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ADD (Hyperactivity)
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ADHD
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Behaviour
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- Should I comfort my child after a tantrum, or stick to enforcing consequences
- What should I avoid doing that might accidentally make tantrums worse?
- How do I stop tantrums becoming a habit whenever my child wants something?
- Should I use time-outs for tantrums or is there a better way?
- What kind of discipline strategies work for tantrums without shaming the child?
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- How can I help my child learn to manage their emotions before they explode?
- How can I teach calming techniques to a very young child?
- How can I teach my child to take deep breaths or count when upset?
- How do I calm my child down when they are having a full-blown meltdown?
- What are helpful things to say during a tantrum to make my child feel seen?
- How do I encourage my child to ask for help instead of melting down?
- How do I explain to my child that it is okay to feel upset, but not to act out?
- How do I explain to my child what is happening in their body when they get angry?
- What can I do when my child starts screaming or crying the moment I say ‘no’ to something they want?
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- As a parent, what is my role in a tantrum?
- How can I handle my child’s tantrums without shouting or losing my temper?
- How can I help my child manage frustration when they struggle with something new, like tying shoes or writing?
- How can I teach my child to recognise when they are about to lose control and ask for help before it escalates?
- How do I handle it if my child seems proud or amused after a tantrum?
- How do I handle it when my child screams ‘I hate you!’ during a tantrum?
- How do I involve my child in creating their own calming strategies or quiet-down plans?
- How do I recognise my child’s early warning signs before a tantrum starts?
- How do I stay connected with my child even when I have to set limits?
- How do I stop my toddler from banging their head or hurting themselves during a tantrum?
- Is it normal for my child to forget what happened after a meltdown?
- What can I do when my child’s tantrum turns into silence or emotional withdrawal instead of shouting?
- What does emotional safety look like in a faith-based home?
- What role does connection and attention play in reducing tantrums?
- What should I do if my child’s tantrums make me feel embarrassed or judged?
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- How can I remain calm and not take tantrums personally?
- How do I explain to others (family or in-laws) that tantrums are not just misbehaviour?
- How do I manage my own emotions when my child’s tantrum triggers me?
- How do I stop myself from comparing my child’s behaviour to other kids?
- What can I do when I feel like I have run out of patience or ideas?
- How do I gently explain to others that we do not hit or punish harshly in our home?
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- How can I help my child recover from a tantrum in a way that builds trust?
- How do I help my child repair the emotional mess after a big outburst, without making them feel ashamed or bad?
- Should I explain to my child that even adults have big feelings sometimes?
- What can I say to my child after a tantrum to help them reflect on what happened?
- Can bedtime stories and routines reduce end-of-day meltdowns?
- How can I reward emotional growth rather than just good behaviour?
- How do I help my child learn from a tantrum without over-talking?
- How do I help my child repair a relationship after a tantrum has hurt someone?
- How do I track progress or patterns in my child’s tantrums?
- Is it better to talk about a tantrum right away or wait until later?
- Is it ever helpful to record tantrums to show my child later?
- What are the best books or tools to help children understand big feelings?
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- Are rewards helpful in preventing tantrums, or do they just lead to children demanding each time?
- How do I handle tantrums first thing in the morning before school or nursery?
- Can too much screen time make tantrums worse and what is the solution?
- How can I use routine and structure to reduce emotional outbursts?
- How do I deal with tantrums around bedtime or when it is time to stop screen time?
- How do I deal with tantrums in the car or when we are travelling?
- What should I do if my child uses tantrums to delay things they do not want to do, like bedtime or clean-up?
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- Can daily affirmations or calm rituals help children feel more secure?
- How can I create a calm-down corner or space for my child?
- How do I set boundaries during a tantrum without escalating the situation?
- Is it better to hold or leave my child during a tantrum?
- How can I reset the mood after a difficult tantrum?
- How do I stop my child from hitting or kicking during a tantrum?
- Should I ignore my child during a tantrum or try to talk to them?
- What kind of tone and body language helps when I’m de-escalating a tantrum?
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- Are tantrums always a sign of poor discipline or something deeper?
- Can hunger or tiredness cause tantrums, and how do I manage that?
