It is not a straight written rule of the world to parent your children, people from the various cultures and regions do it by their own styles and values. I observed so many cultures and their norms about parenting, recently I was reading about the Parenting Children during Umrah, a lot of things came to know that even at the very sacred occasion, Muslim families bring their children with them and have to take as there is no other person to take care of their kids other than themselves. I find many cultures taking the basic values from their religion or the culture including ours. We in the United States are so pampering parents for our children, we take a lot of care about the upbringing of our children. What Islam has to do with the upbringing of the Muslim Children is a topic, so let us discuss it here fetching by the values and principles Islam teaches.

Islamic Principles of Parenting

Parenting in Islam is based on the principles naturally, culturally and religiously derived. A very basic thing here is to identify Human nature when he born.

Children when they Born

Children, when they born, are a natural piece of a human creature in its purest form. One of my friends put an argument and said that will the nine months pregnancy period count in the net upbringing of a Child? I agreed and further added in his argument that when a child comes into being, he is pious and pure. But he is neutral on every perspective there. Parents will give the direction and lead him/her to the way they want their kid to be. Children have a natural habit to imitate, they observe the others, especially parents to do actions and repeat them. What he will see, hear and feels, he will react and do those things accordingly.

You are a role model for your Children

Yes, that’s true. Your kid is a mirror, what he will learn from you, He/She will adapt and make it their actions and hobbies. Give your children a great environment full of love and learning. Islamic teachings can guide you very well about the upbringing of your kids. As you are the one your kid will learn from, be a role model, be an initiator, do something your own self and then expect the very same thing from your kid. Actions are stronger than words, so rather than preaching, make an example so your kids can follow. Don’t let your kids go away from your company to the company of wrong friends, be the best friend for your kid and give him/ her the right space and environment to learn.

Be kind with your Kids, It will work

It is a common experience that Children don’t absorb the strictness. They will either spoil or behave like you in the future. So the solution is, be kind with your kids so that can be the first thing they learn. Peace is an ultimate need of the world, kindness, and mercy on others will help us. Be kind to your kids, they will learn this way. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)’s teachings say to be kind to children. He preached and taught the Muslim Ummah by his (PBUH) actions. I have seen many traditions in which people are not so well with their kids and especially when they segregate among the boys and girls. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was very kind to His (PBUH) grandson Hassan(R.A) and Hussain (R.A). This is an example Muslims fetch to set the standard of behavior with Children.

Begin with the little responsibilities

First of all, congratulations if you are blessed with a baby boy or a girl. You are now responsible for the food and pampering of your kid. Along with this, do you know what is important for a new life to get started? Proper brought up. You will be so kind and generous to your own kids so they can learn and implement the things you have taught to their lives and can be part of the greater peace cause.

Don’t teach your children to hate others and be judgmental on identities, race, religion, gender, and class, etc. Important thing is that at first, for example at 10,12 of his/her age, don’t burden them to take the big responsibilities in life. I met a kid of almost 13 working in a local Hotel in Pakistan when I was visiting the country, it was so shocking to me, I was thinking, how are they people growing up their kids? That kid was so innocent and serving his clients very efficiently, maybe he had to go home early. Mom might have to wait for him at home.

Inform children about the limitations your values gives

It is an activity you will have to practice when your kid is growing up. Remember, A kid of little age will not bother your orders or limitations when he/she is younger. But When he/She reaches the age of 14,15, they will be in a condition to understand your position and what you are telling them to do. For you is important to keep your kids under your constant eye, train them and tell them the limitations they will observe to stay in a society peacefully and calmly. Islam directs the parents to tell them the limitations which they themself observe and living a peaceful life. Wish you a very happy and peaceful life.