Alhamdulillah, although we do not have many Muslim children in our area, we have started reaching out to other parents and their children of whom we feel would be a positive influence upon our son. 

It is important that our son have Muslim children to play with, as well as discuss Islam, or share in greetings of Salaam. Because he is often discussing Allah wa ta'Allah with other children, children here in our area who are not Muslim will not understand when he discusses Allah or wishes to recite with them. 

It is also difficult for him when he witnesses a child doing a deed of which he knows is not correct. If he himself has been called names or treated with unkindness by another child, he will often come to me and we will discuss what happened and learn from the experience. 

It is of vital importance that a parent know who the child's friends are, as well as their parents and upbringing. When you let your child alone with another parent in their household, they are subjected to inadvertent teachings that may go against what Islam teaches for us to do. For example, some parents may not find it disagreeable that the child is using foul language. It may also be that your child may witness a parent or another adult doing or saying that which may be considered improper. 

I often come across this while taking my son to the local public library, or to the park nearby. We will often hear the shouts of a child calling names to another, without any word of reprimand from the parents. 

From whom do you want your child to learn from when you are not in their presence? A child who grows up with a true Islamic upbringing will likely develop a stronger friendship with their peers, and be able to support one another despite what ever adversity they may face in the future. 

Insha'allah, I look forward to my son meeting more good Muslim children who take Islam to heart, rather than discarding the teachings altogether.