Paradise Under Your Feet — Page 44
44 Jama ’ at Activities It is important to take children regularly to Jama ’ at activities so that they begin to get a sense of belonging to a community and learn respect for the mosque. However, this can be quite challenging for mothers, especially if they have more than one young child. As all the mothers who have gone through this will testify, it is really difficult to go to Jama ’ at events, Ijtemas or Jalsa with a young child. However, making the effort is important for a young mother ’ s training as well as that of the child. Mothers should be careful that their children do not disrupt the worship of others or the proceedings. Some suggestions to train young children to sit quietly in the mosque and meetings: Training a toddler to sit still and behave in public begins at home. Remember that you are in charge of your child, you make the rules; not the other way around! Practice the following at home when your child is a year old: Sit with your child in your lap. When he starts to wriggle and wants to get down, restrain him gently and keep holding him while talking to him gently. After a few minutes, allow him to get down. Do this regularly, increasing the time before you allow him to get down. Praise him for listening to you and the child will soon understand the concept that he can get down only when you want, not when he wants. It is harder to control children when other children are not behaving, but do not give up. Ask other mothers to join you in efforts to maintain discipline. If your child begins to scream or cry, take him outside. Calm