In an era dominated by digital media and social networking sites, the concept of fame has become a dream that sneaks into the minds of children from a very young age. YouTube channels and influencers' accounts have become mesmerizing windows showcasing glamorous lifestyles that tempts children's imaginations, directing them toward a goal that may be beyond their comprehension at early stages of life: having their own channel and becoming famous. With this budding ambition come questions about the causes of this transformation and its impact on faith, psyche, knowledge, society, and behavior.

Fame is not condemned in Islam if it serves as a means for achieving good and benefiting society. It is well-known that the companion Abdullah ibn Mas'ud, may Allah be pleased with him, was famous for his knowledge and Quranic recitation. Yet his fame was a tool for inviting people to Allah, not an end in itself. However, Islam warns against the love of appearances and boastfulness that may lead to showing off, as highlighted by the Prophet's saying: “He who lets the people hear of his good deeds intentionally, to win their praise, Allah will let the people know his real intention (on the Day of Resurrection), and he who does good things in public to show off and win the praise of the people, Allah will disclose his real intention (and humiliate him).” This balance offered by Islam in dealing with fame makes it essential to reconsider the objectives children pursue when aspiring to such positions.

From a psychological perspective, the pursuit of fame among children may lead to the construction of a “false self,” where they begin adopting a virtual persona different from their true selves. This separation between real and virtual identities creates contradictions and psychological pressures. According to Erich Fromm's theory, the child becomes excessively dependent on others' opinions to value themselves, instead of building internal self-confidence. Moreover, as Albert Bandura's Social Learning Theory suggests, children learn through imitating the models they observe, making them susceptible to adopting values that may not align with their morals or society.

Fame also affects children's social relationships, encouraging an individualistic and competitive lifestyle where the goal becomes outperforming others rather than cooperating with them. This may weaken their social skills, such as communication and problem-solving. Additionally, children's preoccupation with fame exposes them to the risk of isolation, especially if they fail to achieve the anticipated success. Such isolation can leave deep psychological and social scars.

The role of media in promoting the concept of fame to children cannot be overlooked. Many YouTube channels and digital content rely on marketing consumerist lifestyles for purely commercial purposes. This reflects direct commercial exploitation of children, as advertisements are cleverly presented in a way that blurs the line between entertainment and marketing. This feeds consumerist values that reinforce an unsustainable lifestyle.

The spiritual aspect may be the most affected by this phenomenon. A child raised to believe that their value is measured by the number of likes and views may overlook genuine spiritual values that call for sincerity to Allah and working for what is good. Islam, in its lofty objectives, instills values of giving and sacrifice, urging the development of a personality that works sincerely without expecting material or social rewards.

How, then, can we address this phenomenon without harming childhood itself? The solution lies in fostering critical thinking in children and teaching them how to distinguish between reality and fiction in digital content. It is important for them to understand that what they see on the internet is not necessarily a reflection of reality. Moreover, providing alternative role models who combine ethical values with real achievements, such as scholars, inventors, and preachers, can motivate them to mimic those who achieve genuine accomplishments.

Additionally, families and schools must be involved in designing developmental activities that help children discover their true talents away from the pressure of fame. This can be achieved through programs that encourage volunteering, participation in sports and cultural activities, and the development of teamwork skills. Encouraging children to create positive and purposeful content can also help them express themselves in ways that reinforce values without compromising their childhood innocence.

Childhood is a formative stage that requires protection from the negative influences of digital media. Society as a whole must recognize that guiding children toward achieving noble goals enhances their spiritual, psychological, and social values, enabling them to face the challenges of the modern era. Through collective efforts, we can build a conscious generation that lives in its time without losing its essence.

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The role of mothers in their children’s lives extends far beyond being a means of communication; it significantly influences the child’s cultural and social identity. This mission begins during the earliest stages of speech, where the mother acts as the first model to whom the child listens and from whom they absorb the vocabulary and structure of their language—whether through daily conversations or the stories and tales she shares.

Instilling a love for the Arabic language in a child begins when the mother integrates the language into their daily life. This can include reading stories, singing simple songs, and interacting with the child using proper Arabic vocabulary infused with love and patience. Studies have shown that children exposed to rich vocabulary during early childhood develop stronger language skills in later years. Thus, the mother’s role is not limited to teaching correct pronunciation but extends to embedding a love for the language and connecting the child to it through simple and enjoyable life experiences.

