Our children, just back from abroad, are behind in Jawi and religious education. Where do we start?

Start by assessing each child's real level, then catch up on the basics first: prayer, Qur'an reading and Jawi. Do not compare them with their cousins or classmates, because that quickly breaks their spirit. Talk with the religious school's teachers about extra classes or a suitable year level. A Qur'an teacher for small classes at home often helps children who are embarrassed to learn alongside younger pupils. Set a short daily routine, for example reading a few lines of Jawi after Maghrib. Appreciate their strengths too, such as foreign languages and the experience of living elsewhere. Praise their effort, not just their marks. See children.