways. “Growing up in Bahrain shaped me in ways I carry with me every single day,” she says. “It’s a country that blends tradition with modernity so beautifully, and living there taught me how to respect heritage while embracing ambition.” That balance remains central to how she sees herself today. Bahrain’s strong sense of community, she explains, nurtured a quiet confidence rooted not in spectacle, but in support, belonging and pride. “It’s the kind of place where people genuinely support one another, and that builds quiet confidence,” she says. What she misses most, she adds, is not only the Kingdom itself, but the feeling it gave her. “There’s something incredibly special about the closeness of the community, the sense of belonging, and the pride everyone feels for the Kingdom. That pride stays with you wherever you go.” More Than A Crown Winning the national title has brought both excitement and responsibility. Advaita is clear that she sees the crown as more than a personal achievement. “Winning Miss Supranational Bahrain 2026 is more than a title – it’s a responsibility,” she says. “Personally, it represents years of growth, discipline and belief in myself. It’s proof that preparation meets purpose.” She wants to represent a version of modern Bahraini womanhood that is poised, ambitious and deeply grounded. “The woman I want to represent on that stage is confident but humble, ambitious yet grounded,” she says. “I want to show that strength and kindness can coexist. That elegance is not just about appearance – it’s about character.” That idea also shapes her view of what makes a standout Miss Supranational contestant today. Beauty, she believes, is only one part of the equation. Emotional intelligence, cultural awareness and the ability to communicate meaningfully matter just as much. “A standout contestant is emotionally intelligent, culturally aware, articulate and adaptable,” she says. “She understands global issues but remains relatable. She’s someone who listens as much as she speaks.” Advaita believes her own strength lies in her sense of balance. “My edge lies in my balance. I combine discipline with warmth, elegance with approachability, and ambition with empathy. I am deeply proud of my roots, yet I am globally minded.” Preparing With Intention As she looks ahead to the international finals, her preparation is focused and holistic. Physically, she is working on strength, posture and overall wellness, not just for aesthetics, but to build stamina and energy for the demands of competition. “My preparation is very intentional and holistic,” she says. “Physically, I’m focusing on strength training, posture, and overall wellness – not just aesthetics, but stamina and energy.” Stage presence is another important focus, with regular practice refining her walk, transitions and ability to command attention naturally. Interview preparation is equally rigorous, with time dedicated to current affairs, global issues and media training so that she can express herself clearly and confidently under pressure. Styling also plays a strategic role, with every look designed to reflect her personality while honouring Bahraini elegance. Yet for all the visible preparation, she believes the most important work happens internally. “I practice visualisation, gratitude, and grounding techniques because confidence starts internally,” she says. “I want to step onto that stage not just prepared – but present.” A Platform For Impact At the heart of Advaita’s pageant journey is a message of empowered identity. She hopes to encourage women to embrace who they are without apology, while also honouring where they come from. It is a message she wants to communicate not through rehearsed statements, but through lived truth. “My core message would centre around empowered identity – encouraging women to embrace who they are unapologetically while honouring where they come from,” she says. “I won’t be memorising lines, I’ll be speaking from personal truth.” If she were to win internationally, Advaita is clear that the title would become a platform for advocacy as much as representation. As an audiologist, she hopes to expand her non-profit initiative, “Can You Hear Me”, and take hearing health awareness to a broader audience through workshops in schools and elderly homes. “I would grow my non-profit initiative on a global stage,” she says. “I want young people in Bahrain to see themselves in me and believe that their ambitions are valid, powerful and achievable.” She also hopes to spotlight Bahraini talent through collaborations with local designers, entrepreneurs and charities, using any global recognition to reinforce her bond with the Kingdom that helped shape her.

womanthismonth.com | MARCH 2026 OPINION 6 Leading Through the Labyrinth A practical perspective on how women in Bahrain can maintain clarity and stability while leading through uncertain conditions. In April 2026, Bahrain steps into a visible global role as it assumes the presidency of the United Nations Security Council. At the same time, regional uncertainty continues to shape the wider environment. For many women across the Kingdom, this is not distant context. It sits alongside everyday responsibilities, influencing decisions at work and at home. Leadership in this setting is rarely defined by title alone. It is reflected in how pressure is handled and how consistency is maintained when conditions shift. Sustaining that requires focus and control over attention, alongside the ability to manage one’s own capacity. Staying Grounded in the Present Uncertainty often pulls attention towards what might happen next. This weakens decisionmaking rather than strengthening it. A more effective approach is to limit focus to what can be acted on immediately. Working within a short timeframe can help. Structuring priorities around the next 24 hours allows larger concerns to be broken into actions that can be completed. This keeps momentum steady without becoming distracted by factors that cannot yet be influenced. Managing information intake is equally important. Constant exposure to news and social media can create a sense of urgency that does not always reflect reality. Setting clear limits, such as reducing screen use in the evening, supports better rest and clearer thinking. Protecting attention becomes part of maintaining performance. Managing Dual Responsibilities Many women in Bahrain balance professional roles with ongoing family care. Supporting children while also looking after parents introduces overlapping demands that require careful handling. Clear communication helps reduce unnecessary strain. There is no requirement to resolve every situation immediately. Acknowledging uncertainty, while remaining present and engaged, creates stability within both family and work environments. Community plays a practical role in this. Informal gatherings, including a majlis, provide space to share concerns and perspectives. These interactions offer more than reassurance. They distribute pressure and prevent isolation, which is essential when responsibilities extend across multiple areas.

