How can I help my child deal with feeling embarrassed in front of strangers? 

Parenting Perspective 

Normalise the Feeling 

Children often feel embarrassed when something goes wrong in public, such as spilling a drink, tripping over, forgetting their words, or having a meltdown. This can feel huge to them, as if everyone is watching and judging. Start by reminding your child that embarrassment is a normal feeling and does not make them weak or silly. Use gentle words: ‘Everybody feels embarrassed sometimes, even grown-ups. The feeling does not last forever.’ 

Practice Coping Strategies 

When your child feels embarrassed, stay calm and close. Avoid saying, ‘It is not a big deal,’ because to them, it does feel big in that moment. Instead, acknowledge it: ‘I know you feel embarrassed. I am here with you.’ Practise small tools to handle these moments, such as taking deep breaths, looking for your smile, or moving to a quieter spot if possible. Share your own real stories about times you felt embarrassed and what helped you to move on. Teach your child to be kind to themselves afterwards: ‘It was an accident. I can try again.’ Praise them when they recover, however small the step may be. These gentle lessons help your child to see that embarrassment does not last forever and that they are not defined by what happened in one moment. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches us that Allah Almighty sees every hidden feeling and protects the hearts of His servants. Even when we feel exposed, Allah Almighty knows our true intentions and strengths. Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Baqarah (2), Verse 286: 

‘Allah (Almighty) does not place any burden on any human being except that which is within his capacity….  ‘

Sharing this verse helps your child to see that what feels overwhelming now is not bigger than what they can handle with Allah Almighty’s help. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 3372, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Dua is worship. ‘

Teach your child to make a simple Dua when they feel embarrassed: ‘Ya Allah, help me feel safe and calm.’ Let them know that mistakes and accidents do not reduce their worth; they remind us to stay humble and gentle with ourselves and others. By connecting these moments to their faith, your child will learn that a soft heart that feels embarrassment is a sign of a caring soul, and that Allah Almighty’s mercy covers them in every awkward moment.