When Childhood Hurts Don’t Heal: The Invisible Scars That Haunt Our Marriages and Parenting

A Reflection for Every Parent

Many of us were raised in homes where pain was packaged as discipline, silence was mistaken for respect, and toughness was the only proof of survival. We’ve carried these silent bruises into adulthood—into our marriages, and now, into the way we raise our own children.

We tell ourselves: “I turned out fine.”

But did we, really?

Behind many failing marriages, distant spouses, and emotionally confused children are adults still bleeding from the wounds of a childhood that never got the chance to heal. Especially in cultures like ours—deeply rooted in tradition, strong in resilience, but often silent about emotional pain—many suffer in silence, and pass it on.

This is a call to pause, reflect, and begin the journey of healing—for the sake of our souls, our spouses, and our children.

1. The Curse of Comparison

“Why can’t you be like your brother?”

“Look at your mate. She’s doing better than you!”

These words don’t push children forward—they crush their spirit. You grow up feeling you're never enough. And when you become a spouse, you either hide your feelings in shame or start comparing your partner and children too, unknowingly spreading the same disease.

The Prophet ﷺ taught us to look down, not up—

“Look at those who are below you and do not look at those above you, for it is more suitable that you do not belittle the favor of Allah upon you.”

(Muslim, 2963)

2. Words That Wound

Some of us still hear it in our heads:

“You’re useless.” “You’ll never do well.”

These weren’t just scoldings. They were character assassinations. The tongue, though small, can destroy an entire future.

So we grow up with a voice in our heads that sounds like our parents—except now, we say those same words to our spouses, or our own children. The cycle continues.

The Prophet ﷺ was never foul-mouthed. He said:

“A believer is not one who curses, nor one who insults, nor is he obscene or vulgar.”

(Tirmidhi, 1977)

3. When Beatings Replace Boundaries

Some were beaten until their skin burned or their bodies trembled—all for spilling water or forgetting a chore. What was taught wasn’t discipline, but fear, shame, and helplessness.

Such a child grows into an adult who either accepts abuse, or uses violence as a tool for control. Either way, the home is no longer safe.

Anas ibn Malik said:

“I served the Prophet ﷺ for ten years. Never did he say to me, ‘Uff.’ Never did he say, ‘Why did you do that?’ or ‘Why didn’t you do that?’”

(Muslim)

4. When Feelings Were a Crime

Tears were dismissed. Anger was forbidden. Sadness was mocked.

“Stop crying!”

“You’re just being dramatic.”

Children learn quickly: feelings are dangerous. So they grow up emotionally numb. As spouses, they can’t connect. As parents, they can’t empathize. Because they were taught to silence their hearts.

Yet our Prophet ﷺ cried openly. When his son Ibrahim passed away, he said:

“The eyes shed tears, the heart grieves, but we only say what pleases our Lord.”

(Bukhari)

This is the balance: feeling deeply, while surrendering fully.

5. The Loneliness of Being Ignored

Some of us were never asked: “How are you feeling today?”

Not when we failed. Not when we were bullied. Not even when we were hurting.

We learned to suffer in silence—and now, that silence is killing our marriages.

6. The Voice That Was Never Heard

When a child is told:

“Shut up, you don’t know anything.”

“Children should not speak when adults are talking.”

They grow up with voices trapped inside them. Ideas die. Confidence disappears. In marriage, they become withdrawn—or worse, they silence their spouse and children, just as they were silenced.

7. Forced to Grow Too Fast

A child made to carry adult burdens—cooking, cleaning, babysitting—without rest, without thanks.

They grow up exhausted. In marriage, they do everything and resent everyone. As parents, they expect perfection and push their children too hard.

Responsibility without love breeds burnout, not strength.

8. Gender Inequality in the Name of Culture

“You’re a girl, stay in the kitchen.”

“You’re a boy, don’t do housework.”

This is not Islam—it’s culture gone wrong. Boys grow up entitled. Girls grow up insecure. Both suffer in marriage, because respect and empathy were never taught.