womanthismonth.com | APRIL 2026 OPINION 7 Maintaining Capacity Through Self-Preservation Sustained leadership depends on maintaining the ability to think clearly and respond with control. Without this, decision-making becomes reactive. Short pauses during the day can restore focus. Even a few minutes away from a task allows for a mental reset. Simple breathing patterns can assist with this, helping regulate stress and return attention to the present. Reducing unnecessary workload is also important. This may involve delegating tasks at work or simplifying routine processes through available tools. At home, it may mean accepting support where possible. These adjustments ensure that effort is directed where it has the most impact. Leading with Clear Intent A defined sense of purpose provides direction when external conditions are less predictable. It shapes how decisions are made and how challenges are approached. Mentorship is part of this. Younger people observe how pressure is handled in real time. Demonstrating composure offers a practical example of leadership that can be sustained, rather than an idealised version that is difficult to maintain. Progress should also be recognised in its smaller forms. Completing a task or maintaining stability across a demanding day both contribute to forward movement. Acknowledging this helps maintain consistency and prevents unnecessary frustration. Building Sustainable Habits Effective leadership is supported by repeatable habits rather than occasional effort. Structuring the day with clear priorities and limiting distractions creates a more stable working rhythm. Technology can support this when used with intent. Tools that organise schedules or reduce manual tasks can create additional capacity. The value lies in using them selectively, rather than adding further noise. Time away from devices remains necessary. Stepping back from constant input allows space for reflection and more considered decisions. This balance supports steadier responses rather than immediate reactions. A Measured Approach Forward Leadership in Bahrain continues to evolve within a complex environment. While external conditions may shift, the ability to remain steady is shaped by daily choices. Maintaining focus on what can be addressed now, communicating with clarity and protecting personal capacity supports a more sustainable approach. These are consistent actions that strengthen judgement over time. The question is not whether uncertainty will continue. It is how it is handled in practice. Leadership, in this context, begins with staying grounded and maintaining direction without being pulled off course.

womanthismonth.com | APRIL 2026 PARENTING 8 The current climate across the region brings a heavy cloud into our living rooms and, for families in Bahrain, the echoes of conflict and the shift back towards the digital classroom can feel like an overwhelming weight. We are suddenly tasked with being the emotional anchors for our children while our own hearts are heavy with the news cycle. It is a strange and taxing duality: trying to explain the complexities of a changing world while simultaneously troubleshooting a glitchy Zoom link. However, navigating these turbulent waters is not about having all the right answers, it is about creating a soft, predictable landing spot for our children when the world outside feels anything but stable. When the news is dominated by talk of war, our children’s ‘internal weather’ often mirrors the storm they sense in us. Even if they are not watching the broadcasts, they are expert detectives of our sighs, our distracted silences and the way we linger on our phones. The first step in handling these circumstances is to acknowledge that their anxiety might not look like a conversation, it might look like sudden clinginess, a regression in sleep habits or unexplained irritability over a trivial snack choice. Instead of meeting this with more rules, we can meet it with a ‘low-demand’ environment. We provide the comfort of presence, letting them know that while the world is going through a difficult time, our home remains a sanctuary of safety and love. As some schools transition back to online learning during these periods of uncertainty, the kitchen table once again becomes a classroom. This shift can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it provides physical safety and the comfort of home, on the other, it removes the social buffering and routine that school provides. To make this work, we have to lower the bar for academic perfection and raise it for emotional well-being. A child who is worried about the state of the world cannot easily memorise spelling words or solve a maths problem. We must treat the digital school day as a flexible framework rather than a rigid cage. If the ‘live session’ is causing a meltdown because the sound of sirens that morning was particularly heavy, it is perfectly okay to step away, close the laptop and prioritise a walk or a long hug. Creating Calm at Home The digital world also presents a unique challenge: the ‘doom-scroll’ for kids. Between social media clips and group chats, our children are often exposed to graphic imagery long before they have the cognitive tools to process it. Our role is to be the ‘media filter’ without being the ‘media police’. We can have open, age-appropriate conversations about what they are seeing, emphasising that it is okay to feel sad or scared. We teach them that ‘tuning out’ is a form of self-care, not a lack of empathy. By encouraging them to put their devices away after school hours and engage in