What are small signs that show my child is emotionally thriving at home? 

Parenting Perspective 

Signs of Confidence and Openness 

When a child is emotionally healthy, they feel comfortable being who they are. To gain affection, they do not have to act or repress. Instead, they exhibit confidence in their daily actions, such as making eye contact, speaking candidly, and coming back to you for solace when they are feeling angry. 

Resilience After Disagreements 

They might ask insightful questions, show affection freely, or bounce back from disagreements without feeling ashamed or withdrawn. They respond to correction without losing their sense of comfort, play creatively, and laugh readily. Crucially, they have faith that love endures despite the imposition of boundaries. Their tone, body language, and readiness to maintain emotional ties following discipline all demonstrate this trust. 

Indicators in Quieter Children 

Consistency in mood, openness to connection, and consistent participation in the home environment are indicators of emotional wellness in children, even those who are quiet or timid. Despite their seeming insignificance, these are potent markers of a protected inner world.

Spiritual Insight 

Emotional flourishing is aligned with the Islamic concept of Sakoon (peacefulness). Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Fatah (48), Verse 4: 

‘He (Allah Almighty) is the One Who has transmitted tranquillity into the hearts of the believers…‘

The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ created emotionally safe environments for children, where they felt valued. It is recorded in Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith 5218, that Al-Aqra’ bin Habib saw the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ kissing Husain and remarked that he had ten children and had never kissed any of them. The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘He who does not show tenderness will not be shown tenderness. ‘

According to this hadith, a home with a strong spiritual foundation not only permits but also encourages emotional expression. Children who flourish emotionally are an indication that the home is a place of mindfulness and mercy, where the soul feels safe and the heart feels seen.