9. Parenting Through Fear, Not Connection

“Just do what I said!”

“Don’t ask questions!”

This fear-based parenting creates compliance, not character. Children raised in fear will either rebel, or raise their own children in the same cold way.

10. No Words of Love or Affirmation

Some of us never heard, “I’m proud of you,” or “I love you.” Only criticism, silence, or anger.

So we grow up unable to give praise, even to the ones we love the most. And now, our spouses and children crave what we were never taught to give.

But the Prophet ﷺ said to Mu’adh:

“By Allah, I love you.”

(Abu Dawood, 1529)

Love is not weakness. It is the Sunnah.

11. Religion Taught as Punishment

Woken up harshly for Fajr, punished for forgetting Qur’an, forced to fast without explanation. It’s no wonder some walk away from Islam entirely.

Islam is beauty, but when introduced through fear and force, it becomes trauma.

12. The Weight of What People Will Say

“Behave! What will people say?”

A child grows up obsessed with appearances. In adulthood, they fake happiness, hide their pain, and run a marriage based on public image—not private reality.

Islam calls us to be sincere, not performative.

The Wound May Not Be Your Fault—But Healing Is Your Responsibility

We didn’t choose our childhood. But we must choose how it ends.

We are now the parents. We are now the husbands. We are now the wives. And the damage we ignore becomes the damage we inflict.

Allah reminds us:

“Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is within themselves.”

(Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:11)

The journey of healing begins with:

• Naming the pain

• Grieving the loss

• Learning a new way

• Trusting Allah to guide the process

You don’t have to be a perfect parent. But please, don’t be an unhealed one.

Let’s End the Cycle. For Their Sake.

Let’s raise children who don’t have to recover from their parents. Let’s build marriages that feel safe, soft, and spiritually nourishing.

Healing is not rebellion. Healing is worship.

Healing is not weakness. Healing is strength.

Let it begin with you.

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Healing from Childhood Wounds: A Crucial Step for Every Parent

Every individual carries within them the imprints of their past—especially the experiences of childhood. These early life events often embed themselves deeply in the subconscious and unconscious mind, shaping the very lens through which we view and interact with the world. As the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “The deeds of anyone of you will not save you.” (Sahih Muslim) — meaning, we cannot simply rely on what is apparent; the heart and inner healing are essential for righteous living.

Have you truly healed from your own childhood wounds?

It is vital to pause and reflect: What negative patterns from your upbringing continue to influence your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors? These unresolved wounds, if left unattended, can silently but powerfully transfer to your children. This is a serious responsibility, for Allah commands us to nurture the next generation in the best possible manner, as He says in the Qur’an:

"And enjoin prayer upon your family [and people] and be steadfast therein." (Qur’an, Surah Taha 20:132) — a command that implies a foundation of spiritual, emotional, and psychological stability.

The Reality: None of Us Are Perfect

A crucial realization is this: We are not angels, and neither were our parents. Our parents, no matter how much they love us, were human beings subject to mistakes, limitations, and errors in judgment. As the Salaf wisely observed, even the best of parents are not flawless. Imam Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) noted that understanding human nature means accepting imperfection and seeking improvement without despair.

If we fail to recognize our parents’ shortcomings, we may idealize their methods, unknowingly inheriting not only their strengths but also their weaknesses and harmful patterns. They did what they could with the knowledge and tools available to them, but many of their ways may not be suitable for us or our children today.

Applying these outdated or flawed methods blindly could be detrimental — spiritually, emotionally, and socially.

The Call to Action: Identify, Heal, and Break Negative Cycles

Islam encourages self-reflection and self-improvement, as the Prophet ﷺ said,

"The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger." (Sahih al-Bukhari) — a lesson in mastering one’s inner world first.

So, let us courageously identify those negative patterns embedded within us:

• How did your parents interact with each other, and how did that impact your understanding of relationships?

• How were your emotional needs met or neglected?

• What attitudes, fears, or misconceptions did you absorb from them unconsciously?

