Paradise Under Your Feet — Page 170
170 children going into middle school are probably ready, some may be even earlier): Is he/she approaching puberty? Are there physical changes? Is he/she repeatedly curious about birth or where she came from? Is he/she using new vocabulary from school with/without knowing what it means? Did you find out that another child has been giving her information about sex? Prepare Yourself: Think carefully about what you want to say. Consider your own understanding of the teachings about sex in Islam. Think about your child ’ s personality and what will be the best way to approach him or her. Some children will be embarrassed and quiet and that is fine. Others may ask a lot of questions and this is also fine. Be prepared to answer. Plan a quiet time that is not rushed when both of you are in a relaxed mood. Try to make sure other children/adults are not around so it will be less awkward for both of you. Think of your talk as a very positive, loving gift for your child that will be a relief and blessing for both of you. You will feel very good as a parent too. Pray for yourself and your child that your talk with him/her will be a source of protection and good for him/her. Involve fathers in talking to their sons. It will have great impact for them to speak to their sons about chastity and how to behave around women. Repeatedly pray the prayer of Prophet Musa (as):