Strengthening Families at IISO

Parenting workshop for IISO parents

The International Islamia School Otsuka (IISO) continues its mission to empower Muslim families in Japan through holistic education and community engagement. Our recent Parenting Workshop, led by Brother Ahmed and Sister Jamila, brought together parents to explore strategies for raising children in multicultural environments, strengthening marital bonds, and nurturing Islamic values.

Workshop Highlights

Muslim Parenting in Multicultural Settings

Parents discussed the challenges of raising children in non-Muslim environments and the importance of a “greater village” approach — involving family, school, and community. Strategies included building confidence, resilience, and leadership skills while safeguarding Islamic identity.

Marriage & Family Visioning

Couples reflected on Quranic analogies of marriage, exploring examples such as “rice and meat” to illustrate harmony and complementarity. The workshop emphasized kindness, communication, and shared visioning. The 5F framework — Faith, Fitness, Family, Finances, Fulfillment — was introduced as a practical tool for long-term family planning.

Stages & Health of Marriage

Speakers highlighted the stages of marriage, from the honeymoon phase to long-term companionship. Research on couples who remained deeply in love underscored the importance of collaboration, conflict resolution, and learned responses in sustaining healthy relationships.

Strengthening Marital Bonds Through Kindness

Parents were encouraged to adopt small acts of kindness and build “emotional bank accounts.” Examples from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ’s treatment of his wives were shared, including affection through special names and shared moments. Couples were urged to schedule regular “away days” to revisit family visioning and strengthen bonds.

Parenting for Future Leaders

The workshop emphasized nurturing children’s passions and talents while instilling Islamic values and leadership qualities. Parents were guided to be vigilant, supportive, and adaptable to each child’s unique development path.

Positive Parenting Insights

Practical techniques such as 1‑2‑3 Magic discipline, emotional intelligence, and positive reinforcement were shared. Parents learned how focusing on children’s positive actions and using warm language, gestures, and touch can strengthen bonds. Islamic perspectives highlighted the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ’s example and the principle of choosing the “lesser of two evils” in parenting decisions.

Early Childhood Development Strategies

Experts discussed how parental device use can hinder children’s language acquisition and emotional growth. Parents were encouraged to respond calmly to tantrums and avoid physical punishment. A case study illustrated how a father’s supportive approach helped his son overcome reluctance in public speaking.

Islamic Marriage & Family Dynamics

Marriage was described as a union made in Jannah, requiring tolerance and complementarity. Couples were advised to regularly check intentions, assess their relationship, and prioritize the husband’s role after Allah. Communication strategies with children and discipline techniques were also emphasized.

Father Involvement & Family Bonds

The importance of father involvement was highlighted, with strategies such as shared activities, one-on-one time, and teaching life skills. Fathers were encouraged to maintain family prayer routines and plan regular family activities to strengthen relationships.

Parenting & Child Development Insights

Parents explored intellectual growth, emotional intelligence, and adolescence challenges. Safe spaces for sensitive discussions were encouraged, with resources like the Clear Quran series recommended for teaching Islam.

Sibling Dynamics & Parenting Approaches

Sibling rivalry and birth order effects were discussed, with emphasis on fair treatment and individual attention. Practical issues such as screen time, financial decisions, and online risks (e.g., Roblox gambling) were addressed.

Why It Matters

The Parenting Workshop reflects IISO’s commitment to supporting Muslim families in Japan. By blending timeless Islamic principles with modern child development strategies, the school empowers parents to raise children who are confident, compassionate, and future-ready.

At IISO, we believe that when families grow stronger, children flourish — and communities thrive.