• Which behaviors are repeated today in your own marriage or parenting?

Recognizing these is the first step towards healing.

As Allah says,

"Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves." (Qur’an, Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:11) — healing is a proactive process.

The Stakes Are High: For Our Marriages and Our Children

Many unresolved childhood wounds negatively impact marriages, contributing to conflicts, misunderstanding, and heartbreak. Marriages may become arenas of misery rather than tranquility, as Allah reminds us that the home should be a place of Sakinah (tranquility) and mercy:

"And among His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy." (Qur’an, Surah Ar-Rum 30:21).

When emotional baggage from childhood goes unchecked, couples often unknowingly recreate the same harmful patterns, causing their marriages to suffer or even break down.

Healing is therefore not just a personal journey but a communal and familial necessity.

Protecting the Next Generation: Our Ultimate Responsibility

Children are like soft clay, absorbing not just what is explicitly taught, but everything around them — the way parents interact, how they express love or anger, the emotional climate of the home. These impressions are etched deeply into their hearts and minds, shaping their future relationships and worldview.

The Prophet ﷺ said, “Each child is born on fitrah (natural disposition), but his parents make him Jewish, Christian or Magian.” (Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim) — emphasizing the profound influence parents have.

We must, therefore, be intentional in breaking harmful cycles and nurturing healthy, loving, and spiritually grounded homes.

Healing from childhood wounds is a sacred duty for every parent. It requires honesty, patience, and trust in Allah’s mercy. Seek support if needed, make du‘ā’ (supplication), and remember the words of the early scholars: “No one is perfect except the Prophet ﷺ. We all fall short, but we strive to improve.”

By healing ourselves, we not only transform our own lives but also shield our children from inheriting unnecessary burdens, paving the way for stronger marriages, healthier families, and a better society.

May Allah guide us all to recognize, heal, and grow — for the sake of our children and for His pleasure.

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Self-Awareness: A Forgotten Pillar in Marital Harmony

Many of the marriages that have ended in separation—or are teetering on the edge of collapse—could have been salvaged if both spouses had nurtured one essential quality: self-awareness.

In the course of listening to countless marital complaints and grievances, a troubling pattern has emerged: spouses often project all the blame onto each other, refusing to acknowledge their own shortcomings. At best, they may admit to one or two minor faults, but even then, it is framed in a way that preserves a sense of superiority or innocence—as though they are the righteous victim in the story.

This mindset is not just damaging—it is dangerous.

The Power of Honest Self-Reflection

Only a self-aware individual is able to pause, reflect, and say with sincerity:

"I made a mistake. I hurt you. I need to change."

This is not weakness. This is maturity. This is strength. This is Islam.

“Indeed, Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.”

(Qur’an, Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:11)

Change begins from within. When one or both parties refuse to introspect, the marriage becomes a battlefield rather than a sanctuary.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“All the children of Adam are sinners, and the best of sinners are those who repent.”

(Tirmidhi, Hasan)

The noble Companions and the righteous predecessors (Salaf) were known for their humility in accepting correction and seeking forgiveness—even from their spouses. It is narrated that Umar ibn al-Khattab (رضي الله عنه), known for his strength, was also a man who listened to his wife’s advice and did not dismiss her counsel.

The Revenge Trap

Another cause of marital destruction is the culture of revenge that creeps into relationships.

When one spouse is hurt, rather than choosing healing or dialogue, they retaliate. Words become weapons. Hearts harden. Respect dies.

But must you truly take revenge? Is it really worth it?

Revenge is from the nafs—the lower self—not from a God-conscious heart. In fact, Allah elevates those who pardon:

“And the retribution for an evil act is an evil one like it, but whoever pardons and makes reconciliation—his reward is [due] from Allah. Indeed, He does not like the wrongdoers.”

(Qur’an, Surah Ash-Shura 42:40)

The Prophet ﷺ also said:

“The strong is not the one who overcomes others by strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger.”

