Assalamualaikum.
About two hours ago, I, my brother, and my sister, were talking in the dining room. My children were there too. When conversation turned into political situation in Indonesia my sister mentioned the name of a controversial figure. Suddenly my 13 years old son said loudly about that figure ... "(name) is racist !!".
That figure indeed racist. But the way my son said about him was shocking me. And suddenly I am worry. I am afraid my son will become like that figure in the future, who often talking bad and insult other people in public.
I want to teach my son to have better manner in criticizing someone. But currently I don't know how.
:wa:
Many of us under estimate how easily and quickly children pick up what is going on around them. Especially with the advent of social media and the ability to access news (whether fake or true) on our phones, tablets, schools/colleges where it is freely available. So our children are exposed to the benefits and dangers of the internet. It is well known that the main stream media use fear and other manipulative methods to shape and change thinking and perception of the masses to align with their own agenda. They are aware that children are particularly vulnerable due to their lack of knowledge and general naivety of life. So they target social media with all kinds of fear mongering and fake news.
Also politics and other general issues on current affairs are commonly spoken about amongst friends and peers and obviously children are particularly influenced by peers. So this is a wake up call to all of us. Therefore we should always take time out to regularly speak to our children about current affairs and what is going on our country and around the world. If we do not speak and discuss such matters with them then they will get influence from the internet, media and friends and peers.
We should also take regular allocated time out with our children, even if it is a few minutes a day, reading and learning a page from a book like Riyad Us Saahileen, Seal of Nectar (Life of the Prophet), good easy to understand Tafseer of the Qur'an and listening to a good Islamic lectures online or on Islamic channels etc. We should concentrate on teaching our children about the life and behavior of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) life and that of his companions.
If we do not make them look up to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and his companions then they will end up looking up to the worst of people like celebrities, musicians and even Politicians. So from this regular sitting with them to read, learn and listen to lectures then this will eventually have a positive impact upon them inshaAllah and create a good atmosphere in the house.
We should also encourage them more to do their own research and learning into Islam and give them the necessary books, suggest online lectures etc. This will give them the passion to read and learn. The best way to learn is via books but unfortunately that is slowly disappearing now especially with the newer generations growing up with mobile phones and tablets. If we can then it is very beneficial to enroll our children onto Islamic courses in the local area/Masjids/Islamic centers. This way they can learn and benefit from face to face teaching and also meet like minded children who they can befriend.
It is paramount to teach our children to have good company because our children will be who their company is. They will get influenced from their behavior and even thinking.
May Allah give your son and and all of our children the best of characters and to be of the greatest benefit to the Ummah. Ameen
eace:
