ان كبر ابنك خاويه

En keber ebnak khawih

Translation: If your son comes of age, treat him as a brother.

Meaning: This saying, a likely piece of ancient wisdom, is still occasionally in use. Parents would cite it, often to brag about knowing the right thing. But it is less educational than it seems. The term “khawih,” or make him like a brother, is rather vague. It denotes respect to the younger generation, comradery even. But it doesn’t sum up good parenting, not even by a long shot. Basic practices, as allowing the children to experiment, find their passion, respect others, be less bigoted, etc, are left out by this almost simplistic proverb.

Source: Egyptian Proverbs, (Al-Ahram Center for Translation and Publishing, 1986) by Ahmed Taymour Pasha,

Translated by: Nabil Shawkat