The question
I am a mother keen on raising my children on the Qur'an and the Sunnah. They are different ages, but the youngest of them sits at the TV a lot, doesn't like studying, and gets bothered quickly when I talk to him. He is seven and I'm very afraid for him. I'm scattered — any advice?
Our answer
First, seek help from Allah and from du'a. Know that it is your duty as a mother to organize the times your child spends.
The first thing you should pursue is providing a wholesome environment — a center or club with good for your son, or a sport. Involve him in activities that reduce his sitting at home and increase his interaction with people more. If you have a teacher for him or a Qur'an tutor from people of righteousness, attach him to them.
If there is someone to help you in tarbiyah (a husband, an older brother, or another), seek their help and lay down rules with gentleness and good treatment.
It is natural that one who has become used to laziness and not responding to his mother is bothered. So begin with him. If he stays in this state, he will be a burden upon you.
Involve him in responsibility gradually for fulfilling your needs and the needs of the home. It's better that this be with his father or another of the men of the house whose help can be sought, so he learns from them to bear responsibility.
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