I used to take them to the masjid in Ramadan.
The environment in the masjid really helped them, hearing the Quran, praying together with their masjid friends, also playing sports with them.
They would experience a spiritual change. Now due to covid-19 masjids in my area are closed.
I don’t know how to help them feel the same way?
Answer
In this counseling answer:
Communication is particularly important to our teenage children that thrive on social interactions with other brothers and sister their age.
Cherish this opportunity to be with your children that might otherwise be spending plenty of time outside of the home at this particular time in their life.
Having others from the same age group, other than family helps.
Assalamu alikum,
Covid-19 is an unfortunate scenario which has placed most of us in the same dilemma where we must look to alternative means to achieve the same spiritual changes that we search for and achieve each Ramadan.
Anxiety
It is a particular concern to parents with children as we fear for lack of involvement due to masjid closures also.
You mention that your children’s spiritual change is primarily achieved through engagement in activities held at the local masjid.
This will naturally lead to heightened levels of anxiety and even feelings of hopelessness about how you can support them in achieving the usual benefits that they usually get each year.
Communication is particularly important to our teenage children that thrive on social interactions with other brothers and sister their age. Especially when you live in a non-Muslim country like you do.
Other venues
Fortunately, there are many alternatives available at present to assist in achieving the same type of connections.
Perhaps they are not as ideal as face to face contact, but in times like this when there is simply no other solution we must be content with what is available to us and make the most of them.
This could primarily be achieved through interactions in online surroundings, but equally you can have a big impact in the home too.
Check out this counseling video:
Build strong bonds
Given that we are for the most part forced to remain in our homes we must utilize this time with our loved ones in the best possible way.
Sure, it can be stressful being around one another all the time, it is also a great opportunity to foster strong bonds in ways that otherwise would not be possible.
Cherish this opportunity to be with your children that might otherwise be spending plenty of time outside of the home at this particular time in their life.
Perhaps you wouldn’t usually do spiritual activities together if it is that they would usually go to the masjid to do the same. Introduce something different and do these things together as a family.
Teach them and allow them to teach you too. This will help to empower them and give them a sense of responsibility in teaching you something new too. You might also watch lectures together and learn something new together.
As well as using your extended time at home together as a source of strengthening your relationships and spirituality you can support your children in finding alternative ways to get connected with other people their age through online means.
Interaction with peers
Again, whilst not ideal it can be another way to help them experience the spiritual changes that will be good for them during this time. Do ask if your masjid has any online options being offered at this time to temporarily replace what is now unavailable.
Otherwise encourage them to be in touch with their friends from the masjid. Help them to interact in such a way that will encourage a boost in their spirituality.
Have them discuss matters related to the Quran with each other. They can also encourage one another to pick the Quran up and read each day. Perhaps even reading together via telephone or video call.
Sometimes it can be difficult to \ to do this. Having others from the same age group, other than family helps. As they regularly check in on a regular basis it will help to keep the motivation going as well as encourage them to support others too.
May Allah reward your concern to support your children in achieving spiritual growth during this time and may He guide you to the best way to do so.
salam,
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Read More:
https://aboutislam.net/family-life/youth-4-the-future/how-to-motivate-ourselves/
https://aboutislam.net/family-life/moms-dads/prophet-muhammad-the-perfect-family-man/