Forum explores importance of family, its role in upbringing

A’Seeb: A forum titled “Family & Society: A Journey into the Dimensions of Social Upbringing," was held in Muscat on Wednesday.

The forum, organised by the Directorate General of Social Development in Muscat Governorate in cooperation with Zulfa Centre for Psychological Counseling and Family Guidance, examined the importance of the family and its role in proper social upbringing, with a focus on contemporary challenges facing families.

The forum featured several working papers, including one titled “Parenting and the Family’s Role in Social Upbringing," presented by Sheikh Dr. Ibrahim Nasser Al Sawafi, Fatwa Secretary at the Office of the Grand Mufti of the Sultanate of Oman. The paper addressed methods of proper upbringing, the role of role models within the family, and balancing firmness and gentleness in dealing with children.

The second paper, titled “Family Cohesion and Its Role in Social Upbringing," was delivered by Dr. Sabira Saif Al Harrasi, a specialist in psychological and educational counseling. She highlighted the importance of effective communication within the family, the impact of cohesion on children’s mental health, and mechanisms for strengthening family belonging.

The third paper, presented by Ahmed Abdullah Al Shabibi, Head of Zulfa Centre for Psychological Counseling and Family Guidance, focused on “Divorce and Its Impact on Social Upbringing,” addressing the psychological and social effects on children post-divorce, ways to mitigate the negative consequences of separation, and the role of institutions in supporting broken families. Meanwhile, Aida Saleh Al Rahbi’s fourth paper emphasized the importance of premarital medical check up.

The working papers concluded with “Social Media and Its Impact on the Family," where Dr. Mona Salim Al Alawi, in her fifth paper, outlined the positive and negative effects on family relationships, protecting children from the dangers of digital content.

At the conclusion of the forum, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed Al Shamsi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Development, the chief guest, honoured the participants and supporting entities.

It is worth noting that the forum, held at the National Autism Centre in the Wilayat of A’Seeb, aimed to facilitate the exchange of expertise among specialists in education, sociology, and family counseling, in addition to presenting practical recommendations to support family stability and improve the quality of family life.