Preparing for Life: How to Help One’s Children Become Mature and Responsible Adults by Dr. Muhammad Abdul Bari
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AUTHOR: KRISTEN OBARSKY
As overworked and exhausted parents, we struggle to raise our children with gentleness. In Preparing for Life: How to Help One’s Children Become Mature and Responsible Adults, Dr. Muhammad Abdul Bari reminds us that we are not just raising children, but little angels and souls who will become the next representatives of our tradition. Inshallah, we are leaving a legacy of our faith with these children and we should proceed carefully and thoughtfully.
Dr. Bari acknowledges that the current time presents unique challenges, including screen addiction, social anxiety, poor manners, bullying, exposure to inappropriate behavior, and more. He emphasizes the importance of creating a positive home environment where children feel safe and loved. Dr. Bari encourages families to cultivate a deep love for the faith and of reading (which is so nice!) and to prioritize consistency and kindness in parenting. He believes that helping children and young adults find lifelong friends and future partners who share their values is essential.
I did find that this book was a good reminder of being positive and nice and uplifting to our kids, but at only one hundred and one pages, I wished the book was longer. It was quite general, and the author could have included more specific action items. For instance, instead of simply stating that our kids spend too much time on screens, it would have been helpful to learn how to use screens in a positive way and what limits he recommends.
The book could be a nice gift for expecting parents or parents with young children. It could even be for parents who have become a little grumpy or harsh in their parenting as a reminder to ease up and let the home be a place of joy and relaxation and a place where you should be able to be yourself.