Parents going through divorce proceedings are being urged to settle differences amicably and avoid using their children as weapons in their conflict.
Hidd Police Station head Colonel Dr Osama Bahar noted that children in such situations already face significant challenges and stressed that parents must do everything they can to continue fulfilling their responsibilities towards them.
Speaking on the Al Aman programme on social media, he described the issue as “very sensitive” and highlighted the need for it to be handled with maturity.
“It is very challenging to explain, and the difficulty lies in the fact that it involves innocent children,” said Col Dr Bahar.
“Disagreements happen and families can separate, but it is important for parents to ensure they continue to fulfil their educational and care-giving responsibilities.
“There are many families that decide to separate amicably after facing some problems and resolve to continue living their lives while cherishing their children.
“We salute such families who handle their emotions with maturity, patience and resilience throughout the separation process.
“However, some couples appear to devote all their energy, resources and efforts to escalating hostilities, using their children as instruments of vindictiveness against their soon-to-be ex-spouse.”
Col Dr Bahar
Col Dr Bahar noted that some parents misuse their right to file complaints, doing so solely to make the other party’s life difficult. He stressed that unless the complaints involve allegations of abuse, couples should focus on making the transition as smooth as possible for their children and avoid using them as tools of revenge.
“Even if you hold negative feelings towards your ex-partner, do not involve your children – they are innocent,” he said.
“If you seek revenge against the other parent, remember that your children have nothing to do with the conflict and that they are your own flesh and blood.
“Keep this in mind before escalating matters: the children are already living in a tense environment filled with problems.”
Col Dr Bahar urged parents to maintain civility in front of their children, avoid shouting, and offered guidance on supporting them through the difficult situation.
“Do not involve children in any way. Do not use them as witnesses, and do not place them in such situations,” he said. “Furthermore, do not encourage them to develop negative feelings towards the other parent.”
Finally, Col Dr Bahar emphasised the importance of compromise and selflessness to ensure that children emerge from the separation and divorce process as secure and comfortable as possible, with their best interests prioritised.
“Just because your dream of a happy marriage did not materialise does not mean you should jeopardise an even more precious dream – raising good and happy children,” he said.
“Whenever negativity enters your heart, think of your children. Work with the other parent, make compromises, and put your children’s well-being first.
“One day, they will recognise the magnitude of your sacrifice and be grateful for everything you have done.”
Over the past three years, 13,801 marriages have been registered in Bahrain’s Sharia courts, according to the Justice, Islamic Affairs, and Endowments Ministry, as reported in the GDN on Thursday. Between 2023 and 2025, a total of 3,969 divorces were recorded among Bahraini couples, while 2,934 families successfully reconciled after marital disputes.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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