(Bukhari and Muslim)

When a marriage reaches a point where each spouse is trying to out-hurt the other, it becomes what psychologists now call a “hypertoxic environment.” Such a home is unsafe not only for the couple—but for the children who witness it. Children raised in an environment of vengeance and emotional chaos are more likely to grow up struggling with self-regulation, trust, and emotional safety.

For the Sake of Your Children

As a parenting blog, this is our plea to every parent:

Your marriage isn’t just about you—it is your children’s first school.

Teach them how to be self-aware. Show them how to apologize. Model emotional responsibility. Let your marriage reflect the mercy, patience, and repentance that Islam calls us to.

Let your home be a space where faults are admitted, forgiveness is given, and growth is constant.

“And live with them in kindness...”

(Qur’an, Surah An-Nisa 4:19)

May Allah rectify our homes, soften our hearts, and help us raise emotionally healthy, spiritually grounded children. Ameen.

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Understanding and Addressing Bedwetting in Children

Bedwetting, or nocturnal enuresis, is a common issue among children, especially in early childhood. It can be frustrating for parents and embarrassing for children, but it is usually not a sign of laziness, rebellion, or poor parenting. Rather, it is often a developmental, emotional, or physiological issue that requires patience, understanding, and appropriate intervention.

In this article, we explore the phenomenon of bedwetting from both psychological and Islamic perspectives, aiming to equip parents with healthy ways to address it while avoiding harmful responses that can damage a child's self-esteem and trust.

What Is Bedwetting?

Bedwetting is defined as involuntary urination during sleep in a child aged five years or older, occurring at least twice a week over a period of three months. It can be:

• Primary (when the child has never had nighttime dryness for an extended period), or

• Secondary (when the child begins wetting the bed after having been dry for six months or more, often due to stress, trauma, or other emotional disturbances).

Common Causes of Bedwetting

1. Delayed bladder development

2. Genetics – if one or both parents wet the bed, the child is more likely to do so.

3. Deep sleep patterns

4. Hormonal imbalance (reduced production of vasopressin, the anti-diuretic hormone at night)

5. Stress and emotional insecurity

6. Medical conditions, though rare, such as urinary tract infections or diabetes

The Islamic Perspective: Mercy Before Blame

In Islam, children are seen as a trust (amānah) and a source of joy and responsibility. When dealing with their shortcomings, we are taught to be gentle, patient, and wise. Allah says:

"Indeed, mankind was created anxious: When evil touches him, impatient, and when good touches him, withholding [of it]—Except the observers of prayer."

(Surah Al-Maʿārij, 70:19-22, Muhsin Khan)

This verse reminds us that patience is a virtue we must cultivate, especially in parenting.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“He is not of us who does not show mercy to our young ones and respect to our elders.”

(Tirmidhi, 1919 – Sahih)

To scold or shame a child over a developmental challenge like bedwetting would contradict this Prophetic model of rahmah (mercy).

Healthy Approaches to Managing Bedwetting

1. Reassure the Child

   Let your child know that they are not alone and that bedwetting is something many children go through. Reinforce that it is not their fault, and they are not bad or dirty. This reassurance builds emotional safety.

2. Limit Evening Fluids

   Reduce intake of liquids after Maghrib, particularly caffeinated drinks or juice, and encourage urination before bed.

3. Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine

   Predictable routines help regulate the body’s natural rhythms and reduce stress.

4. Wake the Child for Nighttime Bathroom Breaks

   Gently wake them once during the night to urinate, but avoid making it punitive or disruptive.

5. Positive Reinforcement

   Use a star chart or small rewards for dry nights to encourage progress. Avoid bribery or shame for accidents.

6. Consult a Medical Professional if Needed

   If bedwetting persists beyond age 7 or appears suddenly after dry spells, consider professional assessment for possible underlying issues.

Unhealthy Responses and Their Effects

Unfortunately, many parents unknowingly resort to harmful strategies in their frustration. These include:

1. Shaming the Child

Calling a child lazy, dirty, or babyish due to bedwetting instills deep feelings of shame, insecurity, and self-hate. This may lead to long-term emotional and behavioral issues.