The role of both mother and father can also extend to utilizing mealtimes or playtime to teach the child new words and associate them with practical contexts. Continuous verbal interaction nurtures the child’s listening skills and enhances their ability to comprehend linguistic structures. This verbal engagement lays the foundation for a robust linguistic base, enabling the child to express their thoughts and emotions effectively in the future.

Since the mother is the first link between the child and their cultural environment, her use of Arabic contributes to building the child’s cultural identity, instilling in them a sense of pride in their cultural and religious heritage, and fostering a connection with their linguistic heritage.

Daily Communication as a Foundation

Daily communication between the mother and child forms the cornerstone of language development. It goes beyond simply transferring information; it acts as a bridge that conveys the world in all its details to the child. Through this, the child acquires linguistic and stylistic skills necessary for interacting with their surroundings. Simple, daily conversations within the context of routine activities are among the most effective ways to develop speech and expression skills in children. They learn words and sentences naturally through repetition and practice.

When a mother uses clear and simple language while talking to her child, she creates an encouraging linguistic environment for language growth. Scientific studies have indicated that children who engage in daily conversations with their mothers from an early age acquire a richer vocabulary and develop better pronunciation and grammatical skills more quickly than those deprived of such verbal interactions.

A study published in the journal Child Development (2020) highlighted that the quality of communication between mother and child, including the variety of words and phrases used, plays a significant role in shaping the child’s linguistic abilities in later stages. Daily conversations also boost the child’s self-confidence and ability to express their needs and ideas. They provide opportunities for the child to hear language in different forms and mimic the pronunciation of words and sentences.

For example, during meals or playtime, the mother can name tools and ingredients clearly and repeat them, helping the child associate words with their surroundings. Using emotional expressions and vocal intonations further enhances the child’s understanding of words in various contexts and supports the development of both language and emotional abilities.

The Story as a Linguistic Tool

Stories at various stages of childhood serve as a unique educational tool, allowing mothers not only to enrich their child’s vocabulary but also to instill lasting cultural values and concepts. Through tales inspired by Quranic texts and the Prophet’s traditions, mothers can present a living model of the Arabic language in its refined literary form. This helps children acquire new vocabulary and refine their expressive skills in an engaging and captivating way.

Islamic stories, which reflect noble meanings derived from ethics and values such as honesty, trustworthiness, justice, and kindness, connect the child to both their language and culture. For instance, when a mother recounts the story of Prophet Yusuf and his brothers or Prophet Musa and Pharaoh, she introduces the child to rich linguistic structures and explains vocabulary through precise contexts. This approach not only enhances the child’s language skills but also connects them to cultural contexts that deepen their understanding of the world around them.

Studies, such as one published in the Early Childhood Education Journal, have confirmed that storytelling improves children’s listening and expression skills. Through stories, mothers can use repetition and interaction to reinforce vocabulary in the child’s mind. Verbal interaction between the mother and child is crucial in this regard. For instance, when the mother asks the child about the story’s moral or encourages them to retell the events in their own words, she fosters their analytical and critical thinking skills while enriching their vocabulary with new words presented in natural contexts.

Islamic stories often employ eloquent language, making them an effective tool for introducing children to the fundamentals of Arabic grammar and morphology, without the influence of colloquial dialects. Additionally, stories stimulate the child’s imagination, encouraging them to ask questions and interact with the narrative. They nurture a love for learning and linguistic exploration. When a mother carefully selects Islamic stories and narrates them with engaging tones and voice modulation, she adds an emotional dimension that enhances the child’s understanding and appreciation of the language. This positive interaction not only strengthens linguistic skills but also deepens the emotional bond between the child and the mother, making the child more receptive to learning from her.

Challenges Faced by Mothers

Mothers face significant challenges in fostering a love for the Arabic language in their children due to the growing dominance of foreign languages in various aspects of daily life, such as education, digital games, and entertainment. Children are often inclined to use English due to the influence of media and foreign schools.

Additionally, Arabic digital content suffers from a severe shortage, making it difficult to find engaging and high-quality educational resources. Mothers also struggle to dedicate enough time to teaching their children Arabic due to daily life pressures. Some may lack proficiency in the rules of the language, while others hesitate to teach it due to the strong influence of foreign languages.

Despite these challenges, there is hope in finding innovative solutions, such as leveraging modern technologies to produce engaging educational content and raising mothers’ awareness of their role in preserving the Arabic language.

Ultimately, teaching our children proper Arabic can only be achieved through Islamic upbringing, which our societies strive to establish. This upbringing connects children to virtuous role models. All the qualities children admire in the individuals they seek to imitate —beauty, intelligence, knowledge, courage, strength, and generosity—were embodied in one perfect individual: our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).

