What is Child
Development and Role of parent’s child development in the view of Islam?
by Tahir Mamood Naqash
What is Child Development?
Child development refers to the biological, psychological, and
social changes that occur in children as they grow and mature from infancy to
adolescence. It encompasses various aspects of a child's development, including
physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development.
1. Physical Development:
This refers to the changes in a child's body and physical abilities. It
includes growth in height and weight, development of motor skills (both gross
and fine motor skills), coordination, and the maturation of sensory organs.
2. Cognitive Development:
Cognitive development refers to the intellectual growth and processes of
thinking, reasoning, problem-solving, and understanding. It involves the
development of language skills, memory, attention, perception, and the ability
to acquire knowledge and learn from experiences.
3. Emotional Development:
Emotional development involves the expression, understanding, and regulation of
emotions. It includes the development of self-awareness, emotional
self-control, empathy, and the ability to form and maintain relationships with
others.
4. Social Development:
Social development pertains to a child's interactions and relationships with
others, including peers, family members, and the broader community. It involves
the development of social skills, such as communication, cooperation, sharing,
empathy, and the ability to understand social norms and expectations.
Child development is influenced by various factors, including
genetic predispositions, environmental factors (such as family, school, and
cultural influences), and individual experiences. It is a complex and dynamic
process that unfolds over time, with each child progressing at their own pace.
Understanding child development is crucial for parents, caregivers, educators,
and professionals working with children to provide appropriate support and
create nurturing environments that promote optimal growth and well-being.
2. Role of Parents in Child Development
Parents play a critical role in the development of their children.
They are the primary caregivers and have a significant impact on various
aspects of their child's growth and well-being. Here are some key roles parents
play in child development:
1. Nurturing and Caregiving:
Parents provide the physical care and emotional support that children need for
their overall well-being. They meet their basic needs for food, shelter,
clothing, and health care. Additionally, they create a safe and loving
environment that fosters a sense of security and trust.
2. Social and Emotional Development: Parents serve as the child's first socialization agents. They help
children develop a strong foundation for their emotional and social skills. By
offering love, affection, and positive interactions, parents help children
develop a secure attachment, emotional resilience, empathy, and social competence.
3. Setting Boundaries and Discipline: Parents establish appropriate boundaries and rules to guide their
child's behavior. Through consistent and positive discipline, parents teach
their children about acceptable behavior, values, and morals. This helps
children develop self-control, self-discipline, and a sense of responsibility.
4. Cognitive Stimulation:
Parents play a crucial role in promoting their child's cognitive development.
They engage in activities that stimulate curiosity, exploration, and learning.
This can include reading to their child, providing educational toys and games,
engaging in conversations, and supporting their child's educational endeavors.
5. Role Modeling:
Parents serve as powerful role models for their children. Children observe and
imitate their parents' behavior, attitudes, and values. By demonstrating
positive behavior, empathy, respect, and problem-solving skills, parents can
shape their child's own behavior and character development.
6. Advocacy and Support:
Parents advocate for their children's needs and provide support throughout
their development. They communicate with teachers and other professionals
involved in their child's education and well-being. They also provide
encouragement, guidance, and resources to help their child navigate challenges
and pursue their interests and goals.
3. Current
Challenge and issue faced by Parents in Child Development
1. Technology Overuse:
Parents struggle to manage and regulate their children's screen time and
digital device usage, which can impact their social interactions, physical
activity, and overall well-being.
2. Mental Health Concerns:
Parents are increasingly concerned about their children's mental health,
including issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress. They face challenges
in identifying and addressing these issues effectively.
3. Parental Time Constraints:
Busy schedules, work demands, and other commitments can limit the time parents
have available to spend with their children, leading to potential difficulties
in providing adequate support, guidance, and engagement.
4. Peer Pressure and Influence:
Parents face the challenge of navigating the influence of peers and social
pressures on their children's behavior, choices, and values.
5. Academic Pressure:
Parents often face the pressure to ensure their children excel academically,
which can lead to stress, competition, and overemphasis on academic achievements.
6. Balancing Work and Family Life: Striking a balance between work responsibilities and family life
can be challenging for parents, impacting their ability to be fully present and
engaged in their children's development.
