It's important that we teach our children practical life skills--skills that teach them how to survive in society--how to thrive in society. These practical life skills can be divided into categories and the skills that fall within each category are many, varied and probably endless. The question then arises as to which life skills you value and which life skills you and your spouse want to teach to your children. I'd like to share with you what I am teaching my children--
Communication skills. It is absolutely critical that people learn how to effectively communicate with one another, both verbally and through the written word. I'm teaching my kids the following--
Be truthful-- Sincere, your word means everything
Speak kindly--don't be hurtful with the words you use
Say please, thank you, no thank you, etc. People appreciate manners
Eye contact is very important
As important as your words are, your actions are even more important
When in doubt, ask questions
Being able to organize and write your thoughts down on paper is important
Realize that what you write may be read by many people--unintended readers as well as intended readers
Be very careful what you write/post on the internet. Verily God has access to the internet. "He's watching"
Never, ever, ever use your communication skills to bully or make fun of anyone
A similar important skill set is the formation and maintenance of relationships. The ability to form and maintain relationships affects aspects of our lives. Relationship beliefs and skills that I want my children to master include--
Worship Allah without ascribing any partners with Him in worship
Follow the Messenger Muhammad The Last and Final Prophet sent to Humanity
Treat others as you would like to be treated yourself
Do not confuse kindness for weakness. Recognize and value kindness
It's important to be reliable
There is no such thing as being too polite, too kind, or too reliable
Value your time and other people's time
Friends come and go--so choose them wisely"Birds of a feather flock together"
Empathy--it's very important
You love people based on their love of what Allah and His Messenger Love. Love and Hate Moderatly
It's important to treat animals kindly
Treat other people's property with respect
As important as your words are, actions are even more important, Don't walk arrogantly in the society (so important, it's mentioned more than once)
Be kind to those that love you, and maintain Family ties
You have intellect for a reason. If something or someone doesn't feel right, trust yourself
Compromise is important as long as it's not a sin to do so.
You don't always have to indicate to others when you're right
It really is more beneficial to give than to receive
Financial skills are extremely important as money is a necessary part of life. The repercussions of not having these skills can be devastating. Financial skills that I want my children to learn include--
Understand the value of money
Know how to budget and live within your budget
Know that wealth is assigned by The Creator Have money in you pocket and not in your heart, striving for wealth as a goal in dispraised, rather wealth should help you worship God better
The concept of compound interest is impermissable in Islam
If an investment opportunity presents itself make The prayer Istikaarah(the prayer for divine aide)
The importance and pitfalls of credit
Day to day living skills/concepts are certainly important and should not be undervalued. Every day living skills/concepts that I want my children to master include--
Guard you daily Prayers and make them on time if possible
Understand that Math and Science are extremely important but not as important as Knowledge of the Deen of Islam
The Correct beliefs are important and can affect your behaivor
Know how to swim
Have a dislike for Pictures and Music they are impermissable in Islam
Know how to maintain a vehicle so you don't run out of oil and so your windshield wipers always work,
Be able to change a tire
If you make something from scratch it gives you a personal sense of accomplishment
One man's trash is another's treasure. don't take charity if you don't need it.
Know how to do the wash, hem your pants, sew on buttons, and iron a garment
Know how to make healthy food
Know how to read a label
Know how to make a dollar go a long way (also a financial skill) don't be wasteful
Life's lessons are very important and can have an effect on one's happiness. I want my children to understand the following--
Thoughts are very powerful
Be content with what you have
Always do your best. Realize your best may change from day to day
It's ok to be wrong--in fact, that's how we learn, rectify your mistakes and errors
If something looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Value and nurture your creativity within the limits set by Your Lord Allah
Value and nurture your own time. Take time to rejuvenate
Religious/Spiritual Lessons--these are very important, very personal and very family driven lessons. My children do have a foundation. They have their beliefs. Parents should teach by example. You'll find this idea a wonderful compliment! from your children's prespective
The correct Understanding is paramount to Happiness and Allah's pleasure
We (Parents) should teach by example...as well as in lesson form. And it's our responsibility to make sure our children possess the skills necessary to live productive and happy lives -- (God willing)
So, the question is, what do you and your spouse want to teach your children?
No comments:
Post a Comment