Parenting: Catch them when they are little

Parenting: Catch them when they are Little

When children are little, they are placidly malleable and are innately expectant of the guidance of their parents. It is the time when they respond to STIMULI. It is thus appropriate that the parents exploit this golden opportunity of NURTURING them with love and guidance This love and guidance will insha-Allâh become the foundation upon which one can expect obedient youth. Children tend to cling to their parents - the parents are their world. The image of a child crying only appeased at the sight of its parents is familiar. It would be foolish then to allow the child to grow up without any meaningful parameters. Children have the capacity to undertake an even make independent decisions. If parents do not reflect Islam in their behaviour and outlook what

would you expect - a pious child? (Yes, there are exceptions). One of the observations is that a comparison is made between two children; one who has had a sound upbringing and one that is left unsupervised. The differences are not easily manifested - but the contrast becomes stark when they are in their teens. Surely a child who has been exposed to the beautiful recitation of the Qur'ân and the beautiful example of its parents would be different from a child who for example is exposed to the DISCORDANT CACOPHONY of ROCK MUSICIANS and the parent who has UNISLAMIC tendencies.

Yes, Yes extrinsic motivation would insha-Allâh lead to INTRINSIC MOTIVATION. When the child reaches maturity he/she should be ideally speaking, display:

A love for the Qur'ân.

A love for Allâh.

A Love for Rasulullah sallalahu alayhi wasallam.

A love for the Ummah

When it is too late, coercion would do little to effect positive behavioural change. The world is seductive and deceptive. Yes, it is

alluring and without a deep understanding of your purpose as a Muslim, it is easy to fall prey to its enchantment. Note the following guidelines:

Imbue in your children a sense of purpose.

Share with them the folly of nations who blatantly ignore the laws of Allâh.

Share with them the stories of the SAHABAH especially their sacrifice and generosity ('The Men around the Messenger' is an excellent book in this regard)

Develop in your child CONCERN FOR THE UMMAH

Ensure that your children live in this world as is needed and aspire for the Hereafter as is demanded.

Instill in your child a profound love for our Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam.

Do not become disillusioned if your children are not responsive enough. Do not give up on them. As Muslims, we are expected to be optimistic. Once there is trust, then INSHA ALLÂH, our loved ones would respond positively.

[Back|Home]