7. Digital Safety and Online Risks: Parents face the task of protecting their children from potential
online risks, such as cyber bullying, inappropriate content and online
predators.
8. Cultural and Generational Differences: Parents may encounter challenges in navigating cultural or
generational gaps, especially in multicultural families, which can impact
parenting approaches and child-rearing practices.
4. What
Islam Says to Parents about Child Development?
In Islam, parents hold a significant responsibility for the
upbringing and development of their children. Islamic teachings provide
guidance and emphasize the importance of nurturing children in a loving,
compassionate, and morally upright manner. Here are some key principles and
teachings from Islam regarding child development:
1. Provision of Basic Needs:
Parents are obligated to provide for the physical needs of their children,
including food, clothing, shelter, and healthcare. It is their duty to ensure a
safe and healthy environment for their children's growth and well-being.
2. Moral and Ethical Education:
Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of instilling moral values and
ethical conduct in children. Parents are encouraged to teach their children
about the principles of honesty, kindness, justice, compassion, humility, and
respect for others. They are advised to be role models and practice these
virtues in their own lives.
3. Education and Knowledge:
Islam places a strong emphasis on seeking knowledge and encourages parents to
provide their children with a well-rounded education. Parents are encouraged to
promote both religious and secular education, fostering intellectual curiosity
and critical thinking skills.
4. Spiritual Development:
Parents play a crucial role in nurturing their children's spiritual growth.
They are encouraged to teach them about Islamic beliefs, practices, and values.
Parents are advised to establish regular prayer habits, engage in acts of
worship, and create an environment that encourages spiritual reflection and
connection with Allah (God).
5. Discipline and Guidance:
Islamic teachings advocate for gentle and compassionate discipline while
providing guidance to children. Parents are encouraged to correct their
children's behavior in a manner that is firm but not harsh, promoting
understanding and positive character development.
6. Love, Mercy, and Emotional Support: Islam emphasizes the importance of expressing love, mercy, and
affection towards children. Parents are encouraged to show kindness, patience,
and understanding. Building a strong emotional bond with children helps create
a nurturing and secure environment for their emotional and psychological
development.
7. Encouragement and Support:
Parents are advised to identify and nurture their children's talents and
abilities. They should encourage their children to pursue positive interests
and skills, providing support and guidance along the way.
8. Responsibility and Accountability: Parents are reminded that they will be held accountable for their
role in raising their children. They are encouraged to fulfill their duties
sincerely, seeking guidance from Islamic teachings, and praying for their children's
well-being.
It is important to note that interpretations and practices within
Islam may vary among individuals and cultures. Therefore, it is advisable for
parents to consult with knowledgeable religious scholars or leaders for
specific guidance in their particular context.
5. A checklist for
parents to support their child's development:
ü Ensure a safe and child-friendly environment for exploration and
play.
ü Provide nutritious meals and encourage healthy eating habits.
ü Promote regular physical activity and exercise.
ü Ensure sufficient rest and sleep for proper growth.
Cognitive Development:
ü Engage in activities that stimulate thinking, problem-solving, and
creativity.
ü Provide age-appropriate toys, books, and educational materials.
ü Encourage curiosity and exploration.
ü Support their interests and provide opportunities for learning.
Emotional Development:
ü Create a loving, nurturing, and supportive home environment.
ü Teach and model emotional regulation and empathy.
ü Encourage open expression of feelings and thoughts.
ü Validate and acknowledge their emotions and experiences.
Social Development:
ü Encourage positive interactions with peers and family members.
ü Teach and model appropriate social skills and manners.
ü Foster cooperation, sharing, and teamwork.
ü Expose them to diverse social settings and promote inclusivity.
Moral and Ethical Development:
ü Teach and model values such as honesty, kindness, and integrity.
ü Discuss and explain the importance of empathy, respect, and
fairness.
ü Encourage responsible decision-making and moral reasoning.
ü Engage in community service or volunteer activities.
Language and Communication Skills:
ü Engage in frequent conversations and active listening.
ü Read books together and encourage storytelling.
ü Foster language development through rhymes, songs, and word games.
ü Support their language learning by exposing them to a variety of
vocabulary and experiences.
Remember that every child is unique and develops at their own pace.
Use this checklist as a general guide and adapt it based on your child's
individual needs, interests, and developmental milestones.
