Strong parenting begins with early investment
“Try your best to give your kids what they deserve.”
Parents should invest early and intentionally in their children’s relationships, character, and learning, playing and showing mercy in the first seven years, teaching in the next seven, and using opportunities like winter break to guide and pray for them.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Ali ibn Abi Talib’s child-rearing plan begins with play, kindness, and honoring children during their first seven years.
- Parents must build strong relationships early rather than waiting until children face problems as young adults.
- The next seven years should combine continued enjoyment with teaching life skills, faith, and future preparation.
- Abdullah ibn Umar’s story shows how parental encouragement can nurture confidence and eventually scholarship.
- Parents should use winter break to spend meaningful time with children, stay close, and pray for them.
- The khutbah closes with supplications for children, families, guidance, and blessing.
In the khateeb's words
“he said play with them for the first seven years of their life”
“I will be proud of you if you gave that answer.”
“The respected parents, try your best to give your kids what they deserve.”
“Try to be close to them and pray for them.”
For the dinner table
The khutbah presents a deliberate way for parents to raise children: begin with play, kindness, and a strong relationship. As children grow, parents should keep joy in the relationship while teaching them the knowledge and life skills they need. Abdullah ibn Umar’s story shows how a father’s encouragement can help a child become confident and eventually a scholar. Winter break is an opportunity to be close to children, pray for them, and invest in their future.
- What is one fun thing we can do together this winter break?
- What is one lesson or skill you want to learn next?
- How can we encourage one another when we feel shy?
More on Family & marriage
Don't let a moment of disagreement turn into conflict where years of good are forgotten like that.14:45IAR Atwater · Southwest Raleigh, NC · Oct 31, 2026Protect relationships when disagreements arise
EPIC · Plano, TX · Oct 30, 2026Honor your mother while you still can“Call sometimes just because you want to hear her voice.”
We cannot have disrespectful parents disrespecting each other in the presence of their kids.22:41UMMA · Southfield, MI · Sep 19, 2026Faith shows in how we treat family