Nothing beats sitting down and writing out your goals in hopes of achieving them. In our preparation for this blessed month, let’s take out 15 minutes today for ourselves, in the quiet of our rooms, to think about what we want to accomplish during this Holy Month and what we want to carry over for the rest of the year. Let’s get introspective, let’s do some soul-searching, let’s identify our faults, and then move forward with SMART goals that we... Read more
When my husband travels, my children and I have an evening ritual called “cozy nights.” We cheerfully tidy up the whole house, eat a half-hearted dinner like cheese and crackers, then settle down with blankets on the couch with hot chocolate or watermelon for a movie. It makes the day shorter for me and gives us all something to look forward to. Recently, we watched Children Of Heaven, which I strongly recommend for families with young children to watch. It was... Read more
There are days when the human spirit cannot be confined to walls and gadgetry. It yearns to experience nature in all its beauty. “Let us first be as simple and well as nature ourselves, dispel the clouds which hang over our brows, and take up a little life into our pores. Do not stay to be an overseer of the poor, but endeavor to become one of the worthies of the world,” (Thoreau, Walden). “Indeed We have made that which is... Read more
My neighbor Amy stopped by to kindly let us know that we had possession of her recycling bin last night. It was a routine knock on the door, with the usual salutations and greetings. She was in her running shoes and looked like she had come back from a jog. We had never officially met, but Rehab (may Allah have mercy on her soul) had told me about her after our first campaign to get to know our neighbors. Together,... Read more
Many years ago when I was in college, I was pregnant. It was in a child psychology class that I came to the realization of how big the task ahead of me really was. I was having a baby… A BABY! Was I really ready? As if reading my mind my professor asked us, “Why do we have children?” The question caught me off guard. He went on, “Why do we, as humans, have babies?” No one could say anything at... Read more
Growmama Picks is a collection of fun, interesting, or inspiring links that we share with you at the end of every month. Enjoy! 1. A love jar is a sweet idea. 2. Explore Surah Al-Kahf in depth in the latest MAS Tarbiya Lighthouse episode. 3. We all have to do it sometimes: tips on grocery shopping with kids. 4. This post on domestic abuse is a valuable resource. 5. There is a subtle pattern in the way we talk to... Read more
Before I ever got pregnant, I always thought that nursing a precious baby was one of the most beautiful things ever. That particular peaceful connection between mother and baby was something I was eager to experience and hold onto for a long time. Then, my son came along. I was induced 3 weeks earlier than my due date (there are some studies that link those two things with my next point) and he didn’t latch on very well. When he... Read more
I was sitting at home a while ago, the third day into the Snowmageddon of 2010, the third day of not really talking to anyone but my two little ones, with the husband traveling and trips to my parents’ home eliminated because of the grand storm. I tend to get a bit sad, depressed when I’m alone like that, but alhamdulillah I was holding up fairly well during those days. A few nights later, I was trying to memorize some... Read more
We asked some of our GrowMama writers to share a hadith or aya from the Qur’an that they have used to help their children develop a good habit. Here is what they had to say: S writes: Inna Allaaha ma’ as-saabireen, “Indeed Allah is with the patient.” At times life is hard for young kids. Learning to write their name or tie shoe laces can bring on the biggest tears. I remind them that not everything can come easily. Allah is always... Read more
I always used to drive really fast; much faster than the speed limit. Driving was never a pleasure in and of itself, but a means to an end. Until of course I came to the realization that my time in the car is a magical time. A time that I use to catch up with friends and family and also a time to get a bit of a spiritual pick me up. From the recommendation of a dear sister, I... Read more
Grow Mama Grow
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In