Abu Dhabi: First global parenthood event kicks off; experts offer advice on raising children

Having a home rich with cultural influence, being good examples to your children and protecting them from negative social media influences are some of the ways top officials have listed as an appropriate way of raising children at the opening of a parenthood conference in Abu Dhabi.

Delivering a key note speech at 'Parenthood: The Unconference', which kicked off on Wednesday afternoon, Sara Awadh Issa Musallam, Minister of State for Early Education, Chairperson of the Federal Authority for Early Education and Chairperson of Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek), said the dynamics of parenting are constantly shifting and that it was important for parents to adjust to the changes.

“The challenges of raising children are different from family to family, place to place and culture to culture, but the main issue underlying them is quite similar. The child’s needs should be put at the very centre,” she said.

Taking place at Etihad Arena on Yas Island until November 4, the first-of-it’s-kind event promises to inform, inspire, and even challenge the way people think about parenting.

The opening ceremony of the conference was attended by His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office.

In her speech, Neo Jane Masisi, the First Lady of Botswana, said that besides a person's profession, parenthood is the most important vocation.

“Parents, whether biological or otherwise: if what we do while in this world is not for our children, or their children, what, then, is our main driving force in this world?” she asked.

“There are many challenges in raising children as time evolves. What worked for our parents may not necessarily work now.”

Masisi added: “Strong families can only be achieved through proper parenting. Parents have to be responsible and should pass on proper manners and discipline to their children. When children see their parents engaging with other cultures in an intelligent and interactive way, they will want to participate too.”

How to raise children into global citizens while maintaining local identities

In a panel discussion on how parents can raise their children to be global citizens while retaining their sense of local identity, moderated by CNN Anchor, Becky Anderson, Musallam said in order to help children develop a global mindset it helps to have experienced a vast array of cultures firsthand at home.

“Through amplifying cultures within us by practicing them at home, [we] can help pass them on to our children,” said Musallam.

“By cultivating a global mindset and global competency from an early age, children will be equipped with the skills they need to do well in school and to thrive as global citizens who embrace diversity in all aspects of life.”

The minister added that children engaging in discussions with individuals they interact with in the community and across the world is also vital.

“Going back to communities and cultural norms in our education system can help transform our children into responsible [people],” she said.

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