No matter what or how one thinks of and interacts with the youth - whether they should be sheltered or independent, be approached gently or with authority, or be treated like prince/princesses or like little brats - we all owe a responsibility towards them.
Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said: "Every one of you is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock..."
Sahih Bukhari 7138
and
"O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones..."
Translation of the Quran, Surah At-Tahrim : Ayah 6
And this is because not only are they the next generation of Muslims, they also intrinsically rely on us to guide them. As such, adults play a significant role in setting an example for the youth.
No Age Boundary to Teaching Islam
Just as it is never too early to teach children language, morals, and school-related subjects, it is also never too early to teach them about religion - albeit they should be taught as befitting their learning pace. Especially living in a digital age where screens are loaded with subliminal messages and harmful influences, and even worse, when such influences are often actively pushing an agenda, I argue that it is more befitting to instil one's values in their dependants, rather than be passive which will allow for outside voices to enter their fragile hearts. It is a challenge balancing between leniency and sternness, but it must be done. There are always consequences for any action we take, more so for those that taper towards an extreme end.
Being too lenient might teach a child that religion is unimportant, or that religion is about certain practices at specific timings, not a holistic way of life. For example, focusing on 1 obligatory prayer of the day makes it seem that it is the most important (while in actually all 5 of them are) or not encouraging them to cover their awrah as much as possible, and not only when going to the masjid or religious classes. Children are observing learning all the time, and this applies to words and actions, but also what is said and done and what is not.
Yes, a child needs to experience the innocence of childhood - and have a memorable one at that - as it facilitates their mental health and success as adults. But it must be noted that what a child experiences or makes a habit during their youth naturally becomes the default that they turn to when they are older. It becomes their standard to which everything else is compared to.
On the other hand, being harsh, strict and too imposing on a child, especially without providing them breathing space or an outlet for self-expression may be detrimental to their growth. And even more so if not a good example is set. It may cause them to associate Islam with merely outward actions. It becomes a burden, and not as a beautiful way of life that guides humanity to success and spiritual enlightenment. While introducing a young one to as much Islamic knowledge and encouraging them to perform Islamic actions - in the hopes that they will yearn for more and to establish discipline - is a notable intention, it must be done at the child's pace. After all, they too are on their own paths and that they too may stumble and even fall. What's more important is that we need to be there when they pick themselves up again.
While there is only one straight path, Allah has made the methods to Him vast. A true mentor is familiar with the strength and weaknesses of their mentees, and use it to guide them to success.
Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said: "The people of prayer will be called from the gate of prayer, the people of jihad will be called from the gate of jihad, the people of fasting will be called from the gate of al-Rayyan, and the people of charity will be called from the gate of charity."
Sahih Bukhari 3666
Lastly, one must be reminded that all belongs to Allah, no matter how close our attachment to someone or something might be. No thing belongs to us, and we will all answer for whatever Allah has blessed us with.
"Your wealth and your children are but a trial, and Allah has with Him a great reward."
Translation of the Quran, Surah At-Taghabun: Ayah 15
May Allah bless our youth with guidance, and bless us with the strength to guide them, amin.
~~~