How to Deal with Children When They Make Mistakes

Question:
You have guided us, may Allah preserve you, on how to deal with children in this time when distractions have multiplied, such as media, the internet, and others. If they make mistakes, how should we deal with them, with strictness or otherwise? May Allah reward you.

Answer:
Children who have not reached puberty are a trust in the necks of their fathers. It is better to raise them on good and protect them from evil. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: So it is upon you to raise them on good and accustom them to good until they become accustomed to it and grow up with it. Seek help from Allah the Exalted and do not neglect them, for then the cure will become difficult for you later. You must start with them from a young age, take care of them, accustom them, and take them with you to the mosque.
And you raise them on what is good, so when they reach seven, they grow up upon it and their guidance becomes easy for you. But if you leave them and neglect them until they grow up, you will not be able to bring them back after they have grown up. For that reason, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "At seven And the seven-year-old has not yet reached puberty; rather, he has entered the stage of intellect before seven. He does not have intellect. So when he reaches seven, he is distinguished and enters the stage of intellect and understanding. He understands what you say to him. Command him to pray, repeat it to him, and insist on it. Yes.