< All Topics
Print

How do I raise emotionally aware children when I am also learning that language with them? 

Parenting Perspective 

Teaching emotional intelligence does not require you to be an expert in it. In fact, your learning in front of your child is one of the most powerful forms of parenting. Say openly: I did not always learn how to talk about my feelings, but I want us to grow together. Emotional humility is sown by this candour, which teaches your child that it is acceptable to be uninformed if you are prepared to learn. To assist you both develop a common language, use easy techniques like labelling your own feelings aloud (I feel overwhelmed right now), asking open-ended questions like How did that make you feel? and inviting books, images, or emotion cards. Give your child a glimpse of you pausing, thinking, and changing direction. Being emotionally aware is a journey. It is a language, and speaking it, even if it is not perfect, teaches much more than being quiet ever could. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam considers the journey, not just the destination, to be important. Every step you take in the direction of improvement is respected. Allah Almighty says in Surah Al Hashar (59), Verse 18: 

All those of you who are believers, seek piety from Allah (Almighty); and let every person anticipate (the consequences of) what they have sent forth (in the Hereafter) for the next day…” 

This verse serves as a reminder that the decisions we make on a daily basis, especially our emotional interactions, affect not just our families but also our eternal future. The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ never demanded perfection from his companions. Instead, he nurtured growth with gentleness and patience. It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 1: 

Actions are judged by intentions, and everyone will be rewarded according to what they intended.” 

Therefore, when you sit next to your child and say, Let us work this out together, you are exemplifying the qualities of Islam, which include humility, sincerity, and constant effort. You might fumble the words. You might not get it right every time. However, Allah Almighty can tell if your heart is moving in the direction of connection. And as a result of that effort, your child will acquire not only emotional language but also the language of faith-based love. 

Table of Contents

How can we help?