Heartfelt Advice for Parents of Older Kids
Dear parents of older kids, I know you’ll relate to this article a lot. As you know, no matter how well you raise your children, they can be challenging in one way or another. But realizing your purpose as a parent and turning to Allah SWT for comfort will help you cope on tough days.
I hope this post reassures you that you’re not alone, and also lets you know that if parenting gets too tough, you should seek help and not suffer in silence. No child has the right to cause a parent grief and anguish.
Heartfelt Advice for Parents of Older Kids
When your kids talk back and arrogantly think they know more than you - don’t take it personally.
When your kids show outsiders a pleasant face, but to you they smirk, sigh, and roll their eyes - don’t take it personally.
When your kids are funny and kind to their friends, but with you they act grumpy and full of attitude - don’t take it personally.
When your kids help others effortlessly, but when you ask for help, they moan and do a mediocre job - don’t take it personally.
When your kids judge your parenting skills and tell you they’ll raise their kids differently - don’t take it personally.
When your kids act entitled and display ingratitude for all the things you’ve done for them - don’t take it personally.
My fellow parents of older kids, your reward is with Allah SWT, and you don’t need your children’s approval for how you parent. Our own parents sacrificed for us as well, and this is the circle of life.
Our children are an amanah from our Lord, and raising them right should be for His pleasure. One day, our kids will have their own children, and inshallah, they will realize the sacrifices we made. But for now, we can turn to our salah and duas to alleviate the aches, and heal our hearts with the recitation and understanding of the Quran.
Remember, Allah SWT does not give us more than we can bear!
“Allah does not burden any soul greater than it can bear. For it is what it has earned, and against it is what it has incurred. “Our Lord, do not hold us accountable if we forget or fall into error. Our Lord, do not place on us such a burden as You have placed on those before us. Our Lord, do not burden us with that which we cannot bear. Pardon us, forgive us, and have mercy on us. You are our Protector, so give us victory over the disbelieving people.” (Quran 2:286)
Salam, I’m Zakeeya!
I believe being a wife, a mother, and making our homes a sanctuary for our families brings us tremendous blessings, fulfillment, and improves society. Since 2011, I've been committed to helping Muslimas find tranquility in their roles, take better care of themselves, and attain contentment within. Our journey is not an easy one, but I pray the resources and mentoring I offer, will assist in navigating you through your everyday challenges with mindfulness and gratitude, inshallah. Join me as I share wifehood, motherhood, homemaking, and lifestyle solutions that make life more fulfilling for you as a woman! READ MORE
