
The imitation begins when the child is seven years old. At first, he imitated the movements, the different words, and the pronunciation of different people. Judgment will come but even then he cannot imitate any deed, habit, or worship.
Deep imitation of a child becomes a favorite, usually when he is two or three years old. Then he no longer takes the time to capture the color of his parents’ character and does not wait for the future to wear their character’s dress all life. Thus it is the responsibility of the parents to present themselves as good role model for the child. The danger is the opposite.
Parents’ responsibilities to their children
Parents have many responsibilities to their children. Below are some important responsibilities:
Answering the child’s question
When children learn to speak, they ask a variety of questions. The same question may be asked, again and again, maybe a very simple question, maybe a very difficult question, maybe an adult question. It can not be bothered at all. They need to answer their questions seriously.
It is not right to give comfort to a child by saying the same thing without answering him correctly. Older children who understand a little more are more sensitive. If you do not know the answer to their question, you should not talk about it in secret. Maybe I’ll just let you know later and that promise must be kept. Care should be taken to ensure that children do not neglect any questions.
Let’s mention a true fact. A father tries to guide his twin children in the right direction. So, one day they were going on a long trip with relatives. Suddenly a relative told the father that I had noticed for the last two and a half hours that he answered every question of your child. Do not answer a question with annoyance.
If you don’t say it once, shut up, don’t bother. The father replied, “I’m glad you noticed.” I do it on purpose. If I don’t answer my kids’ questions they will look for answers from others and may be confused by others. Someone else will be interesting to them. I can’t be an interesting character to them even if I am a father.
Introducing God
When a child learns to understand a little, he should be introduced to the great God. We have to explain to them that Allah Almighty created us. We need to explain why He created us. They need to understand that there is nothing that can displease God. Even if something is done in secret, Allah will see and punish later. And when he hears the word of Allah, he will be pleased and will give whatever is asked.
Introducing the Qur’an
There is a long-standing fear of the Qur’an among Muslims in our country. It should not be touched, it should be wrapped in a velvet cloth, it should be placed on the top of the shelf, it should be kissed occasionally, and so on. These are all misdeeds and the devil’s tricks to keep people away from the Qur’an. Children should be given Arabic copies of the Qur’an as well as rules and regulations so that they do not have to be afraid of it.
Talking about knowledge science
Science can also be talked about with children. It is not right to think that they will understand these? There are many sciences that are useful to children. Pediatric science books are also available in the market, which can be collected. However, the subjects of this science have to be presented with the Qur’an and Hadith in connection with the creation of Allah. Then love and respect for God’s creation will awaken in their minds.
Children play with dolls
It is not clear to many whether children can play with dolls. Because the doll has a relationship with the head, Hindus worship idols. The dolls that are available in the market for children’s toys are usually made of plastic or cloth, clay, or any other material.
These dolls are not actually made for worship. From an Islamic point of view, children can play with small dolls up to a certain age. According to the hadith of Sahih Bukhari, Ayesha R. Tala Anha used to play with clay dolls at an early age.
Special advice
From an early age, children need to be taught little by little that when they grow up, puppets should be gradually eliminated. Then they will be mentally ready to grow up that puppets will not be able to play when they grow up. In consultation with them, some of their dolls can be given as gifts to poor children with their hands every year. This will put an end to their puppets as they get older and will give them the mentality to donate.
Village story with kids
Many parents keep their children away from the village and do not introduce them to the village. We should take them to the village from time to time, Introduce them to the village, relatives, and environment of the village, farmers, herdsmen, cattle, crop farms, etc.
Similarly, the people of the village should be treated well when they come to visit. Otherwise, the children will think that the people of the village have to be treated badly. And in Islam, there is no permission to behave badly.
Teaching to share
Many children are reluctant to share anything with one another. Children who have one child often do not learn to share, again some of the siblings do not even learn to share, this is basically the weakness of the parents, they did not train the child in this regard. If the parents are aware from the beginning, this will not be a problem for the child.
There is a sense of responsibility towards brothers and sisters
Some of the parents’ children should instill a sense of responsibility in their children. The older one will help his younger brother or sister in different matters. Some children learn this responsibility on their own but parents need to be aware of this and help.
Children do not learn everything alone, so they have to be guided. We would be surprised to know that the older brothers and sisters of the hill tribes look after their younger siblings. Even tying the younger siblings on their backs does the chores around the world.
At Our Thoughts
Be a good role model for your child, in the way you live, in the way you behave, in the way you pronounce, and in every aspect of your life. And remember, when your child hears you tell a lie to your guest, he or she will become a liar. He will be greedy when he sees you eating with his eyes closed. When he sees that you are lazy in prayers, he will give up prayers altogether. You are a mirror for him. So keep your face clean and pure in front of him.
Data Source of References
- https://www1.nyc.gov/site/acs/justice/family-assessment-program.page
- https://www.dss.gov.au/families-and-children-programs-services-parenting-families-and-children-activity/children-and-parenting
- https://health.gov/our-work/nutrition-physical-activity/move-your-way-community-resources/campaign-materials/materials-parents