I hate when people blame Islam for their negative experiences in life instead of their own parents’ shortcomings and the toxic culture of their individual environment. Islam is perfect. It’s us people who are flawed.

“I hated being told to...”
“I felt forced to...”
“My parents made me...”

Sounds to me like your parents abused you. Sounds like the ppl around you were flawed & judgmental and failed to provide you a loving environment where Islam is gifted to you, & instead forced it onto you.

This is an issue that needs to be addressed not at the roots of Islam, but rather one that stems from poor parenting. God forbid I ever force my child to follow Islam by abusing them... I could never. There needs to be intention from the heart, not compulsion by threat and force.

Advise your children w/ love & a degree of leniency & make them feel comfortable to share their thoughts and concerns w/ you. There should always be an open door for conversations about their feelings and discomforts — a door that Islam provides but inadequate parents keep shut.