2. Physical Punishment

Striking or beating a child for bedwetting is not only ineffective but oppressive and sinful. The Prophet ﷺ never struck a child for personal matters. He said:

“Whoever is not merciful to the people, Allah will not be merciful to him.”

(Bukhari, 6013; Muslim, 2319)

3. Public Embarrassment

Talking about a child’s bedwetting in front of others destroys trust and breeds anxiety. Children deserve privacy and dignity, especially in their vulnerable moments.

Bedwetting and Emotional Security

Many cases of secondary bedwetting are linked to psychosocial stressors such as:

• Parental conflicts or divorce

• A new sibling

• School stress or bullying

• Trauma or abuse

In such cases, the child needs not just behavioral correction, but emotional connection and healing. This is a reminder of the importance of emotional presence and spiritual grounding in parenting.

The Salaf paid great attention to a child’s emotional well-being. Ibn al-Qayyim noted:

“The child’s soul is like a blank tablet; whatever you write on it, it will bear. If you raise them upon love, mercy, and righteousness, they will flourish. But if you raise them with neglect, anger, and harshness, they will break."

Dua and Tawakkul

While taking practical steps, parents must also turn to Allah for help. Bedwetting can test patience, but it also offers an opportunity to model dua, trust, and tawakkul for your children.

A beautiful dua to recite:

اللَّهُمَّ طَهِّرْ قَلْبَ ابْنِي، وَاجْعَلْ نَوْمَهُ سَكِينَةً، وَأَعِنَّهُ عَلَى التَّحَكُّمِ فِي بَوْلِهِ

“O Allah, purify my child’s heart, make his sleep peaceful, and help him control his urination.”

Final Thoughts

Bedwetting is not a moral failure, and neither is it a result of weak parenting. It is a natural developmental phase that most children outgrow. As Muslim parents, our duty is to respond with compassion, employ healthy strategies, and maintain spiritual awareness.

Let your child know you are there for them—not just when they get it right, but even more so when they struggle. This is the prophetic model of love and mercy—and it is the path to raising confident, emotionally healthy, God-conscious children.

Did this reflection stir your heart or open your mind?

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What Is Wrong with Shouting and Beating in Raising Children?

A Call to Rethink and Reform Our Parenting Practices with Islam and Insight

I do not write as a perfect parent—far from it. I write as one who has been on both sides of the parenting journey: from reacting to reflecting, from impulse to intention, and from tradition to transformation. Like many others, I passed through an environment where shouting was the soundtrack of correction, and the cane was the go-to solution for every perceived act of defiance. I was once convinced that firm discipline required force. “Resetting a child’s factory settings,” we called it.

But through Allah’s mercy, and the light of personal growth and intentional parenting, I’ve been forced to pause, to reflect, and to unlearn. And I invite you, dear parent, to do the same.

Revisiting the Islamic Perspective

Discipline in Islam is not about control—it’s about tarbiyah, holistic nurturing. It is about shaping the mind, heart, and behavior of a child in ways that please Allah. While correction is part of parenting, how we correct matters immensely.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ—our ultimate example in every role, including that of a caregiver—never raised his hand against a child. He ﷺ never shouted in rage, never lashed out in frustration. Despite the challenges of raising a community, guiding companions, and even interacting with children of all temperaments, his method was steeped in patience and mercy.

The Example of the Prophet ﷺ

Anas ibn Mālik رضي الله عنه said:

“I served the Prophet ﷺ for ten years. Not once did he say to me ‘Uff,’ nor did he say about something I had done, ‘Why did you do that?’ or something I hadn’t done, ‘Why didn’t you do that?’”

— [Sahih al-Bukhari, 6038; Sahih Muslim, 2309]

This narration isn't just a beautiful anecdote—it’s a rebuke to our tendencies. If the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, who was entrusted with guiding humanity, could correct and guide without shouting or striking, what then is our excuse?

Yes, he ﷺ did say:

“Instruct your children to pray at seven, and discipline them (strike them lightly) at ten if they neglect it.”

