31 January, 2026
Continually advise your children, gently pointing out their mistakes. If they continue, set creative consequences that least impact their self-esteem.
Ask your daughter, who fails to get up early, to write an essay on the ills of this habit. Have her write it five times. Other examples could be jogging in the park; cleaning the park; polishing the car; washing the extra dishes etc. You must strictly avoid yelling, scolding, taunting, etc.
If your son gets stitches in the head for not using his helmet on a bike, the impulse is to shout: ―Look what happened! How I wish you would have listened to me! I told you to use the helmet a hundred times and now look at the mess you created.‖
My advice to you at this time is to keep silent. Help your son to manage the adversity. And if you have to speak, let those words be of consolation and encouragement, not of reprimand. Through that accident, Allah‘s grand design (SWT) is addressing your child. Don‘t let your words spoil the conversation.
I repeat: please choose silence!