In today’s episode we sit down with Darren Harris AKA Abdulmuhsin , an American revert Muslim living in Dubai. 

We explore his childhood, home-schooling experience, and the evolving challenges of parenting across generations.

It’s an honest, thought-provoking conversation packed with wisdom and laughter. 

Let’s go.

Instagram - @americanindubai
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Americanindubai
Oowy Goowy Cookies - @oowygoowycookies

Timestamps

0:00 – Coming up
0:45 – Intro
2:28 – The Why
3:55 – How was your parenting experience?
5:59 – How was your childhood? 
7:25 – Tell me about your family
8:00 – Raising a girl
10:00 – How would you differentiate your parenting style from boys to girls?
13:45 – Childhood experience in a strict household 
19:15 – Why strict parenting was needed in our generation
22:15 – Why home schooling?
32:00 – The Challenge of Technology and Parenting
33:00 – What are the different challenges to parenting in our generation compared to the last?
36:20 – How do we ensure our kids turn to us for advice when they’re older?
38:00 – Abdulmuhsin talks about his father
39:50 – What advice would you give to new parents?
42:30 – The different stages of Boyhood
47:00 – The importance of the first child
49:00 – What was your fondest memory as a child?
51:25 – Were you into video games as a child?
55:50 – Do you have dedicated family time?
57:30 – Teaching Arabic to my son
59:45 – Delayed Gratification
1:02:04 – Working out as a parent
1:03:40 – What is the hardest thing about parenting?
1:04:50 – What message would you give your child?
1:06:00 – Oowy Goowy Cookies

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Raising.Humans
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raisinghumans.1/

"Fall seven times and stand up eight." – Japanese Proverb

In today’s episode we reflect on the choices I made during college—the good, the bad, and the lessons they taught me. From picking the wrong subjects, finding the right circle and investing my money poorly, this episode is all about what I wish I knew back then.

Let’s get into it.

Timestamps

0:00 – Introduction
0:45 – Choosing your Subjects
3:00 – Choosing the Right Circle
4:46 – Wasting Your Time
6:38 – Wasting Your Money 
6:23 – If I Invested Wisely
7:30 – The Power of Compound Interest
10:53 – You Will Make Mistakes
13:35 – Summary

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Raising.Humans
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raisinghumans.1/

Show me your friends, I’ll show you your future – Dan Pena

In today’s episode we explore how friendships shape our children’s lives and why the right ones matter. 

From Aristotle’s wisdom on virtue-based friendships to the idea that “you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with,” we discuss how good friends amplify the values we teach and why helping our kids become great friends is just as important as finding them.

Let’s dive in.

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Raising.Humans
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raisinghumans.1/

In today’s episode, I share the story of why we made the decision to move to Dubai and whether it has been the right choice for our family. 

From the benefits of living in an Islamic country, tailored education, and an improved quality of life, to the challenges of being away from family and adjusting to long days, I provide an honest account of our experience.

Tune in to hear how this move has shaped our lives as parents and whether it’s helping us raise our children to be the individuals we hope they’ll become. 
If you’re considering a similar move, this episode might just provide the clarity you need!

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Raising.Humans
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raisinghumans.1/

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” – Dr Seuss
 
 In today’s podcast, expect to learn how reading can transform your life and your parenting journey. 

I share my personal reading journey, from early resistance to discovering the life-changing power of books.

We explore why reading is one of the most impactful tools for growth and how parents can inspire their children to embrace reading. 

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Raising.Humans
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raisinghumans.1/

"Every father should remember one day his son will follow his example, not his advice." – Charles Kettering

In today’s podcast, we explore the three stages of boyhood from the book Raising Boys by Steven Biddulph. 

From "The Gentle Years" (ages 0-6) focused on love and security, to "Learning to be Male" (6-14) with confidence-building from father figures, and "Becoming a Man" (14 to adulthood) guided by mentors, each stage offers unique support for a boy’s growth into adulthood.

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Raising.Humans
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raisinghumans.1/

“Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future” – Dan Pena

In today’s podcast, expect to learn about the importance of financial literacy and how mastering it empowers life choices, the Arrival Fallacy that warns achieving goals won’t automatically bring happiness, the impact of being around negative people on your mindset, and insights from the Bobo Doll Experiment, which reveals how observed behaviour influences actions.

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Raising.Humans
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raisinghumans.1/

“This too shall pass” – Tom Hanks

In today’s podcast, expect to learn about the right timing for honest conversations, the power of focus and how multitasking can hinder progress, and the wisdom of "This too shall pass," reminding us that nothing is permanent. 

We’ll also explore the unique approach of using passwords to reinforce a positive mindset.

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Raising.Humans
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raisinghumans.1/

"Don't confuse schooling with education. I didn't go to Harvard but the people that work for me did." - Elon Musk

In today’s podcast, expect to learn about Ad Astra Nova’s unique approach to education, centred around a teaching philosophy that encourages curiosity and innovation.

We’ll explore First Principles Teaching, the importance of explaining the “why” behind learning, and the “teach to the problem” method, where students are presented with real-world problems and equipped with the tools to solve them.

The Lake Conundrum 

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Raising.Humans
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raisinghumans.1/

In today’s podcast, I share my weight loss story, from my early years of fitness to the gradual decline in health after marriage and the transformative moment when I decided to make a change. 

I reflect on the struggles of balancing parenthood, work, and personal health and how parenthood became my greatest motivation, pushing me to live a healthier, more active life for my children.

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Raising.Humans
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/raisinghumans.1/