PARENTHOOD

PARENTHOOD

Parenthood refers to the state or experience of being a parent, involving the responsibilities, challenges, and joys that come with raising and caring for children. It encompasses various aspects such as providing emotional support, meeting physical needs, nurturing development, and guiding children toward becoming independent, responsible individuals. Parenthood can be biological, adoptive, or through other caregiving roles. It requires a combination of love, patience, commitment, and adaptability as parents navigate different stages of a child's life, from infancy through adulthood.

The state of parenthood is called being a parent, which includes the responsibilities and activities associated with raising, caring for, nurturing, and educating a child from infancy to adulthood. This can be biological, foster, adoptive, or surrogate parenthood and is not limited to any particular gender or marital status. It involves providing emotional, physical, and financial support to facilitate the overall wellbeing and development of the child.

Also Parenthood refers to the identity of a person who has a caregiving relationship with a child, regardless of their biological connection. It encompasses the process of becoming a mother or father, including the transition from pre-conception to the postnatal period and beyond. A godparent is an individual who plays a significant role in a child's life, often within the context of religious or cultural traditions. The concept of god parenthood varies across different cultures and religions, but the underlying principle remains similar.

Neglectful parents fulfill the child’s basic needs, but then pay little attention to the child. These parents tend to offer minimal nurturing and have few expectations or limitations for their child. It’s not always a conscious choice parents make, but can be forced by circumstance, such as the need to work late shifts, single parenting, mental health concerns or overall family troubles. Children of neglectful parents usually grow up to be resilient and self-sufficient out of necessity. They might have trouble controlling emotions, don’t develop effective coping strategies and they have difficulty maintaining social relationships. They tend to have low self-esteem and might seek out inappropriate role models.

Impact on the parents

Having children will change your life, no matter the particular circumstances. These changes affect every area of your life: social, emotional, and economic.

1: Social changes

Many parents are used to having complete freedom, but when their child arrives, their social lives change. They have less contact with friends and may begin to feel isolated.

2: Emotional changes

New parents have to adapt to having a helpless baby whose health and wellbeing is in their hands. They may feel anxious about their ability to rise to the challenge. Mothers can often feel very down after giving birth. This can cause conflict or place a great strain on their relationship with their partner.

Fathers sometimes feel isolated and unable to cope with the emotional needs of the baby and their partner. They may react badly to feeling insecure.

3: Economic changes

Babies are expensive. Parents often forget about the expenses created by nappies, clothes, food and the equipment that is required such as buggies and cots. Financial pressure may lead to debt that can quickly spiral out of control. These financial pressures can create unbearable stress on parents, forcing them to carefully manage their financial matters.

 

The roles and responsibilities of parenting

Parents of any age have a responsibility to care for their children and ensure that they grow up happy and healthy. This means creating a safe and loving home environment, and providing opportunities to develop emotional, social, and cognitive skills that will serve them throughout life.

 

Create a safe and loving home

In order to create a safe and loving home it is essential to consider the following points.

1.Food and clothing

Shelter and food are two of our most basic needs. As a parent, you must ensure that your children have clothes, food and a secure home.

2.Money

Children will need new clothes, daily food, and different experiences. These all cost money, so you need to work out how you will afford it all.

3.Health

Children are vulnerable to all sorts of sicknesses and accidents. As a parent, you must learn to protect them from harm, and treat them when they are unwell. A big part of this is getting your children vaccinated. This will ensure that your child stays healthy, and protects the health of those around them.

4.Support

Children need different types of emotional support and encouragement as they grow. When they are very young they will need you to comfort them when they’re feeding and sleeping. Toddlers will look to you to learn how to behave in new and unfamiliar surroundings. Primary school children will need your help to complete homework, get to music lessons and sports games on time, and talk to you about their social lives. Teenagers will need help adapting to life as an adult and all the complications that comes with adulthood.

5.Spiritual development

If you practice a religion, your children will inevitably have questions about that. You can support your children’s spiritual development by taking them to religious services, sending them to Sunday school, summer camps, and religious events at school or in the local community

 

Which parenting style is most encouraged?

