July 23 marked a significant milestone for me as a mother. I am now the mother of two tween girls, aged 10 and 12. It feels surreal and overwhelmingly emotional to see them grow. The girls who once played with dolls and dollhouses are now busy discussing books, documentaries, challenges, and, most importantly, dresses and looks.

As they compete to reach my height, I can never forget the day they came into my life. One was an obedient, mom-pleasing baby, while the other was the chaos maker, always naughty and ensuring her elder sister joined in the mischief. Their infancy was different from their toddler years, and now their tweenhood is a new, unique phase.

As they grow older, what scares me the most is the thought of being excluded from their lives and their growing independence. I know I must let them experience the joys and sorrows of life on their own, but the mother in me fears letting go. Just as they clung to me when they were young, I wish I could hold on to them now. In this fake world of social media, I wish to preserve their innocence as long as possible.

I fear the day when people comment on their appearance, potentially causing them to have low self-esteem and become more aware of their insecurities. As they grow, I wish to teach them some essentials of life, which I want to share here on my blog. These reminders help me navigate the Islamic lessons I need to impart to my tweens and assist other mothers in similar situations.

Self-Discovery and Acceptance

Knowing about your true self before navigating the world is crucial. I believe that self-discovery is a lifelong process, but recognizing this is essential. Accepting that you will discover yourself through various life experiences is important. Society will try to mold them into a shape that fits all, but that’s not how we were created. Allah created us unique and beautiful.

Exploring Creation and Connecting with the Creator

In today’s age of social media, children need to get away from their screens and the virtual world to truly enjoy the natural world. They should experience the smell of rain, the chirping of birds, the fragrance of flowers, the sweetness of fruit, and the feel and texture of soil. The world is filled with Allah’s creation, from the mountains to the seven skies above. Everything showcases the glory of Allah and points to the magnificence of the Creator.

Empathy and Compassion

In a world where people often focus on selfish goals, instilling empathy in children is crucial. Tweenhood is a time when hormones are fighting for dominance, making it difficult to maintain innocence. Teaching empathy can prevent many unfavorable situations. The best way to teach empathy is through the Seerah of the beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). His life exemplifies how to imbibe empathy and treat others with kindness and understanding.

Learning the Legacy of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Helping my daughters develop a thirst for learning about the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions is vital. The Seerah provides guidance on leading a life that pleases Allah. Understanding the legacy of the Prophet can inspire them to live with integrity, compassion, and faith.

Nurturing Faith and Self-Esteem

As my daughters grow, I emphasize the importance of nurturing their faith and self-esteem. I remind them that their worth is not defined by societal standards but by their character and faith. Encouraging them to be proud of their Islamic identity and to seek knowledge continuously is essential.

Building Resilience

Life is filled with challenges, and building resilience is key to overcoming them. Teaching my daughters to trust in Allah’s plan, to stay patient in the face of adversity, and to keep striving for excellence helps them build inner strength. Resilience will enable them to navigate the ups and downs of life with grace and determination.

Encouraging Lifelong Learning

Instilling a love for lifelong learning is crucial. Whether it’s through reading, exploring nature, or engaging in meaningful conversations, continuous learning helps them grow intellectually and spiritually. I encourage my daughters to ask questions, seek knowledge, and remain curious about the world around them.

Balancing Independence and Guidance

In conclusion, raising tween girls in today’s world comes with its challenges, but it also offers opportunities to instill valuable life lessons. By focusing on self-discovery, faith, empathy, resilience, and lifelong learning, I hope to guide my daughters through this transformative phase with love and wisdom. Together, we can navigate the complexities of growing up while staying true to our values and faith.

By integrating these elements, I aim to create a nurturing environment where my daughters can thrive and grow into confident, compassionate, and faithful individuals. I hope this blog serves as a reminder and inspiration for other mothers navigating similar journeys.