Parenting with purpose in a globalized world

Janat Yahaya Naggolola – Parenting Coach

Assalam alaykum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh

“Daddy, why do I have to change my name so my friends can pronounce it?”

A question like this can pierce a father’s heart. It carries the weight of unspoken struggle, a child’s plea for acceptance, an identity caught between two worlds. I remember a father once shared how his eight-year-old son wanted to be called “Zee” instead of Zayd, “because it sounds cooler and no one mispronounces it.”

It’s not just about a name. It’s about anchoring our children in who they are culturally, spiritually, and emotionally, so they don’t shrink themselves into spaces that were never meant to define them.

To you, dear father, I say this:

This moment is not a failure, but a gateway to influence. This is your opportunity to gently affirm your son’s dignity and honour while preparing him to rise above societal pressure with poise, not resentment. The answer begins with you.

Indeed, parenting in the 21st century is no longer just about provision, it is about vision, faith-anchored mentorship, and strategic emotional nurturing.

• Constructing a foundation of faith and divine consciousness

If Zayd knows who he is in the eyes of Allah, he won’t feel the need to compromise his name to fit in.

Confidence is a spiritual construct before it becomes a social skill.

Speak about the uniqueness of Islamic names. Share stories of the companions, Zayd ibn Thābit, Bilāl ibn Rabāh and explain what their names meant, both linguistically and spiritually.

Establish identity-centered rituals at home: Let your child hear his name pronounced with love during du‘ā, during bedtime stories, or while leading adhkār after salah.

Build confidence through small wins.

Encourage him to politely teach others how to pronounce his name correctly and celebrate when he does.

Let your home be the first fortress where your child’s identity is built on tawheed, not on trends.

• Embodying prophetic character as a moral compass

Prophet Muhammad carried a name that was once foreign to his enemies, yet he was never compelled to dilute it. Instead, through his character, his name became beloved to the world.

Show your son how dignity is preserved through character. Teach him that it is his adab, not assimilation, that will earn him lasting respect.

Use this incident to build empathy: “Imagine how others might feel when people don’t say their names right, how could we be different?”

Reinforce moral victories: When your son corrects someone respectfully or asserts his identity with grace, let him feel it was a heroic act.

Let him see from you that leadership begins with self-respect.

• Cultivating cultural intelligence through an Islamic worldview

Today’s young Muslims must be fluent in their faith and emotionally intelligent in diverse environments. This is where your leadership as a father truly shines.

Normalize global thinking: Let your son understand that diversity is a strength, but compromise on faith and identity is never the cost.

Create opportunities for dialogue: Watch a documentary together about names, culture, or faith minorities and ask what he feels.

Equip him with tools: Teach him responses like, “It’s actually Zayd, it’s an Arabic name that means growth.” You’re giving him a script for dignity.

Let your child be a global soul grounded in Islamic roots.

Your role: From parenthood to legacy-building

Dear father, your impact echoes far beyond your daily presence. This is your chance not just to raise a child, but to build a legacy.

Zayd may forget your lectures, but he will never forget the confidence you nurtured in him, the value you placed in his identity, and the quiet reassurance that being Muslim is a source of honour, never shame.

The Prophet said:

“Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock.”  (Bukhari & Muslim)

At MYND YOUR CHILD, we walk alongside fathers like you, leaders who want to parent with purpose, not pressure.

We offer structured mentorship, character-based training, and faith-centered coaching to equip you with practical strategies and deep-rooted confidence.

Let us help you nurture emotionally intelligent, spiritually resilient, and socially grounded Muslim children.

Connect with us on all platforms: @Janat N Yahaya.