Muslim Women’s Bookshelf (H) – Positive Parenting in the Muslim Home

Book: Positive Parenting in the Muslim Home

Authors: Noha AlShugairi & Munira Lekovic Ezzeldine

INTRODUCTION:

Welcome to our A-Z series on inspirational reads for Muslim women! Today, we’ll be exploring “Positive Parenting in the Muslim Home,” a book that offers valuable insights and practical advice on raising children by combining Islamic principles with the Positive Parenting Method.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Noha Alshugairi is a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in working with Muslim families. In addition, she is a Certified Positive Discipline Lead Trainer.

Munira Lekovic Ezzeldine is a professional counsellor and award-winning author of the book, Positive Parenting in the Muslim Home and Before the Wedding: Questions for Muslims to Ask Before Getting Married. 

BOOK SUMMARY:

Positive Parenting in the Muslim Home addresses real challenges faced by real families. This comprehensive book is essential for parents, caregivers, and educators seeking to nurture a grounded parent-child relationship built on connection. It is a book of hope. It invites the reader to:
– Approach parenting in Islam as a process of love and guidance.
– Apply Positive Discipline tools to nurture Islamic values in matters of faith, relationships and everyday life.
– Empower children to be responsible, capable and proactive individuals.
– Address sensitive issues constructively, including sex, drugs, bullying, and youth radicalization.
– Resolve conflicts by focusing on solutions rather than punishments.

PERSONAL REFLECTION:

As a Muslim parent, I found “Positive Parenting in the Muslim Home” to be an essential read that offered valuable insights and practical strategies for raising happy, healthy, and confident children. Alshugairi’s emphasis on nurturing emotional intelligence and using positive reinforcement resonated with me, and I appreciated how she integrated Islamic teachings into her advice.

To fully grasp the practical advice offered in this book, readers may need to read it multiple times, as it covers various key positive parenting tools for different age groups. From the early years to middle childhood and teen years, the authors provide valuable insights and guidance on how to tailor parenting strategies to meet the specific needs of each stage of development.

I love how the authors point out to us not to be dissolved in the world of parenting or be martyr mothers ( I have a feeling this is towards millennial parents! 😀 )

Who are you? Is your identity limited to being a parent? Do you see yourself beyond your role as a parent? If your life revolves around being a parent primarily, then your sense of self will be closely tied to the successes and failures of your children. This is not a good formula by which to live. Simply put, your children have their own agendas for their lives. Your sense of self needs to be separate from your children’s lives. Otherwise, as they enter adulthood, you will set yourself up for disappointment and heartache.

Positive Parenting In The Muslim Home

The authors give definite examples while dealing with kids. For eg: Giving Limited Choices ( a tool that primarily works with younger children) – Offer only what works for you as parents, be firm etc.

‘The central idea of the book is to help parents adopt an authoritative parenting style that respects the voice of both the parent and child. It advocates for discipline without relying on punishment and rewards, which only produce temporary behavioural changes without addressing the root cause. To this end, the author presents 49 Positive Discipline Tools in Chapter 5 that can help parents empower and encourage their children to develop long-term thinking and behaviours that will serve them well. While not all the tools may be practical for every family, the comprehensive list allows families to choose what works for them. The main challenge is recalling these tools in the heat of the moment, so it’s advisable to bookmark Chapter 5 and review it regularly. Focusing on a few tools at a time can also help parents implement them effectively’

CONCLUSION:

If you’re a Muslim parent looking for practical advice and guidance on raising happy, healthy, and well-adjusted children, I highly recommend “Positive Parenting in the Muslim Home”. With its combination of Islamic principles and contemporary research, this book offers a unique perspective that is both insightful and empowering. Whether you’re a new parent or a seasoned pro, “Positive Parenting in the Muslim Home” is an essential read for anyone who wants to create a positive and nurturing environment for their children.

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