Bismillah. Thread on Presence and Family

Before having children, I was always concerned about the cultural trend of teenagers drifting away from their parents, getting involved in peer-driven deviation, and just generally moving backwards in their emotional development...

While there is no harm in children looking to peer relationships for social fulfillment, this does not have to be coupled with breaking away from one’s parents. This is an especially damaging trend, as it occurs at a time of rapid physical, emotional, and mental development

Parents wonder how to solidify their bond with their children. The answer is the same as with any relationship — *be present*.

Being emotionally present means investing your heart sincerely, your mind with practical assistance, and your time with physical presence

I hoped that being truly present with my children in all their stages of development, would result in their naturally wishing to be present with me as they grow and mature. I am immensely grateful to Allah to report that the experiment worked (light)...

My children vie for time with me. They want to share everything with me — good and bad. In the course of pouring their hearts out, they express some of the most beautiful human realties that many adults take decades to grasp. They want to be emotionally present with me

It is draining, but I wouldn’t have wished to give the best of myself to anyone more than my children. For this, I left medicine.

Others may operate on the diseased and dysfunctional, but who could preserve the hearts, minds and bodies of the healthy, pure little ones but me.

I won’t be asked about how many surgeries I performed on the Day of Judgement. I’ll be asked about my kids.

Be present with the ones you love, you‘ll find them present with you.

Be present with Allah, the Creator of all things you love. You’ll find Him present with you.