tactile, grounding activities, like drawing, building or even helping with dinner, we help them pull their attention back from the global crisis and focus on the immediate safety of their own surroundings. Consistency is the ultimate antidote to chaos. When the headlines are unpredictable, the ‘ordinary’ becomes extraordinary. Sticking to a regular bedtime, eating meals together without the news playing in the background and maintaining small family rituals provides a sense of continuity that children crave. These rhythms signal to their nervous systems that life goes on and that they are protected. It is also a time to model resilience. We can show them that it is possible to be aware of the suffering in the world and still find moments of gratitude or joy within our own four walls. This is not ignoring reality, it is teaching them how to survive it. Patience Over Perfection Ultimately, handling these circumstances is an exercise in radical patience, both for our children and for ourselves. We are all learning how to navigate a reality that does not come with a handbook. If the schoolwork does not get finished today, or if the screen time limit is exceeded because everyone just needed a distraction, we must offer ourselves grace. Our primary job during a crisis is not to be a perfect tutor or a political analyst, it is to be the person who holds their hand and reminds them that they are not alone. By focusing on connection over curriculum and empathy over a packed schedule, we help our children build the kind of inner strength that will carry them through any storm the world sends their way. Ouiam El Hassani reflects on how families in Bahrain can support children through uncertainty, balancing emotional reassurance, routine and compassion in unsettling times. Finding Calm and Connection in Uncertain Times

womanthismonth.com | APRIL 2026 BEAUTY 9 Using Quiet Times Wisely Challenging times are nothing new for businesses in Bahrain. We have seen difficult periods before in 2011, 2020 and now 2026, and each time the market has moved forward. But these moments do not affect every salon in the same way. Some will struggle, while others will come back stronger. The difference is rarely luck. More often, it is about how that quieter time is used. A slower period should not be seen simply as a pause in business. It can also be a chance to step back and fix the things that are often overlooked when the salon is busy. One of the best places to begin is with the space itself. Walk through your salon as though you were a client visiting for the first time. Is everything clean, organised and welcoming? Does reception feel calm and professional? Are your prices clear? Is the booking process smooth? What you allow to slide today will often shape your results tomorrow. This is also the right time to revisit standards. Many owners hold their standards in their heads, but not in clear systems. That creates inconsistency because staff should not have to guess how things are meant to be done. They should know. Use the quieter period to train your team, align expectations and make sure services are delivered with consistency. When clients return, they will not only be looking for a treatment. They will be looking for an experience that feels polished, professional and worth returning for. A quieter period also reveals things about your team that a busy schedule can hide. It becomes easier to see who is committed, who is willing to improve and who is simply present. This is the time to invest in the people who want to grow. Support them, guide them and help them become stronger. At the same time, be honest about whether everyone in the business is truly the right fit. A strong salon is built not only on numbers, but on the right people working to the right standards. It can also help to see the business through a client’s eyes. Ask someone you trust to visit the salon as a genuine customer and give honest feedback on the welcome, waiting time, service and overall impression. That kind of insight is often more useful than any internal review because it shows you the reality of the client experience. Of course, quieter times also demand financial awareness. Review your costs carefully and identify where money is being lost or wasted. Improve efficiency where you can, but do not cut corners in ways that damage quality. Clients may accept fewer options or shorter opening hours, but they will not accept a poor experience. Even during a slow period, your presence should not disappear. Clients remember the businesses that stayed visible and consistent. This period will pass. When clients return, they are likely to come back with even higher expectations. If you use this time to strengthen your standards, your team and your environment, you will not simply recover — you will be in a better position to grow. Every month, we invite readers to pose their own questions for Badia to answer in her next column. Make sure to ask your own by emailing [email protected] A k Badia Your Monthly Guide to Salon and Spa Success ? Focus on your strongest team members. Support them, train them and build with them. At the same time, be honest about who truly fits your salon. Avoid unnecessary spending on equipment, but do invest in improvements that add value, such as repairs, painting, replacing damaged items and staff training. It is usually better to stay present. You may reduce your hours and use the time to catch up on pending work, but do not disappear completely. Should I reduce my staff or let people go? Is this a good time to invest? Should I close my salon for a few weeks?

