Alhidaayah Show: Faith and Family as Pillars of a Child's Identity

The Alhidaayah Show recently dedicated its “Purposeful Parenting” segment to the vital topic of family identity, asserting that a child’s sense of self is primarily forged within the home environment. Host Janat Yahaya Naggolola, a character development expert, was joined by counselor and mental health expert Yarsin Ssewankambo to discuss how children develop their identity, self-worth, and purpose in today’s complex world.

The discussion, a follow-up to a segment on responsibility and self-discipline, focused on “Nurturing a Positive Self Identity: Helping Children Build Confidence, Self Worth and an Islamic Identity Through Purposeful Parenting.” Both Naggolola and Ssewankambo stressed that a child’s self-perception begins forming long before external influences like school, peers, or social media take hold.

They explained that children who grasp their identity and values are better equipped to face life’s challenges with confidence and resilience. Ssewankambo, drawing on his counseling experience, noted that self-identity impacts more than just self-esteem; it influences emotional well-being, decision-making, relationships, and academic performance. Children who recognize their inherent worth are more likely to resist negative pressures and become contributing members of society.

The experts also delved into raising children with a strong Islamic identity within a diverse society. They advised parents to instill core values that foster respectful and compassionate interactions with others, while maintaining a firm grounding in their faith.

A central theme of the episode revolved around two fundamental questions children often ponder: “Who am I?” and “Do I matter?” The show argued that purposeful parenting provides answers to these questions through consistent love, guidance, and positive role modeling in daily life, rather than relying solely on occasional conversations.

The program concluded with a prayer for parents and a reminder that character building is an ongoing process embedded in everyday interactions. The Alhidaayah Show airs on Thursdays from 3-4 pm on Salam TV, with future episodes continuing to explore ways families can raise resilient, faithful children with strong character.

Source: Nile Post