Where will your child be during holidays?

By Claire Russell

In keeping with the holiday series, here are 2 related articles:

Where will your child be during holidays?
Independent Online

There were gasps of horror from all the little mouths in the hall, as they watched images of children who had been beaten, burned or just had the saddest, oldest eyes in the world.

These pre-primary children and parents were being addressed by Ward six Community Police Forum (CPF) on the dangers of human trafficking. Although the children were affected by what they saw, they were all easily duped shortly thereafter.

According to the CPF, human trafficking is a $30-billion (R234bn) global industry. Our government has been warned to take urgent steps to prevent child trafficking and sexual exploitation during the World Cup. However, your child’s best line of defence is protection and education from you.

Child trafficking is not kidnapping. Kidnappers steal children in order to exact a ransom and may return the child, while child trafficking involves luring children away for either illegal adoptions or sale for the purpose of exploitation.

The International Organisation for Migration estimates more than 40 000 women were trafficked in Germany during the previous World Cup.

Child traffickers use the opportunity of an enormous event to lure children. Due to the long holiday where many parents will need to continue working, there will be children who are unsupervised and thus at risk.

The way Ward 6 CPF tricked all the children listening to the talk was to offer them a trip to uShaka Marine World. When I asked my child (age seven) what she had learnt from the talk, she said: “There are bad people who want to take us away from our moms and dads, they want to trick us, transport us, trap us and sell us to be slaves.”

I was just thinking how well she had paid attention to the talk when she said: “So that’s why we must first ask to see the tickets for uShaka before we go with them.”

I felt fear.

To protect our children, we need to do two things:

1) Ensure they are in a safe environment and supervised.

2) Educate them about the dangers and how to handle themselves if they ever find themselves under threat.

Education involves not going with anyone they don’t know for any reason whatsoever – it means staying within their caretakers’ sight, not trusting strangers and informing us of any promises made to them by anyone.

If someone does try to lure them away, they need to make a loud noise, but not just scream.

How often have you seen a child screaming when they are with their real parent who won’t give them what they want?

If they are being abducted, children need to yell at the tops of their voices: “Call 911, this is not my dad, HELP HELP!”

Be wary and teach your children to be wary of amazing promises.

Our children watch unknowns turn into overnight stars on TV – they are susceptible to promises of fame and fortune made by “talent scouts”.

Younger children are even more trusting and the promise of sweets or gorgeous puppies to see is enough to entice them.

Ward 6 taught children the helpline number 0800 555 999 for emergencies and for information, ie they will investigate the credibility of that “amazing soccer clinic”.

If your child does go missing, do not wait 24 hours – the first few hours are vital. Phone 0800 RESCU/73728 or 072 MISSING. Take a current photograph of your child and as much information as you can to the police.

It is possible to have a kit at the ready (which includes DNA samples and other vital information about your child) which the parent keeps safe until needed. Give your police case number and a photograph to Missing Children SA and stay in contact with them and the SAPF.

Seek assistance from the media as soon as possible.

We have to be vigilant, we have to teach our children to protect themselves and we have to look after them like never before.

• This article was originally published on page 27 of The Mercury on June 08, 2010

http://www.iol.co.za/html/frame_babynet.php?set_id=16&click_id=661&art_id=vn20100608110350931C289072

Article 2:
Holidays Can be Real Fun!!!

Some ways of making your kids vacation more rewarding

During the vacation there is a good opportunity to recharge our kids
spiritual batteries and start afresh in daily activities. It is a
joyous period and a unique break from our busy schedules. Most of us
welcome vacations for its fun. It is good to have fun but this must
always be done by not compromising the Islamic way of life!!!

By the same token, it is not a bad idea to take time out during these
pressure-free holidays to reflect and possibly change our positions
and life for the better.

There is an area that is largely ignored by parents when they go on
holidays and that is how to guide their children and teenagers to a
sin-free vacation. Very often, the newer generations of Muslims
growing up in the West have little guidance and sometimes even less
knowledge of the Islamic rules that govern our Islamic way of life and
they often end up imitating the free unislamic western lifestyle that
surrounds them.

No doubt, if we don’t take a proactive approach to maintaining our
iman (faith), we might really lose it. The vacation represents an
ideal opportunity to boost one’s deen (religion). However if it’s
spent inappropriately, it can lead to disastrous consequences. If we
truly value our faith, it is imperative that we use this opportunity
to its fullest extent.

