The Blessing of Traditional Childcare: Wisdom from Our Grandmothers and Mothers
PoriPurno News Desk | August 11, 2025
From the very first month of my baby’s life, my mother gently massaged my baby’s nose with light pressure, explaining that it helps shape the nose beautifully. At first, I was worried — what if it causes pain? But observing the baby’s peaceful sleep, I understood that these age-old practices, passed down by our grandmothers and mothers, carry the wisdom of experience.
In every careful touch and gesture lies a legacy of love and knowledge. However, it is important to avoid unscientific superstitions like applying honey or oil inside the baby’s mouth, pressing the nose or forehead forcefully, or making incisions on the navel — all of which can be harmful. Instead, time-tested practices like regular sun exposure, gentle oil massage, and advice on how to care for the baby are genuine blessings often missing in modern small families.
Sadly, some modern young mothers resist such traditional care, often believing that parenting is an intellectual pursuit requiring advanced degrees. They may dismiss elders’ advice, convinced that their educated methods are superior. Yet, I still cherish how my mother teaches me the right way to prepare khichuri (rice and lentil porridge) for the baby, forbidding meat or certain leafy vegetables at times, encouraging regular clothes changing multiple times a day, wiping the baby’s body before sleep to ensure cleanliness, and limiting constant holding to foster independence.
I never argue with such advice because I have witnessed its benefits. Children nurtured with the love and care of grandmothers and mothers grow up healthier and happier. The companionship and care from elders nourish not just the body, but the soul.
Islam teaches us the value of family and respect for elders. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“He who does not show mercy to our young ones and respect to our elders is not one of us.”
— [At-Tirmidhi, 1923]
Moreover, the Quran commands kindness and respect to parents:
وَقَضى رَبُّكَ أَلّا تَعبُدوا إِلّا إِيّاهُ وَبِالوالِدَيْنِ إِحسانًا
“And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to parents.”
— Surah Al-Isra 17:23
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In modern times, a certain narrative promotes keeping babies always with their mothers, likening independent children to “farm chickens.” But human beings are created to be compassionate, independent, and morally upright, qualities that are nurtured through balanced care — including the loving involvement of grandparents.
Our grandmothers may not speak fluent English or have modern degrees, but they offer something invaluable: humanity, compassion, and heartfelt care — qualities that education alone cannot replace. May Allah bless them and grant us the wisdom to cherish their care.
Written by: Mahbub Osmane
Islamic thinker, writer, and founder of PoriPurno.com.
This article is based on Quran and authentic Hadith teachings.
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