- How do I manage tantrums from a child with speech delays?
- Is it normal for a five-year-old to still have daily tantrums?
- Is there a link between diet and mood swings in children?
- What are signs that tantrums are linked to sensory overload or other needs?
- What do tantrums in younger children look like compared to older ones?
- What is the difference between a tantrum and a meltdown?
- Are boys more prone to tantrums than girls or is it just a myth?
- How do I know if my child’s tantrums need professional help?
- Why does my child seem to have tantrums only with me and not others?
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Celebrations
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Clothing
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Correct Parental Attitude
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Cultural Crimes & Misconduct
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Curiosity
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Death of a Child
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Dental Care Issues
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Dyslexia
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Dyspraxia
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Education
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- Are boys and girls supposed to develop at the same rate in the first 7 years?
- At what age should my child know colours, shapes, and basic words?
- How can I support a child who is late in reaching milestones?
- How do I know if my toddler is developing at a healthy pace?
- Is delayed speech always a cause for concern?
- Should I be worried if my child prefers solo play?
- What are early signs of giftedness or advanced learning?
- What are the key brain development stages and milestones in the first 7 years?
- What does it mean if my child does not show interest in numbers or letters?
- When is a child’s brain most receptive to learning?
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- Can arguments at home impact learning?
- Can tantrums be linked to underdeveloped thinking?
- Does too much structure limit creativity?
- How can I help my child calm down and refocus?
- How can I support my child if they are shy in social settings?
- How do I help my child understand emotions?
- How do I teach turn-taking and patience through play?
- How do relationships affect brain development?
- What if my child is easily overwhelmed?
- What role does affection play in building intelligence?
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- Are emotional differences normal in learning styles?
- Are rough games more suited for boys only?
- Do boys and girls learn differently in their early years?
- Do boys take longer to focus than girls?
- How do I avoid pushing stereotypes in learning?
- Is quietness in a girl a concern or a norm?
- Should I separate their toys based on gender?
- Should I teach sons and daughters the same way?
- Should learning expectations be different for each child?
- What kind of learning works better for girls?
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- Do household chores contribute to brain development?
- How can I help my child learn at home without making it feel like a chore?
- How can I use everyday tasks such as cooking or bathing as early learning?
- How does food affect brain development?
- How important is a peaceful home environment for young children?
- How important is quiet time for a young child, and why?
- Should toys be educational, or can they just have fun?
- What are the benefits to my child of having a learning corner at home?
- What is the link between sleep and learning?
- What role does the kitchen play in early learning?
- What simple games help brain growth?
- What visual aid methods should I use to help my child learn?
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- Are certain foods 'brain foods' for toddlers?
- Can poor sleep habits delay development?
- Can vitamin deficiencies affect early learning?
- Does too much sugar affect attention in children?
- How can I help a tired child learn better?
- How did Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ encourage children to learn?
- How much physical activity is needed for mental growth?
- Is there a recommendation in Islam for starting education early?
- Is there Islamic evidence on the benefits of learning from a young age?
- What Duas can I read to improve my child’s understanding and memory?
- What is the Islamic approach to feeding and focus?
- What natural habits help a child wake up ready to learn?
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- Are screen-based apps helpful or harmful for language learning?
- How can I teach my child the importance of mindful versus careless speech
- How can I teach my child the meaning of what they say, not just the words?
- How do I encourage a child who does not talk much?
- What are good starter books for Islamic and general language growth?
- What Islamic songs and Nasheeds build language skills?
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- Can a poor early learning experience be reversed later?
- How can I future-proof my child’s brain against peer pressure?
- How do I build focus and memory in a fun way?
- How do I make transitions (from nursery to school) easier?
- Is attention span something that can be trained?
- Should I start goal setting in the early years?
- What habits now help with future learning?
- What is one thing I can do daily to support brain growth?
- What skills now help with understanding the noble Quran?
- When should I teach time and routines?
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- Can sand, water, and mud play really build intelligence?
- Can too much screen time undo any good habits or ways of thinking that I am teaching?
- Do I need to read aloud even if my child cannot understand?
- Does running and climbing help the brain too?
- How can I tell if a toy is too advanced or too basic?
