In addition...

In addition, they are very sensitive to what they watch and see, and fearlessly want to put it into action and try it out for themselves, without knowing or thinking that what they are doing may not be right. Some useful points to be noted a. Mothers should be careful that when tending to the cleanliness of their children (e.g. giving them baths), even newborns, other children are not present, especially those who are of a different gender. b.

From childhood, parents should not play with the child’s genital organs, or even their chest and thighs. c. Never leave children alone or in private for long periods of time and when they are going through an inquisitive phase. It is also not recommended to leave them unattended with someone else during this time, especially a brother or sister. d. Do not let girls of 6 years sit on a non-maĥram man’s lap or be kissed by non-maĥram men. e. Do not let girls be naked in front of others.

In particular, their chests and thighs should be covered. f. Create love for Ŝalāt in your child, as Allāh (SwT) clearly states in the Noble Qur`an that Ŝalāt makes one far from ugly acts.  إِنَّ الصَّلاَةَ تَنْهَى عَنِ الْفَحْشَاءِ وَالْمُنكَرِ  “Indeed the prayer prevents indecencies and wrongs.”[^10] Spoiling a child creates weakness, and a lack of will and determination. These types of children trouble their parents in their childhood, and make them encounter many problems.

The spoilt children themselves face two types of problems a. They have expectations that the rest of society will, like their parents, comfort and respect them no matter what, and carry out their wishes without any questions. When they realise that people will not only not do this, but will also ridicule these expectations, they become upset and feel humiliated and debased. b. Such experiences form the base of contempt and make them angry, aggressive, lacking patience and weak.

They become the type of people who think low of others and treat them with harsh words and actions. Nothing silences the sense of self-trust in a child more than forcing him to do things they may not have the capability of doing.

✦ ✦ ✦