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How does the way I use eye contact and body language shape emotional closeness with my child?

Parenting Perspective

Children have a keen awareness of nonverbal clues. Before words are ever heard, posture, tone, facial expressions, and eye contact all convey a lot. Your child will know you are there when you kneel at their level and look them in the eyes with gentleness and attention. Stiff posture, looking at your phone, or crossing your arms can all be signs of annoyance or disinterest. On the other hand, open body language, nodding, and leaning in foster trust. A simple change in your physical presence can turn a routine conversation into a meaningful one.

Spiritual Insight

The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ practised full-body attentiveness. It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 3638, that when someone spoke to him, ‘And if he turned his head, his body turned as well…’ This shows the dignity he gave to others, regardless of age. Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hujuraat (49), Verse 11: ‘…do not let a nation ridicule another nation…’ It is not encouraged to be subtly dismissive by making fun of, avoiding, or adopting a chilly stance. Not only do harsh words hurt children, but they also make them feel unworthy of attention. Our actions, eye contact, and even our silence can all be interpreted as acts of love. Following the Sunnah makes our body language a form of worship that brings us closer to our kids and the moral fibre of the human race.

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