- How can I use car journeys and errands for brain-building
- How does playing with siblings enhance thinking skills?
- How important is it to talk to my baby regularly
- Is it better to lead the play or follow the child’s lead?
- What kinds of pretend play are helpful for brain growth?
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- Are puzzles useful for toddlers?
- Can memorisation of the noble Quran aid early brain development
- How can I make learning a form of worship?
- How can outdoor play boost memory and attention
- How do I link brain development to Tawheed and purpose?
- Is it okay to let a child learn Islamic and secular subjects together
- Is there a Sunnah way of storytelling for children?
- Should I introduce Islamic knowledge before ABCs and 123s
- What Islamic games can stimulate thinking?
- What toys are best for cognitive development?
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- Can too many corrections stop curiosity?
- How can fathers play an active role in early learning?
- How does my tone of voice affect my child’s learning?
- How many languages can a toddler learn without confusion?
- How often should I be 'teaching' during the day?
- If I am from a multilingual background, what language should I speak at home primarily?
- Should I speak Arabic at home if I am not fluent?
- Should I teach my child or just let them explore learning?
- What benefit is there to my child if we speak more than one language at home?
- What if I am not a confident teacher myself?
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Faith
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Family Dynamics
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Female Issues
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Financial Rights
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Food
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- Are multivitamins necessary for babies?
- Are purees better than baby-led weaning?
- Can I give honey to my infant?
- Can I give my baby cow’s milk before age 1?
- How do I handle picky eating?
- How do I introduce peanuts safely?
- How do I know if my baby has a food allergy?
- How do I prevent choking during feeding?
- How do I transition from breast milk/formula to solid meals?
- How much protein does my toddler need?
- How much water should my toddler drink?
- How often should toddlers eat?
- Is it okay to give fruit juice to toddlers?
- Should I avoid sugar completely in the first year?
- Should I give my baby organic food?
- What are signs of iron deficiency in infants?
- What are the best first foods for my baby?
- What if my toddler refuses to eat vegetables?
- What is a healthy portion size for toddlers?
- When should I start introducing solid foods?
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- Are fruit snacks and granola bars healthy?
- Are gummy vitamins effective?
- Can I let my child eat fast food occasionally?
- How can I make vegetables more appealing?
- How can I teach my child about healthy food choices?
- How can I tell if my child is overeating?
- How do I deal with constant requests for junk food?
- How do I read nutrition labels with my child?
- How do I reduce sugar without depriving my child?
- How many calories does a child aged 4–8 years need?
- How much calcium does my child need daily?
- How much fibre should a child aged 4-8 years eat?
- Is it okay if my child is underweight but active?
- Is plant-based eating safe for young children?
- Should I avoid gluten or dairy even if my child is not allergic to these?
- Should I be concerned about food dyes and additives?
- Should I worry about soy in my infant’s diet?
- What are healthy snacks for school lunches?
- What is a healthy breakfast for a child?
- What is the best way to handle food tantrums?
- Show Remaining Articles (5) Collapse Articles
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- Are energy drinks dangerous for kids?
- How can I spot disordered eating early on?
- How do I balance social eating with nutrition?
- How do I guide my child through body image issues and food?
- How do I help my teen make healthy choices at school?
- How do I support my child through a growth spurt nutritionally?
- How much caffeine is too much for teens?
- How much water should my teen drink daily?
- Is dairy intake still important for older kids?
- Is intermittent fasting safe for teens?
- Should I track my teen’s calorie intake?
- Should teens take omega-3 supplements?
- Should teens take protein shakes or supplements?
- What are good sources of non-meat-based proteins?
- What are healthy meal prep ideas for busy teens?
- What are signs of a nutrient deficiency in adolescents?
- What are signs of emotional eating in teens?
- What if my teen wants to go vegetarian or vegan?
- What is a balanced diet for a teenager?
- What is the role of carbs in an athletic teen’s diet?
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Health Issues and Disabilities
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Identity
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Life Skills
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Newborns
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OCD (Perfectionism)
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Orphans
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Parental Relationship
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- How can I show emotional support without always fixing or solving their problems?
- How do I build bonding moments when I co-parent or share custody?
- How do parents unintentionally teach emotional suppression, and how can we undo that?
