When a child exhibits behavior that starkly contrasts their previous demeanor, it can be a confusing and concerning experience for any parent. One family recently reached out for advice regarding their son, who had started engaging in troubling behaviors after a seemingly normal upbringing in a loving Muslim home. They were faced with his dramatic personality changes, behavioral challenges, including adopting unusual attire and interests, playing loud music with hateful lyrics, and even threatening to poison them. This change seemed to coincide with an encounter involving an Ouija board during a summer visit to a neighbor’s home, leaving the parents uncertain about the cause of their son’s shift in behavior.

Such challenges are deeply troubling, and parents often find themselves seeking guidance on how to approach and rectify the situation. While every situation is unique, it is crucial to approach these issues with patience, love, and a well-rounded strategy. In this article, we explore some steps that can help address these issues and provide a compassionate pathway forward for families facing similar concerns.

1. Understanding the Behavior: Seeking Attention or Deeper Issues?

One of the first steps in addressing any troubling behavior is to understand its root cause. Sometimes, children—especially teenagers—resort to extreme or attention-seeking behaviors to garner focus from their family or peers. In cases like these, it is essential to explore whether the child is acting out as a cry for help or due to deeper insecurities or internal struggles.

In this situation, the child’s sudden behavioral changes may indicate a desire for attention, perhaps stemming from underlying emotional or psychological issues. Although the parents report that they spend ample time with their child and provide support, it is possible that the child feels unheard or overlooked, which might have triggered these dramatic changes. A thorough assessment, including discussions with teachers, counselors, and close family members, can help uncover any sources of distress.

2. Setting Boundaries and Ground Rules

To ensure the safety and well-being of both the child and the family, it is crucial to set firm boundaries at home. This can include:

  • Remove locks on doors: Locks can prevent open communication and create an atmosphere of secrecy. If the child’s behavior raises concerns about safety, such as threats of poisoning, it may be necessary to remove any locks and ensure supervision over potentially dangerous activities.
  • Limit access to harmful content: This includes banning certain music or media that promotes harmful messages. While it is important to give children autonomy, they must understand that certain behaviors, especially those that encourage negativity, are not acceptable in the household.
  • Open communication: A calm yet firm approach is needed when discussing these issues with the child. Reinforce your love and concern for their well-being while expressing clear boundaries for their behavior.

3. Exploring External Influences: The Ouija Board and Other Potential Risks

The parents mentioned that their son had interacted with an Ouija board, which may have contributed to his shift in behavior. While there is no definitive proof linking Ouija boards to harmful effects, it is generally advised to keep children away from such occult practices. Engaging with anything that could expose them to potentially negative spiritual influences is a concern for many parents. In Islam, the practice of seeking powers through spiritual means or dabbling in the occult is discouraged, as it may lead to vulnerability to harmful influences.

If there are concerns that external factors such as these have impacted the child, seeking the advice of a knowledgeable, pious Imam or a specialist in spiritual matters may be beneficial. Parents can also safeguard their home by reciting specific Quranic verses, such as Surah Al-Baqarah, to protect the family from harmful influences. Regular recitation of supplications (du’a) and maintaining a state of spiritual cleanliness through wudu’ and dhikr can help keep negativity at bay.

4. Focus on Strengthening Family Bonds

Amid all the concerns, it is vital to maintain open and compassionate communication with your child. Set aside time for shared activities, such as family outings or visits to the mosque. These small moments help reinforce your relationship and can provide opportunities for subtle guidance without coming across as overly critical or confrontational.

Try involving other family members or trusted friends who can help support your child. Sometimes, children open up more to someone outside of the immediate family circle. Encouragement from those they respect and trust may help them reflect on their actions and reconsider their current path.

5. Professional Help and Support

Although your child has already seen a therapist, it might be worth seeking a second opinion or consulting with a specialist in adolescent behavior, a psychiatrist, or a counselor with experience in handling complex family dynamics. Sometimes, issues that appear to have a sudden onset require deeper psychological evaluation to identify any underlying issues.

6. Addressing Potential Threats to Safety

Given the gravity of the situation, especially concerning the threats made by the child, it is critical to take steps to ensure the safety of everyone in the home. If the child has threatened harm, even if these threats are thought to be attention-seeking, it is important to act in a protective manner. Safeguard food and other vulnerable areas of the home, and ensure that any actions made by the child are appropriately monitored.

Conclusion: Patience, Prayer, and Persistence

This difficult time can be seen as a trial from Allah, and it is essential to approach it with patience and faith. It is important to remember that all tests, whether in the form of behavioral challenges or other difficulties, are part of life’s journey and can ultimately bring families closer to Allah when handled with wisdom and care.

By combining firm boundaries, open communication, spiritual protection, and professional support, parents can help their children navigate through troubling times. Pray for your child’s guidance and well-being, and trust that with time and persistence, your son can return to a path of health, faith, and righteousness.