The art of parenting

It is attributed to ʿAlī (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanhu) that he said ‘your children were born of a different era’. You cannot assume that through a natural process of osmosis they will soak up your values and cultural norms. Your children will make mistakes that embarrass and enrage you. It is important to remember at these times to be moderate and proportionate in your sanctions. The art of parenting is that your children should always perceive you as a parent who has more power than you actually have. If you overreact at the slightest provocation, then what will you do as a parent when they really do something serious? Having used every sanction in your armoury, your children will quickly realise that they have the upper hand.