Many children pray very quickly...

Many children pray very quickly, and the actions resemble a quick exercise rather than a prayer. If possible, parents should try and pray with their children, at least sometimes. Encourage the child to follow the parent in prayer, as this will make the child pray slower and more carefully. If this is repeated enough times, it becomes a habit. It is not a good idea to tell children to pray by themselves in their rooms, out of the view of parents.

This could encourage the child to skip prayers altogether, and then lie about it. Parents must not allow opportunities where children are tempted to lie. Satan is very strong, and a child is easy prey in the Satan’s hands. A hadith by Imam Jafar as-Sadiq (PBUH) on getting children accustomed to fasting says: We enjoin our children to fast when they are seven years old, whatever part of the fast they are able to keep.

So when it is midday or further [into the day], and thirst overcomes them, they break the fast, so that they become accustomed to fasting and can endure it. Another important part of religious training is to teach the child to recite the Quran. It is a right of the child, as specified by a hadith of the Prophet (PBUH) many parents are already aware of this responsibility and strive to make their children good reciters of the Quran.

But one must be wary not to do it to compete with others, or to show off to the community. Some children become fluent reciters of the Quran but are not regular in their prayers and are generally lax in their obedience to Allah. Fluency in Quran recitation is NOT a criterion at all. It is undoubtedly an asset. The child must also be encouraged to understand the Quran. This could be done through reading the translation occasionally or even learning the Arabic language.

Morals This is an extremely important aspect of Islam and should not be ignored. Good morals are the key to a virtuous life. The child should be taught about noble characteristics such as honesty, kindness, justice, contentment etc. He should be taught to avoid jealousy, backbiting, greed, extravagance etc. Many opportunities come up in daily life for parents to bring up such issues. It is not necessary to give a lecture or nag.

A small reminder or a simple discussion often makes a lasting impression. Grandparents can play an influential role here. They could be asked to advise children and narrate stories to them.