He is the ultimate role model for raising children, as he said: “Nurture your children upon three traits: the love of your Prophet, the love of his family, and the recitation of the Qur’an.”
When our children develop a love for their Prophet and their Qur’an, they naturally cultivate a love for their language as well.

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1. Mukhtar, Abdulaziz, (2015), The Effect of Linguistic Interaction Between Mother and Child on Language Acquisition, Dar Al-Nahda.
2. UNICEF Report on The Importance of the Early Years in Children's Language Development.
3. Child Language Acquisition and the Role of Caregivers, Journal of Early Childhood Research.

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The connection children have with bedtime stories is remarkable. They eagerly anticipate them every night, finding joy and engaging their imaginations with what they hear. They may even grow attached to a specific story, requesting it repeatedly without ever tiring of its retelling.

Parents who overlook or neglect the value of bedtime stories deprive their children of a significant means of developing cognitive abilities and acquiring skills such as focus, critical thinking, and the ability to visualize characters and events.

In the past, grandparents often played this role when families lived as extended households under one roof. However, as modern families emerged and parents faced increasing responsibilities to provide a comfortable life for their children, bedtime stories were often deemed an unnecessary luxury. Parents now prioritize providing good food, fine clothing, and an array of toys, believing these are sufficient, while dismissing storytelling as expendable.

In reality, stories have profound psychological, social, and behavioral impacts. According to Gemma Malley, Director of Communications for the children’s charity Book Trust in the UK, parents often struggle to dedicate time to reading bedtime stories. Yet, just 10 minutes of shared reading each day can make a significant difference. It helps build children's language skills, resilience, confidence, and imagination, while fostering family bonds.

Parents do not need to be skilled storytellers. Stories are widely available in formats they can read to their children. Today, parents may not need to improvise tales but simply read aloud from engaging materials. Numerous studies, including those endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, emphasize the importance of reading to children for brain development. Regular reading stimulates optimal brain patterns, strengthens parent-child relationships during crucial developmental phases, builds language skills, promotes literacy, and enhances social and emotional growth that lasts a lifetime.

Children learn language by listening before they can write or read. Storytelling offers an opportunity to acquire vocabulary. Each story introduces new adventures, events, expressions, concepts, and names, enriching the child’s linguistic reservoir. This, in turn, helps children articulate their emotions, perspectives, and ideas clearly and effectively. Remarkably, children exposed to storytelling develop a more logical use of language compared to those deprived of such experiences.

A study conducted by Rhode Island Hospital found that infants who were regularly read to had a richer vocabulary and a greater ability to comprehend words than those who were not.

Stories can be told in colloquial dialects or classical Arabic, or a combination of both. While children need to learn colloquial dialects to communicate with their immediate environment, classical Arabic is essential for their cultural, intellectual, and educational development.

Properly spoken classical Arabic embeds itself in a child's mind, shaping their language naturally as they mimic what they hear. This linguistic foundation ensures fluency and correctness, even before learning grammar formally in school. When children encounter grammatical rules later, they simply formalize patterns they were already intuitively applying.

A key objective is to cultivate a natural linguistic accuracy that avoids the errors widespread among Arabic speakers today. If parents are proficient in Arabic and make few or no linguistic errors, their storytelling offers immense benefit to their children, who will emulate their parents in language and expression.

However, if parents struggle with Arabic or are prone to linguistic errors, it is better for them to read from vowelized texts available in storybooks. They should ensure correct pronunciation and articulation, maintaining the integrity of words and grammatical structures.

A challenge arises when parents prioritize their dialect over standard Arabic. For instance, some replace the letter qaf with alif (as in Cairo and Tlemcen), pronounce it as ghain (as in Sudan), or substitute ghain with qaf (as in parts of Algeria), or even replace it with kaf (as in some Palestinian accents). Other examples include confusion between dhad and dhaa, or replacing the hamza with ‘ain.

For parents unable to narrate stories fluently or read vowelized texts without errors, numerous Arabic stories are now available online. They can play these audio or video stories for their children. Visual elements such as illustrations and animations enhance the child’s engagement, combining auditory and visual stimulation.

Today, the availability of such resources eliminates much of the difficulty parents might face. Parents need only recognize the importance of their role in fostering their children's linguistic development through storytelling. By doing so, they plant seeds that will bear fruitful outcomes in the future. Stories heard in childhood will support their children’s progress in later life, enabling them to excel in a world where identity and cultural preservation are vital for success.

