Children’s Emotional Health and Why Kids Need to Read More About It - Neelum Khan
In a world where troubling events unfold at an unrelenting pace, nurturing strong mental health in our children has never been more crucial.
As parents and caregivers, we strive to raise emotionally resilient children who draw upon their unwavering faith in Allah (SWT) to navigate life’s many challenges.
But how do we teach kids about something as abstract as emotions and the role faith plays in managing them? The answer lies in the timeless power of storytelling.
Stories speak a universal language that children instinctively understand. Reading books about emotional well-being helps children recognise their feelings, develop empathy, learn effective coping strategies, and feel less alone.
As a mother to neurodiverse children, I know first-hand that emotional regulation is a constant work in progress!
My kids often face sensory overload, overstimulation, social anxiety, and other unpredictable triggers. I wanted them to see themselves reflected in stories—stories that validate who they are and affirm that their feelings are not only normal but exactly as Allah (SWT) intended.
However, I found a lack of engaging resources that combine Islamic values with self-regulation practices, and I set about to remedy this. And so, the concept for ‘Bilal’s Bad Day’ was born!
It is essential for children to have access to books that model ways to maintain good mental health while demonstrating how deeply faith can support emotional well-being.
A strong connection with our Creator brings contentment and equips us to manage our emotions with clarity and wisdom. By fostering the habit of turning to The Most Merciful in moments of difficulty, we help our children build an inner resilience grounded in faith.
This is the heart of Bilal’s Bad Day—to weave faith-based calming strategies into a relatable story that children can connect with.
I hope Bilal’s Bad Day will inspire children to engage deeply with the story, spin the dial, and spark meaningful conversations with the adults in their lives about mental health, diversity, and the unique ways we all experience emotions.
Above all, I hope it helps children discover that the strength to overcome big, challenging feelings lies within them—and is made even more powerful through the remembrance of Allah (SWT).
By Neelum Khan Author of Bilal's Bad Day
Have you ever had a day when your big feelings bubbled and fizzed inside until you felt you might explode? We've all been there, and today Bilal is having a day like that.
Bilal's Bad Day is a charmingly coloured, interactive book; Spin the dial and help Bilal choose a calming strategy to change chaos back to calm.
Show young Muslim minds how to draw upon the remembrance of Allah (SWT) and take practical steps to help themselves when their big emotions are threatening to take over. This hardback includes an interactive spinner at the back!
9780860379287 - Hardback - Neelum Khan
