The Role of Parents in a Child’s Moral and Ethical Development

The role of parents in raising a child is immense. They are not merely the biological creators of a child but the primary guardians of the child's physical, mental, and moral development. Whether a child is educated in an English medium or Bangla medium institution is actually a secondary matter. The most important aspect is the moral upbringing and cultivation of human values in the child.

Every parent is urged to try to understand their child’s feelings and language. Do not burden their childhood solely with the pressure of academics. Do not ruin their early years with constant studying, morning and evening. From a young age, teach them good behavior and proper manners. This will help them grow up to be well-mannered individuals who speak kindly and respectfully. Remember, a child’s future is built upon their early experiences.

Principles for Shaping Good Behavior in Children

1. Emphasize Language and Behavior:

Children learn by imitation. If you speak in a refined and respectful manner, your child will follow suit. The language you use today will shape how your child speaks tomorrow.
Never use belittling, harsh, or disrespectful language in front of your children.

2. Teach Compassion and Generosity:

When giving lunch or snacks, provide enough so your child can share with friends. Even if it’s a small amount, don’t forbid them from sharing.
Never teach your child to be selfish. Help them understand that helping others is a noble quality.

3. Impart Moral Education:

It's not enough to just urge them to focus on studies; they must also be taught the difference between right and wrong.
Teach them that honesty, kindness, and responsibility are among the most important values in life.

4. Lay the Foundation for Future Behavior:

The way you treat your child today will reflect how they treat you in the future. If you teach them to be selfish, they may grow up to abandon their duties towards you when you're old and dependent.
This is why many parents today suffer from neglect and abandonment in their later years.

Praying for Your Child

Parents cannot guide their children properly through teaching and discipline alone—they must also pray to Allah on their behalf. Allah the Almighty says:

رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ

"My Lord, grant me [a child] from among the righteous."

(Surah As-Saffat, Ayah: 100)

A righteous child is not only a blessing for their parents but also for society and the nation. Therefore, it is our responsibility to raise children with proper education and strong values so that they grow up to be good human beings and responsible citizens.

Parental Duties and the Child’s Reciprocity

Parental love is selfless. However, in the absence of proper guidance, many children grow up avoiding their responsibilities. Those who are deprived of affection and moral teachings in childhood often show little interest in caring for their parents later in life. This is why Islam places great emphasis on treating children justly and giving them proper guidance.

If we, as parents, can become aware of our responsibilities, then our children will one day care for us, respect us, and pray for us. A good child is a cornerstone in building a good society. So let us teach our children love, ethics, and generosity, so they may grow up with humane qualities and become a source of pride for us.