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Sometimes, a child feels lazy, lethargic, and loses interest and passion. At times, you may find them indifferent to their school assignments or monthly tests, and at other times, they may hesitate to start a task, not knowing how to begin at all.

Don't be too worried and handle the situation with flexibility and wisdom. A child's mood can be influenced by simple or trivial reasons that seem complicated and difficult from their perspective. For example, a negative comment from peers about their personality, an inappropriate word from a relative, being ignored by a teacher, or unintentional attention from parents to their second or third sibling—all these life matters can cause the child to feel discouraged and bored.

Dr. Ellen Braaten, author of “Bright Kids Who Couldn't Care Less: How to Rekindle Your Child's Motivation,” states that parents should identify the main obstacle hindering the child from progressing or depriving them of passion and activity. Once the nature of the obstacle is understood and identified, parents can help their children overcome it. For instance, the child may suffer from fatigue and lack of sleep, face problems with classmates at school, fear failure in a test, or feel discouraged by the negative news they hear in their community.

The following lines summarize several ways to recharge your child's energy and enthusiasm. One or two or more of these methods may succeed in achieving the desired outcome.

First: Turn to Allah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to supplicate, saying: “O Allah! I seek refuge with You from worry and grief, from incapacity and laziness, from cowardice and miserliness, from being heavily in debt and from being overpowered by (other) men.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim) It is also narrated from Ibn 'Aabis Al-Juhani that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said to him: “O Ibn 'Aabis, shall I not tell you of the best thing with which those who seek refuge with Allah may do so?” He said: “Yes, O Messenger of Allah.” He said: “Say: I seek refuge with (Allah) the Lord of the daybreak,” “Say: I seek refuge with (Allah) the Lord of mankind.” - these two Surahs.” (Narrated by al-Nasa’i and Ahmad)

Second: Embrace your child and make them feel loved and cared for. Praise them, their abilities, and skills. Strengthen family relationships and enhance the atmosphere of understanding and dialogue among family members, as this will positively affect the child and give them a sense of security. Avoid showing excessive fear and control over them to prevent resistance to tasks, leading to laziness and lethargy as a counter-reaction.

Third: Explore the reasons for their lethargy. Check with their mother and friends about their health and psychological state, or speak to them directly to find out where the problem lies. Do they have everything they need? What do they want? How do they plan to overcome it? This will reduce the pressure they feel and may help them organize their daily and academic schedule.

Fourth: Stimulate their enthusiasm and passion through educational games, family competitions, or new ways of competing with a prize for the winner. This will bring them out of their lethargy into a fun atmosphere, reactivating their energy. This goal can be achieved through outings, sports activities, traveling to the countryside, enjoying nature, and reflecting on Allah’s signs and blessings.

Fifth: Encourage your child to rely on themselves. Offer several suggestions to overcome boredom and give them the chance to regain their passion by preparing a meal on their own, drawing a school project, or going on a shopping trip. These activities develop various skills and make them feel self-reliant and capable of making decisions.

Sixth: Teach your child to face frustration and understand that everyone goes through similar situations. The role of parents is crucial in supporting and guiding their child to handle these emotions positively, to be resilient in facing challenges, and to overcome lethargy and laziness because the consequences of inaction lead to further deterioration.

Seventh: Help your child join an activity—whether sports, scientific, or volunteer work—even if they don’t like it initially. They will benefit and learn several skills from it, and they might excel in it later. This is part of the learning process, complementing school education, and is equally important.

Eighth: Enhance your child’s perseverance by helping them break tasks into small, manageable steps to ease accomplishment. Guide them to understand that time is part of the learning and maturation process, and that patience leads to relief and success. You might draw some examples from your surroundings such as relatives and friends. Remind them of the history and the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) saying: “And know that in patience with what you dislike, there is abundant good. And know that victory comes with patience, relief with affliction, and hardship with ease.” (Narrated by Ahmad)

Ninth: Encourage your child to start a small project, like selling gifts, birds, or painting natural landscapes. According to Forbes magazine, a child needs passion through instilling a love of work in a hobby or favorite activity. Discuss with them what they love to do and how to turn it into a goal and project, according to entrepreneur and writer Nellie Akalp.

Tenth: Try to discover your child's traits, abilities, and talents. Identify their personality type—introverted, shy, or sociable. Every child has something beautiful that can grow and develop, with a talent that can ignite their passion and shake off lethargy. It’s important to note that neglecting school assignments doesn’t mean they are a failure or lazy. Perhaps they lack motivation or dislike a particular teacher or subject. Therefore, educators recommend that parents closely follow up and maintain good communication with their child's teachers and school administration.

