Today we will discuss how parental guidance affects a child’s education—whether positively or negatively. Parents play a major role in a child’s learning, whether it is worldly knowledge or religious education. If parents are educated, teaching and guiding their children becomes easier, because no one else can teach with the same love and care. If parents are not educated, it is not a problem, but it becomes difficult for the child to navigate the field of education without their advice. At the very least, parents should supervise their child’s learning and regularly ask about their progress to ensure education continues effectively.

Encouraging Kids Without Pressure

The most important responsibility for parents is to help their children study well without putting unnecessary pressure on them. Many people mistakenly pressure children to get high marks, which is wrong. Remember, Allah has not given every child the same level of intelligence. If one child is quick to learn and another is slower, treat them equally. Do not let a weaker child feel inferior, because if they develop a sense of inadequacy in childhood, it can lead to wrong choices later.Here are some easy and effective ways to help a weaker child study:

• Ask the child to recite a small portion of the Quran that they can manage each day.
• Sit with them and ask if anything is bothering them or if they have any other problems.
• Encourage the child to participate in activities they enjoy. Even weaker children can excel in games—never force them to stop playing.
• If the child recites or performs even a little correctly, congratulate them; this builds their confidence.
• Do not compare or criticize; blaming or mocking will make the child feel weaker.
  
  

Creating a Daily Routine

The key to making children’s education successful is to set a clear daily routine and ensure discipline. This daily routine is not only essential for children but also for adults and everyone in general. Regarding a daily routine for Quran memorization (Hifz), we have already discussed it in our posts—you can check it here Secrets of Successful Hifz.

For learning Nazra Quran, the easiest method is as follows:

• Give children only as much lesson as they can manage, and ask them what they can handle.
• Before listening to their recitation, ensure they have practiced each portion at least 7–10 times.
• If the child cannot recite properly or has forgotten the lesson for some reason, do not punish them immediately; first ask the reason, reduce the portion if needed, and repeat the same lesson the next day.

Alhamdulillah, this method is widely used in madrasas across Pakistan and has been recommended as the most effective and valuable way to teach.

Using Fun Learning Methods

Another effective method of teaching is that children should read with happiness. Sometimes joke with them, share a small story or a funny incident. This creates interest in both the teacher and the student. A teacher who stays serious all the time makes children mentally tired, and then they neither read properly nor pay attention.

Jokes should never insult any child; they should only be to make them smile. Don’t hurt anyone’s feelings. Especially teachers whom children fear without reason should adopt this gentle method.

And one request: avoid hitting children as much as possible.

Monitoring Progress Gentaly

Lastly, an important point: how will we know if our children are actually progressing in their education? We invest money, time, and effort in their learning, and we will be questioned about it. We cannot just leave them unattended; we must keep an eye on their progress. Especially in Qur’an learning (Nazra), monitoring their improvement is very important. Otherwise, they might move forward with mistakes, and we will be responsible.

Here are some methods to easily check a child’s overall progress:

• At the end of every month, take a test based on everything they learned that month.
• Take surprise tests sometimes and inform students that they should be prepared every day.
• After every class, ask the child what they learned today.
• Don’t over-test or question too much; it can stress or confuse them. Ask gently and with kindness.
  

May Allah grant us the ability to learn and teach the Quran correctly. Ameen.