— [Abu Dawood, 495; Hasan according to Shaykh al-Albani]

But this must be understood in its proper context:

• It refers only to prayer, the cornerstone of faith.

• It is to be done at age ten, an age of growing cognitive maturity.

• It must be done lightly, with no harm, no humiliation, and only when all other methods have failed.

Imam Ibn Qayyim رحمه الله explained:

“The child must be nurtured with kindness, love, and wisdom. Beating is the last resort when all means have failed.”

— [Tuhfat al-Mawdūd, 1/229]

So if even for salah, the beating is delayed and restrained, why are we so quick to hit children for childish mistakes like spilling food, breaking toys, or missing homework?

Why Screaming and Beating Fail Us — Through the Lens of Psychology

Beyond Islamic guidance, modern psychology confirms what the Prophet ﷺ modeled over 1400 years ago: that gentleness fosters growth, while harshness breeds harm.

1. It’s Impulsive, Not Intentional

Screaming and beating are not strategies—they’re reactions. They erupt when we are overwhelmed, not when we are in control. But parenting is not about venting emotions. It is about designing an environment of growth and guidance.

Intentional parenting is proactive, not reactive.

2. It Breeds Trauma, Not Discipline

Yelling or hitting may silence a child, but it doesn’t teach them why something is wrong. It teaches fear, not values. Resentment, not responsibility. Children raised under fear-based discipline often become anxious, rebellious, or emotionally withdrawn.

3. It Destroys Self-Worth

Every scream chips away at a child's confidence. Every slap carves the message deeper:

“I’m not good enough.”

“No one understands me.”

“I am a burden.”

These internalized beliefs can lead to depression, low motivation, and broken self-esteem that lasts into adulthood.

4. It Fuels Generational Trauma

Children who are screamed at or beaten often grow up repeating the pattern. “This is how parenting is done,” they think. Without healing, the cycle continues—sometimes harsher than before.

But you can be the cycle breaker.

5. It Reveals Our Trauma, Not Theirs

Sometimes, our children’s behavior triggers pain from our own past. Their mess, noise, or refusal is not the problem. Our unresolved emotions are.

In such moments, the solution is not punishment—but healing.

So What Should We Do Instead?

Intentional Parenting with Faith and Strategy

We must raise our children with a plan, not with pressure. With the Qur’an in our hands and emotional intelligence in our hearts. That means:

🔹 Model What You Want to See

“The best of you are those who are best to their families.”

— [Tirmidhi, 3895]

Our children imitate us. If we model respect, patience, and responsibility, they will too—eventually.

🔹 Speak with Mercy

“And speak to people good words…”

— [Qur’an 2:83]

Speak gently, especially in moments of correction. Our tone can either uplift a child or crush them.

🔹 Use Structure Over Spontaneity

Have clear routines, expectations, and consequences—not chaos or reactionary parenting.

🔹 Pray for Them

“My Lord, make me an establisher of prayer, and [many] from my descendants...”

— [Qur’an 14:40]

Never stop calling on Allah for your children. Du’a is your most powerful parenting tool.

Children Are a Trust, Not a Test Subject

Let us always remember: Our children are not rebels to be tamed. They are souls to be shaped, hearts to be filled, minds to be cultivated. They are a trust (āmānah) from Allah—not our property, not our enemy, not our ego's outlet.

“O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire...”

— [Qur’an 66:6]

This protection begins with mercy. It continues with wisdom. And it succeeds with trust in Allah.

Choose the Better Way

Screaming and beating are easy. Anyone can do that.

But intentional parenting is better. It requires more patience, more humility, more knowledge—and more prayers. But it gives our children far more than fear: it gives them love, faith, confidence, and emotional security.

So let us:

• Pause before we shout.
• Reflect before we react.
• Guide before we discipline.
• And always pray before we proceed.

May Allah help us raise children who are the coolness of our eyes, and who will stand as sadaqah jariyah for us long after we are gone. Aameen.