Authoritative parenting is the most recommended parenting style. The combination of clear communication and age-appropriate standards can lead to emotionally stable adults who can handle themselves in social situations and set goals for themselves.

To take an authoritative approach, parents can:

·         Set clear boundaries and communicate them to children.

Offer children choices and have discussions about what’s appropriate. For example, you can choose which pajamas you want to wear to bed. You cannot wear your winter coat to bed because it will be too warm.

·         Listen to and explore their children’s emotional health concerns.

Parents who take an authoritative approach actively listen to their children and explore their emotional health concerns with empathy and guidance. By balancing warmth with clear boundaries, they create a safe environment where children feel heard and supported while also understanding expectations. This approach helps children develop resilience, confidence, and healthy emotional expression.

·         Frequently express love and affection.

A helpful approach can be using praise and positive reinforcement to encourage desired behavior. Ignore annoying, but not dangerous, attempts at getting attention, such as banging on a wall or whining. You also can tell children, “I’ll wait and respond to you when you stop whining.”Another approach is to reward children with something they want. For example, instead of taking away their tablet until they do their homework, use it as a reward. “I’m going to give you your tablet as soon as you’re done with your homework.” That way the tablet is a reinforce instead of a consequence.

Setting limits together

As much as you can, decide with your child what your limits are ahead of time. For example, before the start of a new school year, decide on your limits for weekday screen time, after-school snacks or homework rules.

If you’re trying to make rules on the fly, you’re more likely to be inconsistent from day to day. If you decide that the kids get 90 minutes of screen time on a school night, then you can always hold to that, and the kids know what to expect.

If you have a spouse or co-parent, discuss limits together. It’s common for two parents to have different ideas of what’s appropriate, so it’s helpful to set the boundaries together. And whether you live in the same house or not, try to maintain the same basic limits.

“The most important thing is — in front of the child — you 100% have your partner’s back, even if you disagree wholeheartedly with how they approached it. In front of the child, you have to have their back.

 

Your relationship with a grown child

Parenting style also plays a role in the relationship between parents and their children when they become adults. Kids who had strict, inflexible parents might not have a close relationship as adults. Kids of permissive parents might come back for help frequently when they are in a bind. Kids who grew up with encouraging, supportive parents tend to have close relationships with their parents. They will be independent, but still go to their parents for advice.

 

The Role of Faith in Parenting

Religious beliefs and practices are fundamental to shaping family functioning in many countries and cultures around the world, often associated with a strong influence on parenting. The literature is rich in studies that have shown a positive relationship between internal aspects related to faith, such as religious behavior, religious adherence, and a strong faith, and an individual’s level of resilience. Research exploring links between religiosity (the degree and quality of being religious), and family well-being and outcomes, often stresses religion as a potential resource for parents.

Parental religiosity, particularly in times of stress, is often associated with numerous positive family outcomes, including lower parental stress, increased parenting satisfaction and greater marital harmony Research exploring the reasons for these positive “side-effects” experienced by caregivers relate to parents sanctifying their roles by connecting parenting activities with sacred meaning. This can make challenges feel more tolerable, manageable, worthwhile, rewarding, and also increase adaptive functioning.

However, it is important to recognize that the influence of religion on parenting practices is complex and not exclusively positive. Depending on how beliefs are interpreted and applied, religion can serve both as a source of empowerment and as a restrictive force. Parents who use their faith as a means of fostering communication, guidance, and shared participation in their children’s lives often create a nurturing environment that strengthens family bonds. In contrast, when religious beliefs are applied rigidly as a form of control, they may limit children’s freedom and individuality, creating tensions and potentially undermining family harmony. These contrasting outcomes highlight the need for a more nuanced understanding of religion’s multifaceted role in parenting.

To address this complexity, recent studies have emphasized the importance of concepts such as spiritual capital—the resources and values derived from religious commitment that can positively shape family life. By drawing on spiritual capital, parents may enhance relationships, promote resilience, and encourage positive forms of discipline rooted in meaning rather than control. At the same time, several studies suggest that cultural differences in religious traditions significantly affect how faith is incorporated into parenting practices. We can also explore culturally sensitive approaches that allow families to benefit from the positive dimensions of religious belief while minimizing its potential limitations.

