By: Based on points at islaam.org
Source: http://www.islaam.org/
- In play do not endanger the child by throwing a child in the air, suspending by his arms, or playing with him near windows and other dangerous places.
- Do not playfully chase a child, for perhaps he may slip and hurt himself.
- Do not say or speak of shameful things in the presence of children.
- While the merit is considerable for training children in general, caring for and training girls are acts of greater merit.
- When training and generally dealing with children, be moderate – being neither too strict (harsh) nor too lax.
- Children should be taught not to immediately eat things people give them. They should bring such things home and eat them in the presence of their parents if they consent.
- Teach them to wash their hands before eating and to eat or drink with their right hands.
- Inculcate in them the habit of eating less so that they are saved from sickness and greed.
- Inculcate in children the habit of cleaning their teeth, especially with a Miswaak (toothstick).
- Teach them to refrain from asking any of their needs from anyone other than their seniors (parents, grand-parents etc.).
- Teach them never to accept gifts from anyone without the consent of their elders.
- Do not assume that they will automatically acquire manners and etiquette when they have grown up. Inculcate good character in them from a tender age. No one learns on his own accord. By reading they will gain the general knowledge, but still they will lack the essential training and refinement. A lack of training will result in the grown up children behaving in an unrefined manner. Furthermore, they will, unknowingly, cause difficulties and inconvenience to others.
- Teach children to act with modesty, especially when answering the call of nature. They should not reveal themselves to others.
- When your child has wronged someone or is at fault, never act partially. Do not side with your child, especially in his presence. To do so is to corrupt his character.
- Be watchful of your children’s behavior towards servants and the children of servants. Ensure that they do not trouble the servants or their children. On account of their subordinate social rank, they may not complain, but in their hearts they will curse. Even if they do not curse, the misfortune of sin and injustice will be tasted.
- As far as possible, ensure that they learn under suitably qualified teachers.
- Do not punish them while in anger. Either remove them from your presence when you are angry or go away. Later, when the anger has subsided, reflect thrice and then only mete out appropriate punishment.
- When the need arises to physically punish a child, be firm but not abusive or violent – do not use heavy sticks nor fists. Do not kick the child nor slap him in the face. Also do not hit him on the head.
- Teach children the full names of their parents and grandparents as well as their addresses. Now and then ask them about this so that they remember. The benefit of this is that, Allah forbid, should they get lost, they will be able to state their identity to the one who finds them. In this way they will be returned home.
- Children who are studying should be given such nutrition which is good for the brain.
- When the need arises for girls to leave the home precincts, do not adorn them with jewellery.
- Emphasize to girls that they should not play with boys. The character of both boys and girls will be corrupted by such intermingling.
- If a boy from another house comes to your home, instruct the girls to go out of sight even though the boy may be small.
- If any children come to you for education, do not take anything in return from them. Treat them like your own children.
- Teach children not to face the Qiblah in the toilet nor to turn their back towards the Qiblah in the toilet. Teach them the rules of Tahaarat (ritual purification) of cleaning themselves in the toilet.
- When a child is obstinate in demanding a thing, do not fulfill his demand.