15 tips for Dubai parents from KHDA's webinar on positive parenting

Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) hosted a webinar on positive parenting, led by clinical and rehabilitation psychologist Anita Sunil. Drawing from over 30 years of cross-cultural experience across India, Oman, and the UAE, Anita provided simple, actionable advice for parents and caregivers to foster stronger connections, calmer homes, and resilient children. Here are 15 takeaways from the 90-minute session moderated by Asma Dalmook of KHDA.

1. Establish clear expectations as guidelines, not commands - framing rules as guardrails for safety rather than rigid commands changes how children perceive them.

2. Engage in dialogue instead of lecturing; communication should be a two-way interaction where children feel heard.

3. Reflect on your own upbringing and how it influences your parenting instincts, as most parents unknowingly carry an inherited "blueprint" shaped by past experiences.

4. Align with your co-parenting partner on rules and boundaries before enforcing them; inconsistent messages can confuse children.

5. Design the environment and routine to support desired behaviors, such as setting up a screen-free dinner table rather than simply issuing an instruction.

6. Identify the underlying need behind a child's behavior, rather than assuming defiance - look for the "why" first.

7. Prioritize connection before correcting misbehavior; when children feel understood, they become much more receptive to guidance.

8. Replace praise with encouragement, which focuses on effort rather than results and builds lasting confidence.

9. Discipline should teach responsibility and problem-solving, not merely punish - punishment often harms children without guiding them forward.

10. Manage your own emotional reactions before addressing a child's behavior; a calm, self-regulated adult helps raise a self-regulated child.

11. Teach children to identify and name their emotions, even from a young age - this foundational skill aids emotional regulation.

12. Involve children in setting household rules where appropriate - this approach builds clarity and a sense of shared responsibility.

13. Role-play assertive phrases such as "no, I am not comfortable with that" with your child to help them handle peer pressure with confidence.

14. Model healthy screen habits yourself, especially during digital parenting moments, to set the right example for your children.

15. Prioritize self-care as a parent - make time for small rituals that replenish your capacity to show up for your children, such as a quiet coffee, a favorite song, or simply naming your own feelings.