Feeling Stressed, Anxious, or Alone? A Psychologist Answers the Parenting Questions Moms in MENA Are Asking

When everything feels uncertain, being a mom can feel even heavier. These are real questions from moms in MENA like you, answered with care, clarity, and expert guidance from psychologist Dr. Rama Kanj.

Dr. Rama Kanj, PhD-level psychologist and co-founder of Valens Clinic, joined our Instagram community of over 800 moms to answer the questions that come up when family life feels overwhelming. Specialising in mental health, child behaviour, and emotional regulation, she shared expert guidance and reassurance through Puck By Your Side, because you shouldn’t have to carry everything alone. 

In uncertain times, you're often the one holding everything together. Calming your child, keeping routines going, staying steady, even when you are overwhelmed too.

But behind all that strength are real questions. What should you say when your child misses school? How much screen time is too much? What do you do when anger, anxiety, or frustration starts showing up at home?

That is why our Instagram community, Puck By Your Side, was created as a safe space for moms across the MENA region to help you feel seen, supported, and guided through moments that are hard to handle alone.

Through the Support Line, your questions are answered by Dr. Rama Kanj. As both a psychologist and a mother, she understands what you're going through and shares practical parenting tips and guidance that feels practical, grounded, and human.

This is not about being a perfect parent. It's about helping you feel calmer, clearer, and more supported, one question at a time.

1. "My child misses school and refuses distance learning. What can I say?"

It's completely normal for your child to struggle right now. You're not alone in this. School isn't just about learning, it's where they see their friends, follow a familiar routine, and feel part of a world they understand.

When that suddenly changes, it can feel confusing. Home becomes everything at once, including school, play, and rest, so it's no surprise they find it harder to focus.

One thing that can really help is predictability.

Rama explains that routine matters more than ever right now, especially since children don't experience time the same way adults do.

Try creating a simple daily rhythm your child can rely on: a fixed wake-up time, short learning blocks, clear breaks, and a dedicated space that signals "now it's school time." Even small, repeated habits can help your child feel more secure.

You don't need to recreate school perfectly at home. What matters is helping your child know what to expect. That's what helps them feel calmer and more ready to engage.

And remember, you don't have to fix everything in one day. Predictability is enough to start.

2. " How can I help my children stay focused with so many distractions like TV and games at home?"

It can feel like screens are taking over right now. When your child is surrounded by TV, games, and tablets, distractions are almost inevitable, especially during difficult moments, when screens can feel like an easy way to relax, escape boredom, or feel entertained.

Rama suggests starting by looking at the need behind the behaviour. Your child may not simply be misbehaving, they could be looking for comfort, stimulation, or a break from the new rhythm at home.

Instead of treating screens as the enemy, focus on balance. Set clear, realistic screen times, while offering alternatives that feel just as engaging, like play, movement, drawing, helping in the kitchen, or simple activities they can do on their own.

You don't need to remove screens completely, especially during stressful times. What matters is making sure they're not the only source of comfort or entertainment.

And remember, boundaries work best when they're calm, clear, and realistic for both you and your child.

3. "How do I help my child adapt to changes like staying home or new routines?"

It's natural for your child to feel unsettled right now. When routines suddenly change, whether it’s school, outings, routines, or daily expectations, it can affect their sense of safety and stability and make things feel uncertain. They just need time to adjust.

Rama explains that one of the most helpful things parents can do is create a new routine within this new environment. A predictable rhythm gives your child a sense of control when other things feel out of place.

Simple anchors can make a big difference: regular mealtimes, predictable wake-up and bedtime routines, learning time in the morning, play in the afternoon, and quiet time before sleep. These small patterns help children understand what comes next.

Your child may need time to adapt, and that's part of the process. Adjustment doesn't happen overnight. With consistency, patience, and reassurance, the new routine can begin to feel familiar.

And remember, your child doesn't need everything to feel normal right away. They just need to feel that you're there beside them.

4. "How can we create a comfortable daily routine at home?"

A comfortable routine doesn't have to be complicated. Keeping things simple and easy for your child to follow can make a big difference.

Rama recommends starting with a clear, gentle structure for the day.

One approach that can help is dividing the day into two clear parts. Mornings can be for learning activities, when your child is usually more alert and able to focus. Afternoons can shift into movement, creativity, play, or rest.

This kind of balance gives the day structure without making it feel too rigid.

For younger children, especially those under six, it is important to keep activities short because their attention span is naturally limited. So small tasks, short breaks, and playful transitions can help them stay engaged.

You don't need to turn your home into a classroom. What matters is creating a rhythm that supports your child's focus, energy, and emotional comfort.

And remember, a good routine is one your family can actually live with, not one that looks perfect on paper.

5. "How much screen time is too much?"

There isn't a perfect number, especially during stressful or unusual times. What matters most is the overall balance in your child's day and how things feel at home.

Rama suggests finding a balance between what you'd ideally like and what's realistic in the moment.

You may have screen time rules, but during difficult periods, it helps to focus on what actually matters most right now.

If your child is spending a little more time on screens than usual, that doesn't mean you've failed. What matters is that they still have moments of connection, movement, rest, and play, and that screens are not creating more conflict than calm.

You can try setting screen limits gently, while also offering something else to move toward. For example: "After this episode, we'll draw together," or "When the timer ends, we'll take a snack break."

And remember, doing your best in the moment is enough. Balance matters more than perfection.

6. "My child is constantly angry or frustrated. What should I do?"

When your child is angry or frustrated, it can be hard not to react quickly, especially when you are also tired or overwhelmed.

Rama reminds us that children are deeply affected by the emotional environment around them.

They don't just hear your words, they pick up on your tone, your facial expressions, your body language, and your energy. So even when we say "it's okay," they can still sense when you're feeling tense or stressed.

That's why one of the most powerful ways to support your child is to first take care of your own calm.

This doesn't mean you need to be perfectly composed. It can be as simple as pausing before you respond, stepping away for a few minutes, taking a breath, or giving yourself permission to reset.

When you respond with steadiness, your child slowly learns how to settle too. Your calm becomes something they can lean on until they find their own.

And remember, your steady presence is more powerful than any perfect response.

Every question here comes from a real moment, one where you're trying to support your child, manage the day, and hold yourself together too.

That's why Puck By Your Side exists. To offer parenting tips and support, not judgment. To bring trusted guidance closer when you need it most, and to remind you that what you're feeling is valid, and that you don't have to carry it alone.

Because when you feel supported, the whole home feels it. Join our supportive moms community on Instagram and talk openly about the parenting challenges, stress, and difficult moments that can come with raising children, with guidance from Dr. Rama Kanj, a psychologist and mother who understands what you’re going through.