Raising a Special and Beloved Child: Four Practical Steps for Every Mother

Every mother dreams of seeing her child be special and loved, gaining acceptance and appreciation among peers and friends. Especially since academic excellence alone is no longer the true measure of success; it must be complemented by moral and social distinction, which makes the child a person capable of interacting with their environment in a positive, balanced, and healthy way.

But how can this be achieved? Are there steps a mother can follow to realize this dream? Dr. Nawal Idris, Professor of Education and Child Psychology, presents to us four simple and practical steps a mother can use to raise a special and beloved child.

Raising a Special and Beloved Child Is a Continuous Journey of Awareness

A special and loved child

Raising such a child doesn’t require much, but rather simple steps that have deep impact, starting from within the home. Child-rearing is fundamentally based on love, care, and being a role model, understanding that every situation is an opportunity to instill a value or modify behavior.

A special child grows up carrying respect for themselves and others, armed with emotional and social intelligence. They naturally become loved and distinguished among peers without needing forced effort to gain acceptance.

Moral and Social Excellence Is an Acquired Behavior

Often, the idea of a special child is associated in many minds with high academic achievement or remarkable talents in a specific field. However, the more enduring excellence is the child’s moral and social distinction among people, a truth confirmed by several recent studies.

This excellence is evident in how the child interacts with others, their ability to empathize, respect for themselves and others, and commitment to noble human values.

A distinguished child knows how to listen before speaking, is considerate of others’ feelings, and is a true, trustworthy friend. Such behavior is not innate but cultivated through conscious parenting and monitoring by both parents.

Steps to Raising a Special and Loved Child

To raise a child who is special and loved among family and community, it’s necessary to follow steps that fit the rhythm of daily life. Here are the main steps:

Step 1: Be a Good Role Model for Your Child

Parents as Role Models: Children learn by observation and watching, not by orders or lecturing. Therefore, how parents deal with others, manage their temper, and respect differences shapes a real example reflected in the child’s behavior.
Positive Dialogue: Dedicate even a short daily time to talk with your child about their day, feelings, and situations with friends. These conversations instill effective communication skills and make the child feel valued and cared for.
Teaching Emotional Intelligence: It is important to teach the child how to recognize and express their feelings healthily and understand others’ feelings, enhancing empathy and the ability to build positive relationships.
Encouraging Cooperation, Not Competition: Through group activities at home or school, the child learns the importance of teamwork, sharing skills, and mutual respect.

Step 2: Detect Negative Behaviors Early

In parenting, it is crucial to notice early signs that might seem minor but indicate problems needing early intervention. Some key signs are:

Social withdrawal: Preferring to stay alone for long periods without interaction with friends.
Frequent anger outbursts: Especially in social situations or when facing criticism.
Bullying or mocking others: Whether at school or within the family.
Inability to verbally express feelings: Resorting to silence or aggressive behavior.

Dr. Nawal advises dealing with these signs calmly and wisely through peaceful dialogue, boosting the child’s self-confidence, and seeking help from education or psychology specialists if necessary.

Step 3: Build Connections Between Family and School

The family alone cannot achieve positive results in raising such a child. External influences, especially the school and cooperation with teachers, play a vital role.
Follow the child's behavior in class and ensure harmony with peers.
Reinforce the educational values learned at home through school activities.
Continuous communication between parents and school provides the child with a sense of security and belonging, creating a supportive and calm environment that fosters healthy social and moral growth.

Step 4: Continuously Follow Up and Self-Evaluate

Raising a special and loved child among peers is not a task limited to a specific period or ending when the child reaches a certain age. It is an ongoing process requiring constant follow-up and evaluation. To achieve this, a mother can use simple tools such as:

Keeping daily or weekly notes on the child's behavior and interactions, to discuss with the father or a trusted teacher.
Rewarding positive behaviors as soon as they appear to reinforce them, or creating opportunities to repeat or increase such behaviors.
Encouraging the child to self-evaluate by asking how they feel about different situations and diversifying social activities that the child participates in to strengthen interactive skills.