Disciplining children effectively

Sound advice attributed to Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi (may God bestow Mercy upon him) in Mufti Taqi Uthmani's 'Discourses on the Islamic Way of Life', chapter on 'How to bring up children', adapted here ever so slightly...

When you have to hit your child,
refrain from doing so in anger.

Instead, wait until your anger subsides,
closing your eyes and taking in a deep breath if necessary,
fake your anger and then hit the child.

This is to be clear in your intention:
to discipline the child, and not to vent your frustation.
Anger unchecked will propel you over the edge.

Selfless Mentor / Friend

"... someone who genuinely wants you to be better than them, that's the type of mentor that you really want.

There are very few people who will want you to be better than them. Very few.

This is why your parents really are your best friends..."

(Source: Shaykh Tawfique Chowdhury, 46th minute of an interview about super productive Muslim-ness, link below)

http://www.productivemuslim.com/journal/2010/2/1/interview-with-a-super-productivemuslim-sheikh-tawfique-chow.html

Raising Muslim Boys

Sport must not be neglected in raising children, especially boys. Not only is it a form of entertainment for them but it is also a preparation. In it are powerful metaphors that link to life at large. For example:

- Horse-riding: The horse-rider learns to control and dictate his beast, as he will be required to control and dictate his Nafs.

- Swimming: The swimmer gains mastery over an alien environment, as will be required of him in rising above temptations and not drowning in desires.

- Archery: The archer is committed to patiently persevere in refining his technique. Concentrated on the greatest of precision and the smallest of detail he sets out to hit the mark. Similarly he will set his ambitions in life and focus in on his targets.

- Martial Arts: The primitiveness is unmatched and the purpose (like in life) is clear. The resulting confidence parries away with doubt and depression, and the developed strength (inner and outer) is priceless in overcoming the challenges and obstacles that life has to offer.

Educating the Young Child

I attended this one-day conference on Saturday, and alhumdulillah I am glad I did. The workshops that I chose to attend were: 'Starting a small school', 'Realistic mathematics education, a proven Dutch method of developing early numeracy', 'Islamic school? State school? Private school? Homeschool? Making the right educational choices for your child', 'The classical curriculum: Developing a well-trained mind' and 'Succesful models for weekend supplementary schools'. I also attended the speeches by Sue Palmer ('Toxic childhood'), Shaykh Hamza Yusuf ('Raising Muslim Boys') and Imam Zaid Shakir ('The role of the Muslim father'). I will type up some of my notes over the coming weeks insha-Allah.