One of the most vital tools in ensuring children grow up saved from a sinful lifestyle is the manner in which they are treated. The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam should practically what this entailed:
CHEERFUL
Anas radhiallahu anhu says that from everyone, the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam was the most cheerful and merry with children. Being merry with children bridges the generation gap which in turn allows one to impart good more easily.
On one occasion the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam saw his grandson Husain radhiallahu anhu playing outside. The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam quickly went forward and opened his arms for Husain radhiallahu anhu who began running about. The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam made him laugh until he caught hold of him and kissed him.
GAMES
Once, the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam caught one of his grandsons, placed his feet on their foot and told them to try and free themselves. The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam would stretch open his arms to his cousin Abdullah Ibn Abbas and his brother and say, “I will give a present to the one who comes to me first.” They would run to him, sometimes one would fall on his back and another in his lap. The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam would pick them up and kiss them.
NOBLE
The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam greeted children when he passed them. Once Hasan radhiallahu anhu was playing on the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam’s stomach or chest. While sitting there, he began urinating. The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam left him, and then asked for water and cleansed himself.
When the first fruit of the season was presented to the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam he’d give it to the youngest child there. He would stand up to receive his daughter when she visited, take her by her hand, kiss her, and seat her in his place.
INFORMAL
The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam once said Sanah, Sanah (Abyssinian for beautiful) when a small girl came in a yellow garment with her father. She began to play with the seal of Prophethood between his shoulder blades. Her father reprimanded her but the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam stopped him.
Sometimes his grandsons would be playing and sitting on his back while he was in Salaah. He used to seat children in his lap and his grandson rode upon his shoulders.
Islam, the perfect way of life, shows practically the psychology needed in bringing up children who will be an asset to society and themselves.
Child Psychology