The Role of Parents in Islam

Parenting in Islam is more than just a responsibility; it is a profound trust given by Allah. Parents hold a pivotal role in shaping their children’s character, faith, and future, as well as ensuring they grow up with strong moral and spiritual foundations. Islam provides comprehensive guidance on the duties, rights, and mutual respect that define the pin Islam, parenthood is viewed as a sacred responsibility and a great blessing from God. Parents are seen as the first educators and teachers of their children, and their role in shaping the child's character and faith is highly valued. Islamic principles emphasize the importance of raising children with good manners, fostering a strong moral compass, and guiding them towards a life of righteousness.

 

1. Parents as Role Models

In Islam, parents are the first teachers of their children. They exemplify the values of faith, honesty, patience, and kindness. Children naturally learn by observing their parents, which is why displaying Islamic virtues is crucial. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“No father gives a child anything better than good manners.” (Tirmidhi)

By leading through example, parents instill the principles of Islam into their children’s lives.

 

2. Ensuring a Strong Islamic Education

Parents are entrusted with the duty of providing their children with proper Islamic education. This includes teaching them about Allah, the Quran, the Sunnah, and the obligations of a Muslim. Enrolling children in Islamic tuition online, madrasa programs, or ensuring they attend online Islamic classes for kids can significantly contribute to their spiritual growth.

The Quran encourages parents to guide their children towards righteousness:

“O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones…” (Quran 66:6)

3. Forgiveness Dua for Them

Parents sacrifice greatly for their children, and as children grow, they are reminded to be grateful and humble towards their parents. The Quran beautifully emphasizes this with a heartfelt Dua:

“My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.” (Quran 17:24)

This Dua serves as a reminder for children to consistently seek forgiveness and mercy for their parents, showing humility and gratitude for their care and upbringing.

4. Balancing Discipline and Love

Parenting in Islam encourages a balance of compassion and discipline. While discipline ensures that children learn right from wrong, love provides them with the emotional security to grow into confident and righteous adults. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) demonstrated kindness to children and advised parents to be gentle and understanding.

5. Supporting Their Emotional and Spiritual Growth

Parents are not just providers but also emotional and spiritual supporters. A nurturing environment, filled with Dua and Quranic recitation, helps children develop a closer bond with Allah. Encouraging children to reflect on the Quran and develop good habits is an integral part of Islamic parenting.

6. Respect and Gratitude Towards Parents

Just as parents are responsible for their children, Islam commands children to respect and honor their parents. The Quran states:

“And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination.” (Quran 31:14)

Respecting parents is a form of worship, and any form of disrespect is considered a major sin in Islam.

 

7. The Role of Fathers and Mothers

Both fathers and mothers have distinct yet complementary roles in parenting. While fathers are often seen as the financial providers, mothers play an essential role in nurturing and educating children. Islam places immense value on the role of mothers, as highlighted in the hadith:

“A man came to the Prophet (PBUH) and said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, who is most deserving of my good company?’ The Prophet replied, ‘Your mother.’ He asked, ‘Then who?’ The Prophet said, ‘Your mother.’ He asked again, ‘Then who?’ The Prophet said, ‘Your mother.’ He asked once more, ‘Then who?’ The Prophet said, ‘Your father.'” (Bukhari and Muslim)

 

Final Thought About Parenthood

Parenthood is one of life’s greatest responsibilities and blessings, carrying deep social, emotional, and economic impacts that shape both daily living and long-term choices. It involves more than providing care—it is about guiding, nurturing, and fostering emotional well-being with love and discipline. Among the many parenting styles, authoritative parenthood is encouraged as it balances affection with boundaries, creating healthier family dynamics. Faith often serves as a foundation, offering strength, patience, and values to face the challenges of raising children. Behind every great child stands devoted parents, and the greatest gift a father can give is respecting the mother who brought his children into the world, for through her he has received his greatest treasures.