Marwa is a thoughtful and aware mother who carefully observes her actions and chooses her words with intention. She aims to apply what she has learned about parenting to provide emotional comfort and psychological well-being for her children. She decided to share her experience by answering an important question: What does your child expect from you?
At first, this question had never crossed her mind. Like many mothers, she believed she was already doing everything her child needed without being asked. After all, mothers naturally understand their role. For her, motherhood meant maintaining that role through both words and actions. Yet, at some point, she felt the need to truly understand the answer—and this is the experience she chose to share.
The Beginning of the Experience
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“I have three children,” Marwa explains, “but my youngest was born several years after the first two. With the growing responsibilities of the house and my older children, I became unintentionally less attentive to my youngest.”
She was aware that children love parents who communicate, listen, and show affection—parents who hug them, care for them during both comfort and illness, and accept them in every situation, whether they succeed or struggle.
A Child Carrying Too Much
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Marwa continues:
“At first, I noticed signs of anxiety and confusion on my young son’s face. He became lazy, lost interest in playing with his siblings and friends, and stopped practicing his favorite sport. His behavior changed, his speech became hesitant, and sometimes he even lost control unexpectedly.”
She describes a powerful moment:
“My 9-year-old child looked like an adult carrying heavy worries in his mind. His eyes seemed to express silent blame and sadness.”
This realization made her reflect deeply:
What did I do for my child to reach this state? I provide food, care, help with homework… what else could he need?
What Does My Child Expect From Me?
Determined to understand, Marwa began reading and asking questions. She discovered that a child’s needs go far beyond food and basic care.
Children need:
Emotional and psychological security: to feel loved for who they are and see their parents as a safe refuge
Quality time and attention: time dedicated only to them, not just for responsibilities but for play and conversation
A role model: children observe actions more than they listen to advice
Appreciation and acceptance: encouragement for effort and acceptance without comparison
Guidance: learning how to face the world with confidence and responsibility
What I Learned: Strengthening Emotional Connection
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Marwa changed her approach:
She allowed her child to express himself freely without pressure or comparison
She avoided passing her own fears onto her children
She focused on understanding his needs through listening, observation, and empathy
She created a safe emotional space for him to speak openly
She describes the result:
“My experience was truly amazing. My child changed—he returned to his friends, his games, and his activities. He became happy again, and many of the issues he had disappeared.”
Educational Perspective
According to parenting specialist Souad Ahmed Metwally, improving communication with children can be achieved through simple strategies:
Active Listening
Lower yourself to the child’s level, maintain eye contact, and give full attention. Reflect their words to show understanding.
Reading Non-Verbal Signals
Children often express feelings through behavior. Pay attention to body language, tone, and silence. Help them name their emotions.
Creating a Safe Dialogue Environment
Avoid blame or mockery. Use open-ended questions like: “What made you feel this way?”
Following the Child’s Lead
Engage in your child’s world—play their games and let them guide the interaction.
Ways to Build a Strong Relationship with Your Child
Praise your child in front of others
Ask for their opinion in simple decisions
Provide a special space for their hobbies
Make them feel important
Reward positive behavior
Avoid punishing them in public
Express your love regularly
Choose kindness and friendship over harsh discipline
Final Message
Dear mother: do not complain about your child’s behavior—search for the reasons behind it.
Sometimes, a small change in your approach can make a big difference in your child’s life.
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