Further Reading & Alternatives to Shouting and Beating:

👉🏽 The Hidden Damage of Screaming and Beating — and Better Alternatives

Did this reflection stir your heart or open your mind?

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Raising Tomorrow Today: The Sacred Responsibility of Intentional Parenting

It is often said that children are the leaders of tomorrow. To many, this may sound like just another poetic expression, but it is far more than that—it is a timeless truth, a spiritual and societal reality. Only those blinded by short-sightedness or numbed by the noise of the present fail to grasp its gravity. Children are not merely vessels waiting to be filled—they are gardens waiting to be nurtured, hearts waiting to be molded, souls waiting to be guided.

The future of any nation, community, or ummah lies in the values and vision we instill in our children today. And the hands that shape these children—those of parents, caregivers, teachers, and mentors—are in fact the architects of tomorrow’s world. A decaying society is not merely the product of failed policies or broken systems; it is often the bitter fruit of neglected homes and emotionally malnourished children.

This awareness is what ignited—and continues to sustain—my lifelong commitment to learning, teaching, and championing intentional parenting. This is not the kind of parenting that merely reacts to misbehavior or scolds at convenience. It is the kind of parenting that is deeply rooted in purpose and prayer—that plants seeds of tawheed, empathy, discipline, gratitude, resilience, and love, not just rules and routines.

Because if we truly desire a world that is safe, sane, spiritually sound, and socially balanced, we cannot bypass the hearts and homes of our children. Children do not grow up in a vacuum; they are shaped by the rhythms, conversations, and emotional climates of their environment. What they become tomorrow is—by Allah’s will and mercy—a reflection of what we build today.

"O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones..."

(Surah At-Tahrim, 66:6)

This powerful āyah is not just a call to religious instruction—it is a command to comprehensive guardianship. It is a divine reminder that our responsibilities extend beyond food and shelter to the realms of faith, emotional intelligence, mental health, and character formation.

But here’s a foundational truth I’ve come to embrace on this journey: you cannot talk about raising wholesome children without addressing the quality of the home they grow in—and that begins with the health of the marriage.

Intentional parenting cannot thrive in a soil poisoned by toxicity, neglect, or emotional chaos. The family system is the first madrasa (school) a child ever knows, and the parents are the first curriculum. If the marriage is defined by cold silence, verbal attacks, emotional manipulation, or unresolved pain, then no matter how much you read parenting books or attend lectures, the child is absorbing a distorted education through experience.

Many marriages today are silently bleeding. Behind the filtered photos and public smiles are deep wounds—traumas unhealed, love languages misunderstood, spiritual neglect, ego battles, and communication breakdowns. In these dysfunctional settings, children do not just hear shouting—they internalize what it means to love, to fight, to forgive, or to fear. They begin scripting the unwritten codes of their own future relationships.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Parents are not just guardians of children; they are caretakers of the entire emotional and spiritual atmosphere. The marriage is the climate, and the children are the crop. If we want children to flourish, we must cultivate homes that radiate stability, mercy, structure, and mutual respect.

That is why I strongly advocate for comprehensive premarital and marital education—not as a one-day formality before nikah, but as a lifelong process of growth. Couples need to explore self-awareness, emotional healing, gender psychology, communication tools, Islamic rights and responsibilities, conflict resolution, and spiritual connection—before and after marriage.

Ibn al-Qayyim (rahimahullah) wisely said:

"How many children have been corrupted by their parents, neglecting them, or by thinking they are doing good while they are actually corrupting them!"

(Tuhfat al-Mawdūd)

To the couple struggling behind closed doors, I say this: you matter. Your marriage matters. Your healing is not just for you—it is for your children, and the generations that will follow you.

Children are silent witnesses. Even when they say nothing, they see everything. You may think you're protecting them from your arguments, your emotional distance, or your inner battles—but they are internalizing it all, consciously or subconsciously. And in time, they will either replicate what they saw or spend years trying to unlearn it.

In a toxic environment, a child doesn’t just suffer—they inherit emotional and relational patterns they never asked for.

