A person’s true character undergoes the most development in his childhood, which is why parents must strive to raise their child in the right manner and should always be on their best behavior when around them. Amidst all other problems, priority must be given to the education and character development of any child. This is because our offspring are our only true investment and efforts made on them not only help in the present world but also reap great results in the hereafter.
The first and foremost thing that must be opted for is that the mother should make an effort and be in a state of wudu all the time and should be involved in zikr ; this is because the thoughts and actions of a mother effect a child greatly. If a child watches his mother constantly involved in zikr and other forms of worship as well in the preparation of sehri and iftar, his subconscious would be automatically tuned to the idea of the importance of Ramadan. If the child doesn’t get to see the true spirit of Ramadan and how it should be truly spent from his parents, then he will not realise how to cherish this month in his later years too.
With reference to halal income, it must be realised that rizk that is accumulated through halal means has an intensely positive effect on the child which leads to his opting for halal activities. This helps reinforce the concept that just like spiritual activities are food for the soul, similarly, material things nourish the body and their halal means leads to one pursuing halal goals.
Also, raising a child has a strong link to the environment and atmosphere. This means that if a child sees religious atmosphere in his house and actions based on ethics and good moral values then this will be automatically transferred to him. Opting for kindness, honouring promises, sacrifice, selflessness, and patience etc.; these things like values or principles don’t need to be told every time, they are more or less learnt through observing models of behaviour.
Furthermore, the child should be encouraged to the concept of cleanliness and purity and this concept of cleanliness will help enforce this as part of our faith too.
Speaking in harsh or loud tones should be avoided and like parents, teachers too should present a model of virtuous living. Children should be made responsible for their mistakes and instructed about the proper mode of conduct in privacy so their self-esteem is not affected.
They should also be told about the models of behavior from the past: messengers of Allah and their companions.
The following supplication (dua) is deemed effective in granting success to children in this world and the hereafter.
Also parents should be attentive to their children’s needs and should implement the right balance between freedom and restrictions for their children with wisdom and foresight. Parents must make an effort to introduce their children to the sort of company that helps them learn etiquette and manners and they should employ behavior of such a sort that is kind and compassionate so that kids obey rules without being rebellious.
Parents should also understand one another since a child learns to live harmoniously whilst observing his parents doing the same. Furthermore parents must present a united front when instructing their children about some mistake since if either parent says the opposite, then the child would perceive the other parent as the enemy which would restrict proper training of the child.
Children’s innocence and spirituality should be protected and nourished too, meaning that their exposure to vulgarity, obscenity or violence should be curtailed. Parents must keep a check on the sort of company the child is exposed to and it is best to closely coordinate with teachers to get an idea about the sort of people the child is around, so as to protect their children from harm in this vulnerable or impressionable age.
The psychological makeup of kids must be always considered since observing the habits and reactions of young kids can help parents gauge the current mind set of the child. Negligence in such a case has serious consequences when children opt for unfavorable habits later in life.
However, what must always be considered is that the self-esteem of children must be protected and excessive criticism should be avoided.
