Give More Gifts, But Set Rules

TDT | Manama

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Parents should give their children more gifts, but every gift should come with clear conditions, Colonel Osama Bahar of the Ministry of Interior advised.

Bahar said gifts can strengthen a child’s sense of belonging, reinforce feelings of love and security within the family, and create pride in both the gift and the giver.

He also encouraged parents to make gifts a reward for good behaviour, such as achieving good grades, behaving properly in front of guests in the majlis, or showing respect for family members and others.

However, Bahar stressed that gifts should come with rules.

For tablets, parents should set specific usage times and limit the games children can play. The same approach should apply to gaming consoles, with fixed playing periods and restrictions on games containing violence or content that conflicts with decency.

The principle, he said, is that a gift should benefit the child rather than expose them to harm.

Bahar also offered specific advice on scooters, urging parents to reduce the scooter's speed before allowing their child to use it.

Children should ride only in an agreed area, not leave the neighbourhood, and wear appropriate safety equipment. Scooter lights should also be switched on when required.

Without such safeguards, Bahar warned, a gift could become a source of greater harm.

He identified three types of gifts that parents should avoid: those that isolate children from their families, those that encourage aggressive behaviour, and those that could cause serious injury.

His overall message was simple: parents should not hesitate to give their children gifts, but generosity should always be accompanied by responsibility and clear boundaries.