So what do we do?

• Break the cycle.
• Begin the healing.
• Fix what you can—and seek wise counsel when you can’t.
• Seek Allah’s guidance.
• Take intentional steps for your sake and theirs.

"Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves."

(Surah Ar-Ra’d, 13:11)

The choices you make today as a husband, a wife, or a parent will echo through your children’s hearts for the rest of their lives. Let them echo strength, mercy, wisdom, tawakkul, and dignity—not resentment, fear, or dysfunction.

So dear parents, spouses, and mentors:

• Live with legacy in mind.

• Marry with mindfulness.

• Parent with purpose.

• And above all, make du‘ā and seek Allah’s help every step of the way.

"Our Lord, grant us from among our spouses and offspring comfort to our eyes and make us leaders of the righteous."

(Surah Al-Furqan, 25:74)

Did this reflection stir your heart or open your mind?

🌟 Share the khayr. Leave a comment below with your thoughts.

🧠 Explore more posts to deepen your parenting and marital journey—bi idhnillāh.

💬 Let’s build a future of light, one heart and one home at a time.

Understanding Executive Functions

What are Executive Functions?

Think of executive functions as the brain’s “boss skills.” These are important mental abilities that help children plan, focus, remember instructions, control impulses, manage emotions, and solve problems. Just like a boss in an office directs tasks and keeps everything running smoothly, executive functions organize and guide a child’s thoughts and actions.

Some key executive functions include:

• Working Memory: Holding information in mind (like remembering instructions).

• Inhibitory Control: Stopping impulses or urges (like waiting your turn).

• Cognitive Flexibility: Adjusting to new rules or situations (like switching tasks smoothly).

• Planning and Organization: Figuring out how to do things step-by-step (like getting ready for school).

• Emotional Regulation: Managing feelings in different situations.

Executive Dysfunction: When the Brain’s Boss Needs Support

Sometimes, children struggle with these “boss skills.” This is called executive dysfunction. It means their brain has trouble managing tasks, controlling impulses, or regulating emotions. This isn’t about being “lazy” or “disobedient”—it’s about how their brain is wired or temporarily overwhelmed.

Signs of executive dysfunction might look like:

• Forgetting homework or instructions frequently

• Acting impulsively or interrupting others

• Getting easily frustrated or overwhelmed

• Difficulty starting or finishing tasks

• Trouble organizing belongings or managing time

Why Is This Important for Parents and Teachers?

When children have executive dysfunction, they may seem challenging or “difficult” to manage, but they actually need extra understanding and support. Reacting with beating, harsh scolding, or punishment can hurt their confidence, make their brain more stressed, and worsen their struggles.

How to Support Children with Executive Dysfunction

Here are some gentle and practical ways to help children build their executive functions and thrive:

1. Stay Calm and Patient: Your calmness helps the child feel safe and reduces their anxiety, which can improve brain function.

2. Use Clear, Simple Instructions: Break tasks into small, manageable steps. Instead of “Clean your room,” say, “First put your toys in the box, then put your clothes in the basket.”

3. Create Routines: Consistent daily routines help children know what to expect and reduce decision-making stress.

4. Use Visual Aids: Charts, checklists, and timers help children remember and manage tasks.

5. Practice Emotional Regulation: Teach children to recognize their feelings and use calming techniques like deep breathing or counting.

6. Encourage Breaks: Short, frequent breaks during tasks prevent overwhelm and improve focus.

7. Praise Effort, Not Just Results: Celebrate small achievements to build their confidence and motivation.

8. Avoid Harsh Punishment: Instead of beating or yelling, use positive reinforcement and gentle redirection. Harsh discipline increases stress hormones and can damage the brain’s ability to self-regulate.

Executive functions develop gradually and can be strengthened with support, understanding, and love. By guiding children patiently and respectfully, parents and teachers can help them become confident, organized, and emotionally balanced individuals.

Abu Anas, Abdullateef SADIQ

+2348108537508 

abufaatimah07@gmail.com

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