Re: Calling muslim parents
Am i late? Is the child past teenage already? :(
If not, here's what i think:
Like brother STP said a parents prayer is definately accepted for their child.
I read somewhere that whenever a child is born, he/she comes crying because the Satan stabs the child out of spite for the children of Adam. The only two Children who were not stabbed by the Satan were Mary (the mother of Prophet Jesus (a.s.) and Prophet Jesus (a.s.) himself. And that is because Mary's mother did dua to Allah (SWT) that "Allah bless my child and my child's offsprings and save them from the wicked Satan". The dua was accepted. SubhanAllah
Now as for discipline goes, you have to be an example for your child from the get go. Because your child will mimic you in every way possible. Think of the child as a blank video tape, whatever he/she sees, records. You want to make sure what goes on there in the mind is all the stuff that would benefit the child and make him/her a good Muslim, a good person, and an obedient child.
You should invest plenty of time with the child because this will be the only period of years where you might be the closest to your child by choice. You time invested in the child will bear fruits as he/she grows. You must make and establish a learning environment around home and involve the child in activities that stress learning. Even if it's just games and fun.
Teach the child values that are dear to you. Share stories with the child because children rely on what their hear, they visualize and adhere to for a very very long time.
I pray for you and your family. May Allah (SWT) make the child(ren) a source of joy and pride for you and your spouse.