Parents have a great responsibility to guide their children to an
Islamic lifestyle and to provide a vice-free environment. They should
use all available strategies to carry out this responsibility
effectively and successfully. This can be achieved by attempting to
implement the following tips:

PRAYER – Parents should ensure that prayers are performed punctually
and be keen to pray on time, especially when their children are with
them. This will help the children learn the importance of prayer and
the value of time. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as
said, “Refresh yourselves with Prayer…” (Hadith Al-Bukhari).Men should
perform prayer at the Masjid.However if on vacation a Masjid is not
close by then pray together as a family. Prayer in Jamaat is better
than praying alone. Children love to call azan. Make the youngest one
the salaat manager, taking care of prayer rugs, timing, and inviting
everyone to salaat.

ENVIRONMENT- Always remain within an environment that is free from
sin. Psychologist emphasize that environment has a great effect on the
upbringing of kids. Plan visits to places that do not in any way
encroach on our Islamic way of life. Parents should try to keep their
children and teenagers away from the immoral scenes that people
usually see in holiday resorts during vacations. The free
intermingling of sexes is totally prohibited in Islam. Children are
vulnerable and very easily succumb to peer pressure. Parents need to
be diplomatically assertive in emphasizing Islamic values.

INTERACT- Regular interaction with your children is vital. Teach them
through cool behaviour. Trying to appear “cool” in front of their
peers during adolescence brings tremendous pressure on children.
“Children often don’t feel that their parents know what’s cool and
what’s happening, so they turn to their peer group for the answers by
trying to imitate them. By starting regular interaction while your
children are young, parents can ensure that their kids will use them
as their role models and not their peer groups. Time spent with
children enhances the parent-child relationship, so that in their
later life children will emulate their parents’ values and attitudes
and that makes the gift of time the greatest gift of all.

TEACH- Vacations are an excellent opportunity to teach our kids in an
interactive way. Plan tasks, projects, games which have an Islamic
flavour to it. Parents should take the vacations as an opportunity to
indirectly set good examples to their children for cooperation,
kindness, and truthfulness. Learn and teach the rules of Islam in a
interactive way. Encourage the reading of Qurán and Hadith. Encourage
the kids to have Taalim.[Islamic education] Better still, the parents
should join in Taalimi programs. Competitions in memorizing the Qur’an
and learning the hadith should be encouraged to help inculcate real
commitment to the Qur’an and the Sunnah.

READ- Kids have loads of time and will become easily bored if not kept
occupied. Introduce them to good Islamic books. Reading material
should be carefully selected as you don’t want your kids to be
adversely affected by unislamic literature. Parents should seize the
opportunity of their free time in the holidays to tell their children
stories from the Qur’an that impart good morals, enhance spirituality
and help build an upright character. Tell or read to your children
stories on some nights before bed. There are lots of excellent Islamic
stories and books available that you can use or you can make up your
own. At the same time, you will be helping your children develop
Islamic character.

CO-OPERATION -Muslim parents should help disseminate the cooperative
spirit among their sons and daughters during the holidays. This can be
achieved by teaching the children the benefits of working together and
learning to be patient in achieving their goals, in an attempt to make
them realize the importance of teamwork. Reward them where necessary.
The family unit is the basis of a good society.

SPORTS- Sports can be a great contributor to building the kids
physically and spiritually. Choose such activities that support an
Islamic spirit and identity. Ensure that these activities do not
encroach on their deen. For example when the time of prayer
approaches, let them pray first and then resume their sporting
activities. Teach them to use Islamic words in their activities.
Instead of saying WOW! Let them say ALLAHU AKBAR[Allah is the
Greatest], let them start by saying Bismillah[I begin in the name of
Allah] etc. In this way they will be making zikr[remembering Allah].
To be physically fit is part of deen. Swimming, Archery , Horse
Riding, Athletics are strongly recommended. The Messenger of
Allah(pbuh) even raced with his beloved wife Aisha(RA).

HOUSEHOLD ACTIVITIES- Parents can motivate their kids to bake, clean
the garage, re-organize their rooms, help set the table for guests
etc. If necessary a roster can be drawn up.

ZIKR[remembering Allah]- Let them spend time making Zikr, Reciting
Quran, Making dua etc Get a book on the virtues of good deeds and read
it to them. Fazaile Amaal [Virtues of Good Deeds] is an excellent
book. Then let them practically do it so they get accustomed to making
zikr. The Messenger of Allah [pbuh] informed us that we will not
regret about anything in this life accept the time spent without zikr.
Verily, in the Zikr of Allah do hearts find peace.” (Surah Ra’d) …
“Verily, the remembrance of Allah is the greatest.” (Surah Ahzaab)
[Qurán]

PLAN AN EVENT- Try organising one weekly treat that you all do
together. Bring your kids in on the act and ask them where they want
to go this weekend. It may be the zoo, it may be an outing or it may
just be going shopping. But it is a great idea to go on an outing with
them on a regular basis. These little treats will be exciting for your
kids and will remind you that it can be fun to be a parent. Organise a
family gathering, Go as a family out in the Path of Allah, a picnic, a
sightseeing tour, a day to the zoo, stop off for ice cream or to feed
the birds in the park, visit the local orphanage, a visit to the
kiddies section in the local hospital etc. Be innovative within the
confinements of Sharia.

