Summary
A thoughtful reflection on parenting inspired by the words of ʿAlī (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanhu), reminding parents that children belong to a different era and must be raised with wisdom, balance, and measured responses, so that authority is preserved and mistakes become opportunities for growth.
This blog was originally uploaded on the previous version of the www.sajidumar.com website on January 21, 2018.
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 simply absorb your values and cultural norms.
Your children will make mistakes that may embarrass or anger you. In such moments, it is important to remain moderate and measured in your response. The art of parenting lies in ensuring that your children perceive you as having greater authority and influence than you truly possess.
If you overreact at minor provocations, then what will you do when they commit a serious mistake? Having exhausted every sanction in your arsenal, your children will soon recognise that they hold the upper hand.
Your brother
Sajid Umar
Location: 'somewhere en route to the hereafter'
04/05/1439 (AH) - 21/01/2018