Show your Love

                                            Show your Love

                                     by Grandma Jeddah

There are so many ways you can acknowledge your child. One way the Prophet (saw) did so was by hugging and kissing the young ones in his family.  

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (saw) kissed his grandson Hasan bin `Ali in the presence of Aqra` bin Habis. Thereupon Aqra` remarked: "I have ten children and I have never kissed any one of them.'' The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) cast a glance upon him and said, "He who does not show mercy to others, will not be shown mercy.''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Cultures have different norms.  But our culture is the religion of Islam. Get in the habit of expressing affection toward your child.  For most mothers, hugging and kissing their children comes naturally. There are situations where mothers may have difficulty showing affection, however.  More on that subject in Secret 3.

            What are the ways you can show affection toward your child?  They are countless. You can show your love by hugging him when he’s brought home a gift for you from school or when he’s shown you high grades on his report card.   Hug and kiss him when you first see him as he hops out of bed in the morning or before he retires for the night in the evening.  When you see him leave for school or go outside to play, give him a hug.  It will go a long way in helping him feel good about himself at school and away from home.  The comfort and stability of a warm hug is reassuring. 

  You know your child better than anyone. Write down ways to let him know you are pleased with him and tape it on the wall above your bed as a reminder--kiss, hug, smile, touch, hold his hand, massage his back, say “I love you.” 


Grandma Jeddah is the mother of 11 children and 13 grandchildren. She has taught hundreds of students for over 30 years at an Islamic school in Los Angeles, California.This is an excerpt from her book, Discipline without Disrespecting: Discover the Hidden Secrets of How to Effectively Discipline Your Muslim Child--And Keep Your Peace of Mind while at It.  Subscribe to her free newsletter at --http://www.grandmajeddah.com