GARDENING- Gardening is an excelling way to keep them occupied and
bring them closer to Allah. Let them have their own vegetable patches,
let them plant flowers etc. Explain to them about Beauty of Allah in
His creation

PLAY- Play with your children. You could play ball, colour pictures,
build toy houses from blocks, or do whatever they like. Let your
children help you with simple tasks. Prophet Mohammed (Pbuh) was
especially fond of children and used to get into the spirit of
childish games in their company. He would have fun with the children
who had come back from Abyssinia and tried to speak in Abyssinian with
them. It was his practice to give lifts on his camel to children when
he returned from journeys. (Bukhari).

LOVE- Show your children in simple ways that you love them. Some
parents try to appeal to their children by showering them with gifts
rather than giving of themselves. This may cause more harm than good.
The simple example of Prophet Muhammad[pbuh].When his daughter Fatima
(May Allah be pleased with her) would come to him, the Prophet[pbuh]
used to stand up, kiss her, take her hand, and give her his seat.
Later in life, this personal type of affection will be much more
memorable to children than receiving a gift that anyone could have
given them. Don’t buy their love- Win it!!!

SIN: Ensure a sin free vacation. Cinemas, Movies, Immoral PC games,
Discos, etc will harm their Imaan. Instead of playing haraam music
rather buy some good Islamic CD’s for them.

FRIENDS-The most important element of a successful vacation from an
Islamic perspective is the company that our kids keep. Friends will
either make or break our deen (religion). If a kid finds himself
hanging out with non-Muslim classmates who are doing haraam it will
have a negative bearing on his Imaan. Company of deeni[pious] and
knowledgeable people is a great boon. For boys going out with other
youth in the Path of Allah is an excellent way to be in good company.
The Family could also go out together. In an authentic Hadith, the
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: “A person is likely to follow the faith
of his friend, so look at whom you befriend.” Tactfully persuade them
to choose such friends who will be positively and islamically
influence their character. The company our kids keep will have a
profound effect on their imaan and personality!

Vacations can be spiritually enriching for both parents and kids
PROVIDED we do things Islamically correct. It is an excellent
opportunity to develop our kids character and uplift their Imaan!

The Messenger of Allah [pbuh] said:“The best amongst you are those who
have the best manners and character.” (Hadith-Sahih Bukhari)

courtesy: www.eislam.co.za
Source: Tshwane Muslims Newsletter

Safety Tips For Your Crawling Baby

Until today, it was easy to look after your baby; he was lying down in one place and was not mobile.

However, now that he has discovered mobility: he can crawl now, the world has become an exciting place for him, full of things that he has to discover for himself, taste, feel, smell, see and experience.

This is the time when all parents have to be extra vigilant. A crawling baby can get into all kinds of tight situations, and your home has to be made ‘crawling baby safe’ so that you may be able to enjoy him more as he moves around excitedly.

Your baby may empty out your entire rack of CDs, which had been at floor level, or he may try to pull on to the wastebasket so that he can sit up or stand.

The wastebasket may tip over, causing your baby to fall, or on the other hand, it may contain dangerous items that may seem extremely attractive to your exploring baby, and he may want to taste them.

You as a parent will have to have an eye peeled out for the dangers around your baby, so that you may be able to prevent unwarranted mishaps. [Infant safety]

Here are some tips for you:

Make sure that all electrical outlets are kept well protected with safety caps. This will prevent your baby from inserting things into the points and suffering electrical shock.
Make sure all electric cords are well out of reach of your baby’s inquisitive hands. If he pulls on an unsecured cord, he may bring the lamp down on himself.
Make sure the floor is kept scrupulously clean at all times; you never know what your baby will find. Remove all small choking hazards and poisonous materials.
If you have a staircase that your baby is unbearably attracted to, then invest in safety gates for the landings at the bottom and top. Keep these safety gates locked at all times, and if your baby wants to crawl up the stairs on his own, let him, but make sure you stay right behind him; never leave him alone on the stairs.
Remember; ‘baby proofing’ your home and the baby’s environment is extremely essential, not only for his safety, but also for your mental peace and well being.

Otherwise, you may end up having to say ‘NO’ to everything that he wants to do, thereby unnecessarily curtailing your baby’s natural desire to explore and find things on his own.

http://www.newbornbabyzone.com/health-safety/safety-tips-for-your-crawling-baby/