November 28, 2023
Talent & Intelligence
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Daily news and events continue to unfold during this crisis. Some are painful, and some carry the scent of victory. Parents' reactions in front of their children differ greatly when hearing these daily updates. Some parents may unintentionally stir negative feelings such as fear, frustration, or negative assumptions about Allah. This makes children tense, withdrawn, afraid, or discouraged, and may even lead to unusual misbehavior caused by suppressed anger about what is happening, as some mothers have shared with me.
Other parents use the very same news and events as opportunities to instill deeply important meanings that have emerged through this crisis, planting precious feelings that our children need just as plants need water.
So what is your reaction when you hear the news? What feelings do you experience and pass on to your children?
Be mindful of your reaction and emotions toward what is happening, and nurture the following ten important feelings that build your child's character:
Compassion: By being moved by the suffering of others and feeling a genuine desire to do something that eases their pain. This is the most important quality that makes a human truly human. Suffering should be conveyed wisely according to age. Avoid distressing scenes for children under twelve, and highlight stories of dignity and steadfastness for all ages.
Giving: Through individual and collective supplication, charity, boycotting companies that support oppression, and similar actions.
Belonging: By genuinely caring about what is happening and nurturing a shared sense of unity, like one body that feels it when any part of it is in pain.
Courage: By watching videos and photos and hearing stories that show the courage of our people as they face their crisis, so our children can learn from their bravery.
Hope: By expressing hopeful feelings for their victory and avoiding discouragement despite the difficulties, and by sharing stories of divine support and success granted to those who stand firm seeking the pleasure of Almighty Allah.