womanthismonth.com | APRIL 2026 OPINION 10 There are moments when the world feels suddenly smaller, when difficult events are no longer something we watch from afar but something we feel together. Right now, across the GCC, there is a shared awareness that life is continuing alongside uncertainty. Daily routines carry on, yet conversations feel heavier and more meaningful. There is a quiet recognition that many of us are moving through the same emotional landscape, even if our individual circumstances differ. That sense of shared experience has a way of bringing people closer and reminding us how connected we truly are. Strength in Collective Experience One of the most striking things in times like these is how quickly a sense of unity can form. People check in on one another more often. Messages carry more care. Even small interactions feel more intentional. It becomes less about where someone is from and more about the fact that we are all here, living through the same moment in history. Across homes, workplaces and communities, there is a subtle but powerful shift towards togetherness. It is not loud or dramatic, but it is deeply felt. Kindness in the Everyday In uncertain times, kindness becomes both more visible and more important. It appears in simple, consistent ways: a message asking if someone is all right, a shared meal, a willingness to listen without trying to fix everything. These gestures may seem small, but they build something significant. They create a sense of safety and connection in a period that can otherwise feel unsettled. Across the region, such quiet acts of care are happening every day, forming an invisible network of support that links people together. Women Holding Spaces of Stability Women continue to play a vital role in maintaining a sense of calm and balance. Whether at home, in the workplace or within wider communities, they are often the ones creating spaces where others feel supported. This may mean keeping routines in place for children, offering emotional support to friends or simply being a steady presence when life feels uncertain. There is strength in this kind of consistency. It does not always draw attention, but it is essential. It is one of the ways stability is preserved, even when the world outside feels unpredictable. Staying Connected in a Fast-Moving World The speed at which information travels today means we are constantly aware of what is happening around us. While this can at times feel overwhelming, it also creates an opportunity for connection. People share updates, check Finding Shared Courage in Uncertain Times Rachel Radford’s column in Woman This Month dives into pivotal issues impacting women, reflecting her unique perspective and experiences. in across borders and offer support in real time. The result is a sense that no one is entirely alone in what they are feeling. There is comfort in that. It reinforces the idea that even in moments of uncertainty, there is a wider community holding space together. Hope as a Quiet Strength Hope in times like these is rarely loud. It is steady, practical and grounded in the decision to keep going. It can be seen in the way people continue with daily life, support one another and trust that stability will return. Across the region, that quiet hope lives in ordinary routines, reassuring conversations and small acts of resilience. It does not deny the weight of the moment, but it chooses to look ahead. Moving Forward Together There is something deeply reassuring about knowing that we are not facing uncertainty alone. We are all navigating the same emotions, asking the same questions, and finding similar ways to cope. That shared experience creates a bond that goes beyond borders. It reminds us that community is not defined only by geography, but by the ways we support one another.

womanthismonth.com | APRIL 2026 NUTRITION 11 World Health Day Special: A Woman’s Guide to Thriving, Not Just Surviving Consultant, Lifestyle Nutritionist and Meal Planner, Dr. Tejender Kaur Sarna, more popularly known as Dr. Tejji, encourages women to prioritise sustainable habits that support physical health, emotional wellbeing and long-term vitality. Every year, World Health Day invites us to pause and reflect on what it truly means to be healthy. For women, who often balance careers, families, relationships and personal ambitions, health can quietly slip down the priority list. But the truth is simple: your wellbeing is not a luxury. It is your foundation. As a dietician, I have seen how small, consistent choices can transform a woman’s life. This World Health Day, let us move beyond quick fixes and embrace sustainable habits that nourish body, mind and spirit. Rethinking Everyday Health Healthy eating is not about cutting out entire food groups or following the latest diet trend. It is about balance. Your body needs carbohydrates for energy, protein for repair and fats for hormone health, which is especially important for women. Start simply. Fill half your plate with colourful vegetables, include a source of protein in every meal and do not fear healthy fats such as nuts, seeds and avocados. Just as importantly, eat regularly. Skipping meals may seem harmless, but it can disrupt your metabolism, mood and energy levels. Hormones also play a bigger role than many women realise. From menstruation to menopause, hormonal shifts can affect appetite, sleep, mood and even how the body stores fat. Supporting hormonal health means prioritising sleep, managing stress and eating enough. Under-eating is one of the biggest disruptors of hormonal balance. Cravings, fatigue and mood swings are often signals from the body, not weaknesses. Movement, Mindset and Mental Health Exercise is often framed as a way to burn calories, but that mindset can strip away the joy of movement. Physical activity should feel like