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Children are often likened to blooming flowers, each one bearing different colors, unique scents, and secrets waiting to be discovered. However, for some, the blooming season passes by without anyone noticing the radiance of their colors or the depth of their fragrances.

Amid the pressures of life, many parents miss a precious opportunity to discover their children's talents and inclinations during their early years. This deprives society of promising energies that could have contributed to its advancement.

Parental recognition of their children's talents from a young age and enabling them to nurture these talents can produce distinguished individuals capable of making a significant impact on society. However, several factors might hinder this, ranging from the busyness of life to traditional views on education.

Gifted children tend to ask a lot of questions as if opening a door to explore everything.

For example, in the life of scientist Thomas Edison, his mother noticed his passion for scientific experiments and encouraged him to develop it, despite the school's inability to understand his different learning style. As a result of this support, Edison became one of the world's most prominent inventors, akin to a lamp his mother lit for his life and humanity.

The story of Albert Einstein also highlights the role of parents. Despite his communication difficulties, his parents supported him and provided a stimulating environment for innovation, resulting in his immense scientific contributions.

Such examples demonstrate the importance of parents in discovering their children's talents and how this early support can make a significant difference in their lives and society.

The characteristics of gifted children manifest at home in various ways, which parents should pay attention to. One of the most notable traits is high curiosity; a gifted child tends to ask numerous questions about the world around them, as if opening door after door to explore everything. They also possess intense focus when engaged in activities they enjoy, such as drawing or solving puzzles, making the world seem like a spotlight on these enjoyable moments.

A gifted child also stands out for their ability to solve problems creatively and their keen attention to details others might overlook. These traits are windows through which parents can identify their children's talents and genuine interests, guiding them toward constructive paths.

Raising and guiding gifted children towards what benefits the Islamic Ummah is a significant responsibility for Muslim families.

Despite the clarity of these traits at times, several factors make parents miss the chance to discover their children's talents. These include work pressures and daily life distractions, which may divert their attention from noticing subtle details in their child's behavior. Additionally, some parents have a traditional view of education, considering school sufficient to determine their child's path, whereas discovering talent requires extra effort and personal follow-up at home.

There is also a lack of awareness about how to identify talent, as not everyone has full knowledge of how to support gifted children or recognize their interests from an early age. Sometimes, parents might wish to impose their personal ambitions on the child, which can conflict with the child's genuine inclinations.

In a Muslim family, raising gifted children and guiding them towards what benefits the Islamic Ummah is a significant responsibility. Islam considers the family the basic unit in building generations. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock,” reflecting the necessity of comprehensive care for children, including discovering their talents and guiding them towards beneficial and fruitful fields. The Muslim family can be the primary supporter of their gifted children by promoting values of diligence and creativity and using talent to serve the community.

It is beneficial to guide children to participate in activities and training courses that may enhance their skills.

 To enable the family to play this role fully, there are several helpful factors parents can follow to discover and develop their children's talents. One of the most important is closely observing the child's behavior and noticing the activities they naturally lean towards. Parents can also continuously provide support and encouragement, especially when it comes to activities the child loves, as encouragement breeds confidence and stimulates creativity.

It is also beneficial to guide children to participate in activities and training courses that may enhance their skills and take advantage of programs supporting gifted children in schools or community institutions. Additionally, parents should seek continuous learning about how to discover and develop talent through available books and resources, which provide them with the necessary tools to offer appropriate support to their children.

Moreover, parents can adopt interactive activities at home, such as daily “creativity hour” sessions, where they allocate daily time for children to engage in activities they love, whether it's drawing, crafts, or even simple scientific experiments. Another idea is the curiosity box, where parents prepare a box containing various tools like books, puzzles, drawing tools, and experiments, allowing the child the freedom to explore it. Parents can also take children to museums and scientific exhibitions, exposing them to new fields and potentially discovering hidden interests.

Discovering talents at an early age is a step towards preparing a generation of creative and distinguished individuals.

 Finally, they can regularly sit with their children, discuss their interests, listen to their ideas, and encourage them to express them clearly. Open communication can highlight their true talents. Additionally, parents can encourage children to build and assemble models and educational toys that develop their cognitive and motor skills.

In conclusion, discovering talents at an early age is a crucial step toward preparing a generation of creative and distinguished individuals who can effectively contribute to their communities and the Islamic Ummah. Since talent is a divine blessing, parents' role is to nurture and refine it, enabling the child to benefit from it and direct it towards goodness and benefit.

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