< All Topics
Print

How can I show my child what healthy emotional expression looks like?

Parenting Perspective

The most effective teaching method is modelling. Allow your child to observe you expressing emotions in healthy ways by saying things like, ‘I need a moment to breathe because I am feeling frustrated right now.’ Speak in plain terms and in a relaxed manner. Describe your personal coping mechanisms, such as journaling, pausing, or constructing a Dua. Do not hide any emotions; instead, show them that it is acceptable to feel angry or sad and demonstrate how to react in a healthy way. Children pick up emotional control by demonstration rather than instruction.

Spiritual Insight

The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ expressed a full range of emotions; joy, sorrow, anger, love always with dignity. It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 1303 The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself cried at moments of loss and grief, including at the death of his son Ibrahim. ‘The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ took Ibrahim and kissed him and smelled him and later we entered Abu Saif’s house and at that time Ibrahim was in his last breaths, and the eyes of the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ started shedding tears. `Abdur Rahman bin `Auf said, ‘O Allah’s Apostle, even you are weeping!’ He said, ‘O Ibn `Auf, this is mercy.’ Then he wept more.’ Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Shuraa (42), Verse 37: ‘And those people that avoid the major sins and immoralities, and when they become angry, they are readily forgiving.’ Emotional expression that is healthy is mercy in action, not repression.

Table of Contents

How can we help?