10 Principles for the Upbringing of Children

[sid786]

1. Teach by example, because children listen with their eyes.
2. Introduce Allah to your child: His glory, obedience to Him over obedience to anyone else, asking only from Him, Importance of the Faraa’idh.

3. Introduce Rasoolullah (S) to your child: His life & times, following his Sunnah in everything in life, his Message, and his Work: Da’wah.

4. Systematic education of Islam parallel with regular education: 4-5 hours/week; Arabic language, Tajweed, Qira’ah ul-Qur’an, Aqeedah, Hadith, Fiqh, Seerah.

5. Manners: Akhlaaq. Attention to detail about all aspects of behavior reinforced by your own behavior. You have to practice what you preach.

6.Concern for others : Self centered: Family members, environment, servants, strangers, road users, neighbors, shop keepers: Sensitive or senseless?

7. Physical fitness: Mothers stop pampering. Regular sports, especially team sports, nutrition, no junk food.

8. Scheduling time: Wake & Sleep early, TV, Daily Muhasiba, diary writing.

9. Responsibility: School projects, commons, home, neighborhood,

10. Drive for excellence in everything: Being No.1. Winning is a habit. So is losing. Focus on quality. Be a Standard Bearer of Islam.

[wael]

Jazak Allah khayr for your suggestions. My daugher is 3 and a half, and I've been speaking to her about Allah for some time. In the beginning she used to laugh when I would describe Allah, thinking I was joking with her, but now it's sinking in and she herself speaks about Allah sometimes. I also tell her stories of the Prophets and she finds them quite fascinating. She really quiets down and pays attention.

As for point number 10, I think the emphasis on winning and losing is misguided. The important thing is for the child to put forth a sincere effort and commitment in everything. As always, the results are in Allah's hands.

Another important one is honest. If you are always honest with your child, it builds trust. If you promise something, keep your promise. If the child asks you for something and you know the answer is no, don't say "We'll see" just to put the child off. Be honest. It really cements the bonds between you.