Clinical psychologist Dr. Hollie Shannon of Sage Clinics in Dubai shares how UAE families can help children manage anxiety, maintain routine, and build resilience during unexpected school closures.
School disruption can create uncertainty for both children and parents. What are the most common emotional responses you see in children when their routine is suddenly interrupted?
Unexpected changes to routine can be highly unsettling for children of any age. From a psychological perspective, routines provide a sense of predictability and safety; when these are suddenly disrupted, some children may experience a noticeable increase in anxiety. This can show up in different ways. Some children respond externally, becoming more irritable, oppositional, or emotionally reactive. Others turn inward and may appear quieter, more withdrawn, or reluctant to engage. Neither response is unusual; they simply reflect different ways children cope with stress and uncertainty. It’s also important to remember that children vary widely in their adaptability. Some are naturally flexible and able to adjust to changes relatively quickly. Others are more sensitive to shifts in routine and may need additional reassurance, structure, and time to settle into a new pattern.
Why is school routine so psychologically important for children’s sense of safety, predictability, and nervous system regulation?
Most children benefit greatly from having some form of routine or structure in their day. Predictability helps the nervous system feel safe; when children know what to expect, they are generally more relaxed and better able to focus on learning, play, and social connection, rather than feeling on edge or uncertain about what might happen next. For many children, school forms the cornerstone of this daily structure; it provides a sense of stability and control in their lives.
How can parents talk to children about unexpected school closures or changes without increasing anxiety or creating alarm?
Ultimately, it is up to each family to decide how much information they want to share with their children about the current situation. However, it is generally helpful to tell children something rather than nothing. When children sense that something unusual is happening but receive no explanation, this uncertainty can significantly increase their stress and anxiety. In most cases, a simple, age-appropriate explanation is enough. The goal is not to overwhelm children with detail, but to provide a clear and calm explanation that helps make sense of the changes they are experiencing.
For younger children who may struggle to understand why routines are changing, what practical strategies can parents use to maintain structure at home?
It can be helpful for parents to think about what typically makes up a child’s day. Most children are used to a natural rhythm that includes things like structured learning time, play or leisure time, meals, and, for younger children, nap or rest periods. At home, parents can try to create a similar rhythm, even if it is a little more relaxed and flexible. It is not necessary to replicate the exact structure of a school or nursery day; even a small amount of structure and consistency can make a meaningful difference. When children have a sense of what their day will look like, it can help them feel more settled and emotionally contained, which in turn often makes the day run more smoothly for the whole family.
Teenagers often experience school disruption differently – academically, socially and emotionally. How can parents best support adolescents during periods of uncertainty?
Teenagers often experience school disruption quite differently from younger children. Alongside the academic impact, many adolescents are also navigating concerns about exams, future plans, and missing important social milestones with friends. Periods of uncertainty can therefore feel particularly stressful. One of the most helpful things parents can do is create space for open, non-judgmental conversations. Encourage your teenager to share how they’re feeling and acknowledge that frustration, worry, or disappointment are completely valid responses. At the same time, offering practical support such as helping them maintain a loose study routine or breaking tasks into manageable steps can restore a sense of control and help adolescents navigate school disruption with greater resilience.
Some children respond to disruption with irritability, withdrawal or regression. How can families distinguish between normal adjustment and signs of heightened anxiety?
It is entirely normal for children to show some emotional or behavioural changes when adjusting to a transition particularly one that has occurred suddenly and without much warning. Some children adapt to a “new normal” relatively quickly and may settle within a few days. Others need a little longer and may show signs of irritability, worry, clinginess, or changes in behaviour while they adjust. In most cases, these reactions gradually ease as children begin to feel more secure in the new routine. However, if these emotional or behavioural symptoms persist or worsen over the course of several weeks or months, it may be a sign that your child is struggling more significantly. In these situations, it can be helpful to seek professional guidance.
What role does parental stress play in how children cope with school changes, and how can parents regulate themselves in order to better support their children?
Children are the emotional barometers of a family, which means that when parents are feeling particularly stressed or anxious, children are likely to pick up on this—even if nothing is said directly. One of the most effective ways children learn to manage their emotions is through co-regulation. In simple terms, this means that children rely on the calm and steady presence of adults to help them settle when their feelings become overwhelming. When parents are able to respond in a calm, consistent way, it helps children gradually develop the skills they need to regulate their own emotions. For this reason, it can be incredibly helpful for parents to pause and check in with themselves before responding in situations that feel emotionally charged or could easily escalate. Taking a brief moment to regulate your own emotions, perhaps by taking a few slow breaths or pausing for a “mindful minute” can make a significant difference and help parents respond in the way most truly intend: with patience, empathy, and compassion.
You can find out more about Dr. Hollie Shannon and the team at Sage Clinics: here. For more information about the services Sage Clinics offers or to book an appointment please contact +971 4 575 5684, at appointments@sage-clinics.com.
