In an atmosphere of freedom a child can make use of these instincts to advantage.

In an atmosphere of freedom a child can make use of these instincts to advantage. The Religion of Islam gives particular attention to the need for freedom. A few traditions are quoted here: Hazrat Ali said: Dont become slave to others, Allah has given birth to you as a free person. [1] Imam Jafar Sadiq said: A person who has the following five qualities will be a successful person: First: Faith, Second: Wisdom, Third: Morals, Fourth: Freedom, Fifth: Good behavior.

The Prophet of Islam said: The child is a ruler till he is seven years old, seven to fourteen years he is a subject and after fourteen years he is the deputy and adviser for his parents. [2] But total freedom is not possible in the society. For one persons freedom, the freedom of others in the society cannot be compromised. The child must be made to understand early in life that without any restrictions one cannot live in the society. Others too have some rights and privileges.

For example: a child wants to play. Play is good for his training He must have freedom to play games that suit his temperament. But while playing the child should be aware of the rights of others. He should exercise care that property of the neighbors is not damaged, the window- panes of buildings in the [1] Bihar al-Anwar, Vol. 77, Page 214. [2] Wassail, V 15, Page: 195. neighborhood are not broken. Therefore, he does have the freedom to play but this freedom is having some restrictions.

The child can exercise his instinct to get angry. He can defend himself by showing anger at proper time. But in the exercise of his anger he does not have the freedom to damage the property around him, cause some injury to others or heap insults at them. The parents should devise a strategy for the upbringing of the child keeping in consideration his age, intelligence, strength and feelings. They should put his actions in two categories: The actions that are desirable for him.

The actions that are taboo for him. They should determine the limit for each type of action. Then they should give total freedom to the child for the desirable activity so that he fully exercises his instincts in performing these activities without any restriction. The child should be free to think and act. Not only the child should be given total freedom, but also on occasion he must be guided, if so required.

But the acts which are taboo for the child, he should be strictly prevented from doing them.