Boom

Ibn al-Qayyim رحمه الله mentions the following among the many benefits of the remembrance of Allāh:

1) It repels the Shaytān and subdues him

2) It pleases al-Raḥmān

3) It removes anxiety and sorrow from the heart

4) It brings rejoice and expanse to the heart

5) It strengthens the heart and body

6) It illuminates the face and the heart

7) It brings about sustenance and provision

8) It clothes a person with respect

It is a cause for earning the love of Allāh

9) It is a cause for Allāh remembering you

10) It is like water to a fish, giving life to the heart

11) It erases and removes sins

12) It saves from the punishment of Allāh

This is based on decades of experience as an uncle and as an older brother.

Never forget that children are just as much people as adults are.

Kids 10 years or younger (and sometimes older than that) don’t get sarcasm or irony, so don’t use them.

If a child has difficulty pronouncing a word, don’t copy their misprounciation when speaking to them. They can hear the word just fine. It could sound to them like you’re making fun of them.

(Yes, this means no babytalk)

Don’t be dismissive.

Listen to what they’re saying.

To get on the same eye-level, don’t bend over or squat: it seems condescending. Kneeling or sitting are better.

It should go without saying that you should respect children’s body autonomy. Don’t force affection on them.

Respect children’s emotional autonomy as well. Let them be angry. Let them be sad. Don’t force them to be happy.

Let children like things. Don’t run down the things they like just because you find them cringy.

Don’t think that you know better.

To children, adults are giants. Be a big friendly giant.

Don’t stifle children’s curiosity.

Don’t stifle children’s enthusiasm.

To quote Sondheim, “Be careful the words you say, children will listen.”