Upbringing of Children

The importance of the *ij\b is unquestionable and also its practicality
is undoubtable. Parents need not impose *ij\b on their daughters, if
correct education is given, and the correct frame of mind is made, they
will eagerly wear the *ij\b out of their own accord.
The mother should also explain to the daughter the harms of getting
into relationships with the opposite sex. She must warn of the heart
break and hurt that follows what she may feel is, “the perfect
relationship”. Also make sure that the daughter learns the lesson as to
why Isl\m prohibits it (the displeasure of All\h I, as well as practical
reasons), and what the punishments are for those who indulge in such
*ar\m acts.
Male Roles And Duties
Boys (and their parents) seem to think that the chores of the house are
for the girls only. Thus they do not contribute towards the general
upkeep of the family home. Many boys sadly enslave their sisters to do
everything for them, (cooking, cleaning, washing clothes, ironing etc).
This is very wrong. Boys should initially be taught that it is their duty to
help in the chores. The parents can show the male offspring that this
was even the practice of the Prophet r. If they are lazy or refuse to do
their share, they should, with wisdom, be ordered to do their part in
helping everyone at home.
Many parents seem to think that there is a lot less effort needed in
raising boys. This is untrue. The upbringing of boys is just as delicate as
that of girls. This is proven by the fact that negligence in them can bring
about results as disastrous as those caused by negligence in girls.
As the child grows older he needs from his father a friend as well as a
role model. Friendship offered by the father should not be in what the
father thinks of as fun, but rather within limits what the child thinks.
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