How can I show my child that sharing feelings is not a weakness? 

Parenting Perspective 

Sharing Feelings is a Strength 

Many children, especially as they grow older, start to believe that talking about feelings is a sign of weakness. They might hide sadness, fear, or jealousy to appear ‘brave’ or to fit in with their friends. Gently teaching your child that sharing feelings is actually a strength helps them to grow into an emotionally healthy adult. Start with simple words: ‘It takes courage to say how you feel. When you share, it helps your heart to feel lighter and helps others to understand you better.’ 

Model the Behaviour Yourself 

Model this in your everyday life. Share small parts of your own feelings at times they can understand. You might say, ‘I felt worried today, so I talked to Allah Almighty and then spoke with someone I trust. It helped me to feel calm again.’ Show your child that even grown-ups need to talk things through. Praise them when they open up, even a little: ‘Thank you for telling me you felt nervous. That was very brave.’ If they find it difficult, suggest gentle ways to share, like writing in a journal or drawing. Remind them that sharing feelings does not mean they must have big conversations all the time; sometimes just saying, ‘I feel sad,’ is enough. 

Over time, these small habits help your child to see that honesty about emotions is not something to hide but is a sign of a strong and kind heart. 

Spiritual Insight 

Our faith teaches us that the heart is precious and should be handled with mercy. Islam does not view soft-heartedness as a weakness but as a quality that is loved by Allah Almighty. Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Shuraa (42), Verse 26: 

‘And He (Allah Almighty) responds to (the prayers) of those people who are believers and undertake virtuous actions, and increases for them His benefaction….‘

This shows that even our quietest feelings matter and that turning to Allah Almighty is an honour, not a source of shame. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 799b, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ: 

‘shed tears when he felt deep emotion and did not see this as a sign of weakness. ‘

Remind your child that our beloved Prophet ﷺ, the strongest of men, wept openly when he lost loved ones and when his heart was moved. Teach them a small Dua if they feel shy to speak: ‘Ya Allah, help me share my feelings with courage and honesty.’ Over time, this gentle guidance helps your child to see that a heart that can speak is a heart that stays soft, and that softness is a strength that draws them closer to Allah Almighty’s mercy.