I firmly believe that empowering parents with knowledge and support is crucial for the holistic development of our children and the well-being of our families. Since becoming a parent, there has been so much learning and unlearning and relearning. Apparently, it is not like instant coffee, you do not just know what to do as soon as the baby is born.
Parenting is both rewarding and challenging. As we strive to provide the best opportunities and guidance for our children, we find ourselves grappling with the complexities of modern parenting. This is where parent education plays a vital role. It equips us with the necessary tools, strategies, and resources to navigate the journey of raising children and loving the process too. And for us working for this life and the next, it is a level deeper.
Parent education encompasses a wide range of topics, including child development, effective communication, positive discipline, mental health awareness, and then do not forget the spiritual development. It not only enhances our parenting skills but also fosters a stronger bond between parents and children and their Rabb. By investing in our own growth as parents, we create a nurturing environment that promotes the overall well-being and success of our children in both worlds.
Sadly, parent education is not yet normalized in our society. It is often overlooked or undervalued, leading to missed opportunities for personal and spiritual growth and the wholesome development of our children. However, we can change this narrative by collectively acknowledging the importance of parent education.
For some reason today, I was thinking of this ayah and a perspective that has stayed with me for a while…
وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعۡبُدُوٓاْ إِلَّآ إِيَّاهُ وَبِٱلۡوَٰلِدَيۡنِ إِحۡسَٰنًاۚ إِمَّا يَبۡلُغَنَّ عِندَكَ ٱلۡكِبَرَ أَحَدُهُمَآ أَوۡ كِلَاهُمَا فَلَا تَقُل لَّهُمَآ أُفّٖ وَلَا تَنۡهَرۡهُمَا وَقُل لَّهُمَا قَوۡلٗا كَرِيمٗا | وَٱخۡفِضۡ لَهُمَا جَنَاحَ ٱلذُّلِّ مِنَ ٱلرَّحۡمَةِ وَقُل رَّبِّ ٱرۡحَمۡهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرٗا
[Surah Al-Isrāʾ: 23-24]
For your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And honour your parents. If one or both of them reach old age in your care, never say to them ˹even˺ ‘ugh,’ nor yell at them. Rather, address them respectfully.And be humble with them out of mercy, and pray, “My Lord! Be merciful to them just like they raised me when I was young.”
And in the du’a it says Allah should have mercy on them just like they had mercy on you. And the onus is on the parents as well – however they treated you. And when you think about it, it is deep, especially for parents who just think they can do anyhow. So the responsibility is huge. It should not be something that we “wing.”
Let’s seek this knowledge. Let’s find supportive groups. Let’s initiate discussions with fellow parents, educators, and community leaders about the significance of tarbiyah. And let us be more open to learning.
May Allah help us raise our children. Amin!
Here are a few recommendations to get started…
First, follow us on instagram – our link in bio is updated with so many valuable resources regularly.
Join our free community here.
I do believe that books are underrated in terms of all the knowledge they provide.
My dear friend created a beautiful course that covers the basics of what to teach your child and how to bring islam to your child in a way that is age appropriate. Even if you are not a homeschooling mum, tarbiyah is your responsibility. You get lifetime access and a bonus gift.
The parenting toolbox was something I put together and it covers the foundational knowledge about the developmental needs of children based on their ages, the ways to encourage and motivate them based on their personalities, building good foundations with your parenting partner amidst the differences in your personalities and positive discipline 101 – 4 courses for the price of 1. A steal if you ask me.
I also started a thing called “parenting clinic.” have you ever felt like you needed to call a parenting hotline. Maybe you have taken a few courses, maybe you are planning to take a few more but you have a burning need, a parenting emergency or just to quickly check-in cos you are not okay or cannot commit to a 3 month or 6 week program and you just need to lighten your load, or maybe you don’t even know what you need but you just want to get started, then this is for you…use the code LAUNCH for 50% off.
And mama, you are not alone.