As parents we are busy taking care of our families and can sometimes feel that we are running on empty. When we feel like we are running on empty, it can impact the emotional climate of the home and that is a big reason to remember to take care of ourselves as well. 

In this session, we had a very interesting discussion about what it means to take self-care seriously and how we can adopt it as a way of life

We all know the saying “First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage.” But what happens after that? The transition from “married” to “married with children” can be tough. Suddenly your time is not your own, you are tired, sleep deprived and pulled in so many directions. Although having children is a big blessing, it is also a huge responsibility and the challenges that come with parenthood can put a strain on the strongest of relationships. In this session, we will explore ways to navigate the challenges and nurture your marriage while parenting.

In this episode, we covered the following points:

Introduction – the Islamic foundation

What is attachment – difference between bonding and attachment

Why is it important – the lifelong effects of attachment on the child

What does secure attachment look like

Obstacles to secure attachment

Tips to foster the attachment bond

 Introduction:

The 3 stages of the Islamic Parenting Contract

 “The child is the master for seven years; and a slave for seven years and a vizier for seven years; so if he grows into a good character within 21 years, well and good; otherwise leave him alone because you have discharged your responsibility before Allah.”

Stage 1: Birth to 7 years – the child as Sayed The Imprint Period

Child like sponge, absorb everything as true. Period of attachment and trauma. “Give me the child and I will give you the man”.

Needs of child:      

 Bonding with mother...

A recording of a live session at a milad for a wedding. Please excuse the sounds of the toddler who really wanted to be heard :)

In this session we cover a necessary ingredient for a Muslim home - that of sukun or tranquility.

What is tranquility, what are reasons why it is so important, and how do we create sukun within ourselves and in our homes.

Here is a link to the blog posts mentioned in the audio

The Trouble Tree:

https://www.marziahassan.org/blog/do-you-have-a-trouble-tree

The 36 questions that lead to love

https://www.marziahassan.org/blog/The%2036%20Questions%20that%20lead%20to%20love

How to raise an emotionally intelligent child. 

What it means to be emotionally literate, why we need to focus on this and how parents can nurture emotional intelligence in their children

What are the differences between Religion and Spirituality?

While many parents focus on teaching children the basics of religious practice, it is important to also focus on fostering a spiritual outlook to life. There is a difference and what parents do, matters.

We outline how parents can foster a relationship with God in their children and nurture a spiritual perspective while teaching the basics about religion. 

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What is the new reality for parents and how does this impact family wellbeing and happiness?

Parents today are trying harder than ever to be good parents and create a family culture that is peaceful and happy. And despite this many families are struggling with knowing what to do - what works and what doesn't. 

In this session we offer a research based blueprint on what makes families happy. Some of the information is sure to surprise you. 

This is a recording of a live session with parents on the 5 pillars of positive parenting and how we can apply them to our parenting.

We had a lively discussion with LOTS of questions, especially about managing emotions in children.

Communicating with Children is a resource pack that facilitates the process of learning about the critical importance of communication that is age- appropriate and child-friendly, holistic, positive, strengths-based and inclusive. We believe effective communication is a two-way process for sharing ideas and knowledge that involves understanding people: their needs, skills, beliefs, values, societies and cultures

Recording of a live parenting session

Parents often use the words ‘discipline’ and ‘punishment’ interchangeably when they are trying to correct undesirable behaviour in children. The two terms, however, mean very different things and they have different outcomes for children and their parents. 

Punishment: Essentially, punishment is about controlling children’s behaviour through power, control and fear. “I better not catch you doing that again!” is a common thing we tell children when we are threatening punishment. 

Punishments can be: 

Physical: such as spanking, putting a child in a time out or withholding something like food or the internet 
Emotional: such as calling a child names (stupid, lazy . .), making them feel small or withholding love and affection from them. 
Punitive: not being able to go somewhere or play with friends. 

While punishments do seem to work in the short term to stop undesirable behaviour in children, they are problematic in...