Be an Example!
This post is in: General Upbringing
The most effective way to teach anything to anybody is by example, that is, to be a good role model. This is why Allah sent human beings as Prophets to all peoples.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) was the best of examples, as Allah says:
Truly, in those there is an excellent example for everyone who puts their hopes in Allah and the Last Day.
Qur’an 60:6
We need to understand that our children, especially when they are young, will learn how to behave by watching what we do.
Every time we deal with our children, we are teaching them, whether we treat them good or bad or whether we intend to or not. There is a famous poem by an anonymous author that emphases this point. It begins:
- If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.
- If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight.
- If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy.
Therefore we must examine carefully how we deal with our child in order to have a desirable end result. This same poem continues:
- If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient.
- If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice.
- If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith.