How do I recover credibility if they have seen me break my own tech rules? 

Parenting Perspective 

When your child sees you break a rule that you have set, trust can be weakened. However, handling the moment with honesty and humility can actually strengthen your relationship and provide a powerful lesson in accountability. 

Acknowledge Without Excuses 

Rather than ignoring your slip-up or trying to justify it, admit it plainly. A simple statement like, ‘I said I would put my phone away during dinner, but I did not manage it today,’ shows your child that the rules apply to everyone and that admitting mistakes is a sign of integrity. 

Explain the Learning Moment 

Briefly share the reason without it sounding like an excuse. You could say, ‘I was very caught up in my work, but that is not a reason to ignore our family rule.’ Then, outline your plan to do better. This models that mistakes are an opportunity to improve, not a reason for shame. 

Recommit With Action 

Children believe what they see more than what they hear. In the following days, make sure you follow up with visible actions that show you are committed to the rule. When they see you consistently correcting yourself, your credibility will not only be restored but strengthened, because they will see you living your values. 

This teaches them that credibility is not about being perfect, but about being honest and responsible. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches us to approach our own mistakes with humility and a sincere desire to correct them. This practice is not seen as a weakness, but as something that strengthens our character and our relationships. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Imran (3), Verse 135: 

‘And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves, remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins and do not persist in what they have done while they know…’ 

This reminds us that a key mark of a believer is the ability to acknowledge a mistake, seek forgiveness, and actively change course. 

It is recorded in Riyadh Al Saliheen, Hadith 13, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘By Allah, I seek the forgiveness of Allah and repent to Him more than seventy times a day.’ 

Even the Prophet ﷺ, who was protected from sin, modelled the act of continual self-correction. This shows us that acknowledging our shortcomings is not a weakness but a profound strength. 

By owning your slip-ups and showing a clear path of correction, you demonstrate that credibility is not about perfection, but about honesty, responsibility, and the sincere effort to do better.