🧒 Raising children (tarbiyah) · #110

Can I give my child responsibility for looking after a pet or plants to teach him?

Yes, caring for something alive teaches a child compassion, responsibility and perseverance in a very real way. Choose tasks suited to his age, such as watering plants or feeding a pet at fixed times. Explain that the creature depends on him, so neglecting it means hurting it. Islam requires mercy towards animals and forbids tormenting them. Praise his perseverance and help when he forgets, without simply taking over. Link this small trust to bigger responsibilities later on. A child who learns to care for the weak grows up with a compassionate heart. See educating the family.

← PreviousMy child is getting more stubborn at this age. How do I stay firm without losing affection?Next →How do I teach my child to share and not be greedy with siblings or friends?

Related questions

May children be given gifts or rewards to encourage them to pray and read the Quran?Yes, especially while they are young, as long as the reward is gradually replaced by understanding and a love of wors…I feel I need to secretly read my teenager's messages and diary to know how he is. Is that okay?Spying in secret usually destroys trust faster than the danger you are worried about. Teenagers are entitle…Should children be given pocket money, and how can it be used to teach responsibility?Pocket money managed with guidance is a good tool of tarbiyah (upbringing) for teaching trustworthiness and moderatio…We are caring for an orphaned relative. What are the responsibilities and virtues?The virtue is immense — the Prophet ﷺ promised that the guardian of an orphan will be close to him in Paradise — and the res…My children and my co-wife's children are always jealous and fighting when they meet. What should I do?The friction often comes from competing for their father’s attention, not because they truly hate one a…My young child is confused about whether my co-wife's children are his cousins or his siblings. How do I explain?Explain in simple words: they are siblings because they share the same father, not cousins. Young children understand…

This answer is general reference, not a fatwa. For your situation, consult the religious affairs office, a Syarie lawyer or your state Syariah Court.

Comments or feedback

Read only by the MYPolygyny administrator — never published.

About Us · Ask · Site Map · Privacy · Editorial policy · Disclaimer