The question
I'd like to raise a concern that troubles me: my children, after they were calm and well-mannered, have now changed — to not respecting one another, to bickering, to not appreciating their parents, and to slackness in prayer and Qur'an memorization.
What is the way to correct their behaviour? I want practical steps — their ages range from twelve to six. What is the reason that pushed them to this sad transition?
Our answer
What you're going through is natural — it is the child's state in transitioning from the stage of submission to the parents to submission to Allah.
You, sister, must teach them the details of their religion through the commands of Allah and His Messenger.
For example, teach them that the command and address is from Allah — so your dutifulness to your parents is what Allah wants. Teach them the verses on dutifulness and their tafsir in detailed explanation. Involve them in tarbawi circles or centers that teach them how to understand Allah's verses and direct them to Allah's ruling in different situations.
Example: Allah said "tooth for tooth" in the case of transgression, and also "whoever forgives and reconciles, he is foremost in good deeds"; and the moderate is the one who takes revenge with justice; and the wrongdoer of himself is the one who transgresses beyond his brother's transgression.
Teach them that Allah sees and hears and is All-Knowing of you, and that there is a recording angel registering your deeds and actions and what is in your hearts.
Teach them Surat Yusuf and what was done with the brothers.
Teach them the manners of the believer from Surat al-Hujurat and Luqman. Teach them that the One who created you is the One who commands you, so you obey.
Teach them to believe in Allah and come to know Him.
Teach them that Allah willed faith in the Last Day so they remember that their deeds will be reckoned.
Remind them of the bridge — that is, the Day of Reckoning before entering Paradise for the believers — and how degrees of Paradise will be lost by the one who wronged his brother.
And know, sister, that the home is not free of problems, but let these problems be opportunities for him to learn his manners with others and to learn faith and intimacy with Allah — if you direct them to that and alert them in every situation.
Don't forget du'a and seeking help from Allah, for the guidance of children is a grace from Allah.
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