The Prophet ﷺ said: “Each of you is a guardian, and each of you is responsible for what he guards.”
“A man is the guardian of his family. A woman is the guardian of her husband's home and of his children.”
The Arabic word, râ'î, is the shepherd. He keeps the flock safe, and he will answer for it.
O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire.
“Yourselves” comes first, then “your families”. The parent who wants to guide starts with himself.
And know that your properties and your children are but a trial.
A trial, not a possession. The parent who thinks “he is mine” can start ruling instead of raising.
Some educators say a child has rights on you even before birth. The first: the choice of the other parent.
Another is a dua. The Prophet ﷺ taught the husband to say, before intimacy with his wife:
“In the name of Allah. O Allah, keep Shaytân away from us, and keep him away from what You grant us.”
“What You grant us” is the child who may come. The prayer is made for him before he exists.
Then comes the name. The Prophet ﷺ said: “The names dearest to Allah are 'Abdullâh and 'Abd ar-Rahmân.”
A common advice: give a name your child can carry with pride, never one that makes him a target of mockery.
After birth, educators list his due: safety, care, time, affection, play, education.
Even where you live matters. If you cannot choose it, try to make it better, for him and for other children.
Allah does not charge a soul except with that within its capacity.
You are asked to do your best with what you have. The result is not in your hands.
Nûh (peace be upon him) called his son: “O my son, come aboard with us.” His son refused.
You do not guide whom you love, but Allah guides whom He wills.
“He's my child. He will do as I say.”
And what if your child was first a trust that Allah placed in your hands?
Your child was placed in your hands. He was never in your possession.
Tonight, make dua for your child by name, and ask Allah for what you cannot do yourself.