- What are small signs that show my child is emotionally thriving at home?
- What emotional difference does it make when I affirm my child’s effort instead of just their success?
- What helps my child feel like their emotions are taken seriously at home?
- What kind of family habits help children feel emotionally grounded?
- What kind of words help my child feel deeply loved and emotionally secure?
- What kinds of affirmations build emotional resilience in children?
- What makes children feel emotionally invisible at home, even when we are around them?
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- How can I create a home where my child’s feelings are welcomed instead of judged?
- How can I help my child feel emotionally secure when starting school or daycare?
- How can I tell if my child feels emotionally safe with me?
- How do I create an emotionally safe space where my child feels it is okay to cry?
- How do I help my child when they say, ‘You do not understand me’?
- How do I know if my parenting style is building trust or fear?
- How does being consistent in my emotional reactions build trust with my child?
- How does daily stress affect my emotional connection with my child, and what can I do about it?
- What are gentle ways to handle emotional clinginess without damaging trust?
- What are some signs that my child might be craving more one-on-one emotional connection?
- What are the signs that my child might feel emotionally dismissed or ignored by me?
- What does emotional neglect look like in everyday parenting, and how can I avoid it?
- What does it mean if my child withdraws emotionally, and how should I respond?
- What helps my child feel fully seen when they talk to me?
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- How do I create bonding moments if I do not have much time during the week?
- How do I know if my emotional expressions are shaping my child’s inner world positively?
- How do I show my child I care, even when they share something small or silly?
- How does the way I use eye contact and body language shape emotional closeness with my child?
- What are some subtle ways to reconnect with a child who is grown emotionally distant?
- What does 'emotional presence' mean for working parents with limited time?
- What does emotional bonding during conflict resolution look like with children?
- What does the noble Quran teach about showing love and mercy to children?
- What emotional impact does it have on a child when I truly listen without interrupting?
- What is the best way to discipline my child without harming our emotional connection?
- What kind of language can I use to help my child feel truly loved?
- What tone of voice helps my child feel safe, respected, and loved?
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- How can I build emotional bonding if I did not grow up with it myself?
- How can I gently teach my child that it is okay to express emotions?
- How can I guide my child to express difficult emotions respectfully while still feeling heard?
- How can I make school mornings less rushed and more emotionally calm?
- How can I show my child what healthy emotional expression looks like?
- How do emotionally secure children behave differently than those who feel disconnected?
- What can I do if I feel emotionally disconnected from one child more than the other?
- What can I do when my child starts preferring one parent over the other?
- What does it really mean to parent with Rahmah (mercy) in everyday life?
- What impact does sarcasm or teasing have on a child’s emotional trust?
- What is the best way to respond when my child expresses fear or vulnerability?
- What makes children open up about their emotions in everyday settings?
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- How can bedtime become a time for emotional connection instead of just routine?
- How can I help my child feel secure when family routines keep changing?
- How can laughing together strengthen the emotional bond between me and my child?
- How does physical affection, like hugs or a gentle touch, help build emotional connection?
- What do I say when I have broken a promise or disappointed my child emotionally?
- What does emotional bonding actually look like for a child under five?
- What helps me reconnect emotionally after I have been distracted or busy for days?
- Why is play important for building emotional closeness with my child?
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- How can cultural or generational habits unintentionally impact emotional bonding with children?
- How can family rituals like walks or meals become moments of real emotional bonding?
- How can I model emotional regulation so that my child learns it from me naturally?
- How can I tune into my child’s feelings without them needing to explain everything?
- How can shared daily rituals like meals or walks help me bond with my child?
- How do I make sure my emotional wounds do not affect how I parent my child?
- How do I reconnect emotionally when I have been distracted or distant for a while?
- What does real emotional attunement look like across different ages (toddlers vs. preteens)?
- What helps me stay emotionally present when I am physically with my child?
- What is one thing I can start doing to be more emotionally available?
- What is the best way to respond when I feel emotionally triggered by my child’s behaviour?
- What small shifts in my daily behaviour can help me become more emotionally present for my child?
- What small, daily habits can help me build a closer connection with my child?
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- How can I gently reconnect after an emotional rupture with my child?
