At all stages of our lives, we are learning. But did you know that more learning takes place during the ages of birth to five than all the other lived years combined! The process of learning to master our bodies, acquire language, interact with others, and more is hard work.

Helping children learn new skills is a lifelong process. Some they will need - such as learning to walk and talk and some they will simply like to do - like learning to ride a bike or play a video game. In these ways they learn to negotiate and interface with the world they live in.

In a typical household setting or school environment, we often hear admirable remarks such as “great job,” “well done,'' “I'm so proud of you!”. These happen to occur when you appreciate a child for doing something good.

“The way we talk to our child(ren) becomes their inner voice.” 

The legacy and power of El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz (Malcolm X) has lasted for generations. The media and popular culture attempt to confine and define his deeds and words as that of an outspoken, confrontational civil rights leader working solely on behalf of African-Americans.

“The world is but a (quick passing) enjoyment; and the best enjoyment of the world is (to have) a pious wife.” [Riyad as-Salihin]

This is the second in a series of excerpts from “The Perfect Muslim Child: A Holistic Approach to Raising a Balanced Child” by Nargis Naqvi.