self-care, not punishment. It is a way to strengthen the body and support mental health. You do not need intense workouts every day. Walking, dancing, yoga and stretching all count. The goal is consistency, not perfection. Mental health deserves equal attention. Women are more likely to experience anxiety and depression, often while carrying emotional and social responsibilities in silence. Yet mental wellbeing is still overlooked in many health conversations. Make space for it by setting boundaries without guilt, taking breaks without feeling the need to earn them and speaking to someone you trust when life feels heavy. You are allowed to rest and you are allowed to say no. Prevention Matters One of the most overlooked aspects of women’s health is regular screening and blood testing. Conditions such as anaemia, thyroid disorders and early Type 2 diabetes can develop quietly, with few obvious symptoms at first. An annual check-up is not only for when you feel unwell. It is a proactive step that helps you stay in control of your health. Tests such as a complete blood count, blood glucose, lipid profile, thyroid function, iron studies and vitamin D and B12 levels can offer valuable insight. Blood pressure checks, cervical screening and breast examinations are equally important depending on age and individual risk. These are not just tests, they are early warning signs that can help catch imbalances when they are easiest to manage. Health is also about more than food or fitness. It includes the relationships you nurture, the content you consume and the way you speak to yourself. Choose support, positivity and moments of joy, even on the busiest days. This World Health Day, do not aim for perfection. Aim for awareness. Small, intentional steps taken daily can lead to lasting change. Taking care of yourself is not selfish. It is essential.

womanthismonth.com | APRIL 2026 OPINION 12 When the headlines feel heavy and neighbourhood chatter is tense, parents in Bahrain face the dual task of managing their own stress while shielding children from anxiety. Children notice more than we think – changes in routines, hushed conversations and constant news can all unsettle them. The good news is that with calm communication, steady routines and thoughtful approaches to schooling, parents can help children feel safe and supported until things settle. Talk with Care Children do not need every detail. They need honesty, simplicity and reassurance. Tailor explanations to your child’s age: a preschooler may need one sentence: “Some people are upset, but we are safe,” while a teenager may want a longer, fact-based discussion. Start by asking what they already know, validate feelings: “It is okay to feel scared or confused,” and correct misinformation gently. Example Scripts Ages three – six: “I heard grown-ups talking about events. You are safe with us. If you feel worried, tell me and we will hug.” Ages seven – 12: “There are things happening that have made people worried. Some rules might change for a while, but we have plans to keep you safe and learning.” Teens: Open the floor. “What do you know about this? How are you feeling? Let’s look at reliable sources together.” Limit media exposure. Children and adults do better with boundaries around 24/7 news. Designate specific times to check updates and use trusted local sources rather than social feeds that can spread rumours. Routines as an Anchor Predictability reduces fear. Keep core routines – meals, bedtime, schoolwork and play – as consistent as possible. Add simple family anchors that reinforce connection: a nightly family story, morning tea together or a short presleep reflection where each person names one small good thing from the day. Actionable Routine Tips • Keep school hours consistent, even if learning moves online. • Use visual timetables for younger children; pin one on the fridge. • Schedule daily outdoor time in safe neighbourhood spaces – even 15-20 minutes helps regulate mood. Navigating Online Schooling If schools shift online or students need to avoid campus temporarily, online learning can keep academics moving – but it has pitfalls: screen fatigue, social isolation and blurred home boundaries. Work with your child’s school to understand expectations and ask for recorded lessons when possible, so children can learn at their own pace. Practical Online Schooling Strategies • Adopt a hybrid day: focused learning blocks of 45-60 minutes for older children, and shorter for younger ones, followed by 15-30 minute active breaks. • Create a dedicated school corner with minimal distractions and all supplies. • Promote social connection: arrange supervised video playdates or study groups so children keep peer ties. • Set clear screen limits after school hours and encourage offline activities such as reading, arts and chores. Expert Perspective Children look to the adults around them to judge whether they are safe. When caregivers stay calm, offer honest explanations and keep daily routines steady, children regain a sense of control. Small, consistent actions matter far more than perfect answers.’ Quick Tips to Start Today • Set a 30-minute news-free family time each evening. • Write a one-week routine and post it where everyone can see it. • Arrange one offline family activity daily – play, cook or walk. When uncertainty feels prolonged, steady small habits – honest talk, predictable routines and sensible schooling strategies – build resilience. In Bahrain’s close-knit communities, leaning on school staff, neighbours and each other can help families weather this period together. Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst Fifi Kiwan discusses how Bahraini parents can talk to kids, keep routines and manage schooling during uncertain times. Protecting Little Minds

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