Nurturing the Next Generation
Sound Vision

Fostering Grit in our Children

By Sumayya Khan

The Quran is filled with references to being steadfast on the Straight Path. As adults, we recognize the importance of this character trait related to the practice of Islam and also many aspects of our lives. But how do we also nurture this quality in our children? 

Writer Sumayya Khan examines the work of well-known psychologist and author Angela Duckworth on the concept of grit and resilience. Here are four ways we can foster grit along with its traits of resilience, perseverance, and industriousness in our children:

1. Choose a passion and stick to it.
2. Cultivate a growth mindset.
3. Encourage taking risks and talking about your own.
4. Recognize that failure is part of the process.

Read more about these and also about how to cultivate a growth mindset in the full article.

 Parenting Tip

For all of the efforts and attention put into parenting, we must remember the ultimate goal – to raise adults who are independent thinkers, responsible citizens, loving family members, and practicing believers. And to please Allah along the way.

Raising a Risk-Taker

By Umm Ahmed

As a parent, we often find ourselves dealing with risky behaviors, no matter what age or stage our children may be at. And, most likely than not, our nurturing instinct causes us to shield our children from taking these risks, freeing them of the likely bruises and bumps they may experience in the process. However, taking risks is essential for promoting holistic growth and development in our children. 

Read more about some insights on the benefits attached to risk-taking.

Inspiration

“It is not what you do for your children, but what you teach them to do for themselves, that will make them successful human beings.” 

American Advice Columnist Ann Landers

Aiding Healthy Independence for Teens

By Wendy Díaz

Adolescence is a dress rehearsal to prepare for the real world – adulthood – and the reality is our parenting must evolve just as much as our children. As they mature, it is up to us to respond to the changes they are experiencing with patience and wisdom. Too many restrictions may lead to rebellion, while too much freedom may lead them astray. Islam teaches us to approach all things with moderation to maintain a healthy balance. Read more in the full article.

Pre-­Adult Syndrome

By Nargis Naqvi

This is the first in a series of excerpts from The Perfect Muslim Child: A Holistic Approach to Raising a Balanced Child by Nargis Naqvi.

The child after the age of twelve goes into a transition of not being a child anymore and yet not really becoming an adult. At times parents tell him to stop being a child, at other times they tell him to not try to be so adult like and that he’s acting too old for his age. Internally the body is changing and it's causing havoc to his mind. Author Nargis Naqvi calls it the Pre-­Adult syndrome (PAS). Read more about how to handle the challenges in the full article.

Hadith

Abu al-‘Abbas ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abbas(ra) narrated:

“One day I was riding (a horse/camel) behind the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, when he said, ‘Young man, I will teach you some words. Be mindful of God, and He will take care of you. Be mindful of Him, and you shall find Him at your side. If you ask, ask of God. If you need help, seek it from God. Know that if the whole world were to gather together in order to help you, they would not be able to help you except if God had written so. And if the whole world were to gather together in order to harm you, they would not harm you except if God had written so. The pens have been lifted, and the pages are dry.’”

Related by Tirmidhi (Hadith 19, 40 Hadith an-Nawawi)

Statistics On Parenting 

According to a recent study entitled “Parenting During the Pandemic,” Canadian parents and caregivers talked about challenges in four main areas:

• Having too much time together
• Self-doubt in parenting and teaching abilities
• Role accommodation
• Managing COVID-19 psychological distress

They reported unmet needs that contributed to a low-quality of parenting such as:

• Childcare and additional supports
• Resources and activities
• More flexibility in work and school expectations
• Help managing psychological distress

Read the full report online: “Supporting families to protect child health: Parenting quality and household needs during the COVID-19 pandemic”

Online Resources

Fostering Independence in Kids: 6 Things You Can Do Right Now - This article is part of the Positive Parenting FAQ series developed by A Fine Parent online resource. 

Anger Management for Muslim Parents and Teens - This article provides insights on how to handle anger when dealing with your teens.

TED TALK: How Risk Taking Changes a Teenager’s Brain - This is an interesting talk by Kashfia Rahman, a Harvard University student who designed and conducted an experiment about teens, still-developing brains, and risk taking.

The Azharis: Names of Allah: Al Muhaymin

Sheikh Saalim al-Azhari and his children learn about one of the beautiful names of Allah, Al-Muhaymin, The One Who Guards from All Danger. The family reviews many of the stories of the prophets to show how Allah has protected them and how He also protects us, too. (11:01)

Sound Vision’s online children’s classes begin this weekend!

Register NOW so your children can learn about their deen in a loving and creative space!

The Sound Vision Foundation has been a trusted source of Islamic knowledge for more than 30 years. Our work with the world-renowned puppets Adam and Aneesah pioneered creative programming for Muslim children, encouraging them to learn about and love their religion. We continue to bring sound content and engaging programs that stimulate minds, touch hearts, and strive to fulfill our mission of raising better Muslims, better neighbors, and better citizens. This latest effort is designed to support and empower Muslim parents to do the same.