- How can I manage my emotions better when my child’s behaviour pushes my limits?
- How can I model emotional vulnerability without overwhelming my child?
- How can I rebuild emotional trust after I have shouted or lost my temper?
- In what ways can storytelling help deepen emotional closeness with young children?
- What are realistic ways to stay emotionally available when I have multiple kids or work stress?
- What can I do when I feel too emotionally drained to connect with my child?
- What helps deepen connection if I was not emotionally close to my child in their early years?
- What helps when I feel like I am constantly nagging instead of connecting?
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- How can bedtime rituals, like reflection or gratitude, support emotional bonding?
- How can faith-based activities or rituals enhance emotional connection at home?
- How can I protect my bond with my child when there is tension in the home?
- How can I use shared meals to build emotional safety and openness in my family?
- How can rituals like family meals or weekly walks support long-term emotional bonding?
- How can siblings be included in emotional bonding without making any child feel left out?
- How can telling stories or reflecting together strengthen my emotional bond with my child?
- How do I avoid accidentally invalidating my child’s feelings when I try to comfort them?
- How do I emotionally support my child through big transitions, like moving homes or starting school?
- How do shared family traditions help deepen emotional connection over time?
- How should I respond when my child is upset if I want to strengthen our bond?
- What small traditions or routines can make emotional bonding feel more stable and predictable?
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- How can I adapt bonding practices to suit each of my children’s different temperaments?
- How can I encourage emotional bonding between my children as siblings?
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- How can I make emotional bonding easier if I have a neurodivergent child?
- How can I make time for each of my children individually when life is busy?
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- How can I tell if my child’s behaviour is a call for connection or just a phase?
- How does emotional bonding look different with introverted versus extroverted children?
- What are ways to make car rides or chores emotionally connecting rather than rushed tasks?
- What kind of language should I avoid if I want to nurture emotional safety?
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Print
What kinds of pretend play are helpful for brain growth?
PostedJuly 15, 2025
UpdatedJuly 16, 2025
Views5
Parenting Perspective
Pretend play is far more than a way to pass the time. It is one of the most powerful tools for early brain development. When children engage in imaginative scenarios like playing ‘shop’, ‘school’, ‘family’, or ‘doctor’, they are developing essential life skills. They practise thinking beyond the present moment by creating storylines, rules, and roles. This boosts abstract reasoning and lays the foundation for problem-solving and future academic tasks. It also helps them understand sequences and the flow of cause and effect, which are important for everything from reading comprehension to emotional understanding.
In pretend play, children do not just repeat what they see, they reinterpret it. They explore fears, excitement, confusion, and empathy. For example, a child pretending to be a teacher might discover how it feels to be responsible, fair, or in charge. Offer open-ended items like fabric, boxes, play food, or dolls instead of scripted toys. Let your child lead. Their pretend worlds reveal how they are making sense of the one they live in, and how they are building the cognitive and emotional muscles they will use for years to come.
Spiritual Insight
Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Qalam (68), Verse 1: ‘Noon, by the Pen (of light) and what is written (therewith).’ This verse speaks to the sacred power of language, symbol, and imagination. It reminds us of that storytelling and the ability to create and interpret meaning are not trivial, but noble. Imagination is not aimless fantasy. It is a divine gift that helps children internalise lessons, test ideas, and explore virtues in a way their hearts can hold onto.
It is well documented that holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ engaged with children in ways that honoured their innocence and allowed space for gentle, meaningful play. For example, it is recorded in Adab Al Mufrad, Hadith 264 that holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ raced and played with his grandson, ‘(when the grandson) began to run this way and that and holy Prophet (Muhammad ﷺ) made him laugh until he caught hold of him.’ He ﷺ showed kindness to children’s world of imagination, never dismissing it as foolish or unimportant. Pretend play, when guided by values and loving presence, becomes a Sunnah aligned method of nurturing both intellect and character. It can reflect acts of care, justice, and compassion, even within simple games. Parents who encourage such play are not just supporting brain growth, they are helping a child grow into a soul that feels seen, valued, and inspired. Imaginative play shaped with warmth and wisdom is a bridge between learning and love, and a quiet way of forming spiritual and emotional resilience.
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