How can parents respond when a child mocks them for not understanding the latest app or game? 

Parenting Perspective 

It can certainly sting when a child mocks their parent for being ‘out of touch’ with the latest app or game. This behaviour often reflects a mixture of immaturity and excitement about knowing something that their parents do not. Rather than reacting with defensiveness or hurt feelings, parents can use these moments as a valuable opportunity to teach the importance of respect, while also showing a humble willingness to learn. 

Stay Calm and Avoid Taking It Personally 

Reacting with anger is likely to escalate simple mockery into a full-blown conflict. A calmer approach is far more effective. You could say: ‘I may not know much about that app, but I am interested in hearing why you enjoy it so much.’ This models maturity and shifts the tone of the conversation from one of conflict to one of dialogue. 

Teach Respectful Communication 

At a later, calmer moment, you can address the disrespect directly. Explain to them: ‘It is perfectly fine that you know more than I do about a particular game, but it is not okay to use that knowledge to be hurtful or mocking. In our family, respect goes both ways.’ Setting this boundary is essential for teaching children that knowledge should never be used as a tool to belittle another person. 

Show a Willingness to Learn 

Ask your child to explain the app or game to you. Taking on the role of the student can be a powerful way to turn a moment of condescension into one of connection and bonding. Children often enjoy teaching their parents, and this experience shows them that humility and curiosity are true strengths, not weaknesses. 

Redirect Their Pride Into Responsibility 

If your child is confident and knowledgeable about technology, encourage them to use that skill in a positive and helpful way. This could involve teaching a younger sibling, helping a grandparent with their device, or finding productive and creative ways to use their favourite apps. This helps to channel their pride into responsibility. 

By staying calm, setting clear boundaries, and showing a genuine interest, parents can transform moments of mockery into valuable opportunities for connection and mutual respect. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam places an immense emphasis on showing respect for one’s parents and demonstrating humility in knowledge. Mocking one’s elders, even in a light-hearted or joking manner, contradicts the core values of adab (good manners) that the faith upholds. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Israa (17), Verses 23: 

‘ And your Sustainer has decreed that you do not worship anyone except Him Alone; And (treat) parents favourably; whether one of them or both of them reach old age in your lifetime; then do not say to either of them ‘Uff’ (an expression of disrespectful frustration) and do not admonish them; and talk to them with kind words.‘ 

This powerful verse reminds us that even the slightest expression of annoyance towards one’s parents is forbidden. Children are commanded to speak to their parents with kindness and honour at all times. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 5973, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘It is one of the greatest sins that a man should curse his parents.’ They said, “O Messenger of Allah, how can a man curse his parents?” He said, ‘By abusing another man’s father, who then abuses his father, and abusing his mother, who then abuses his mother.’ 

This profound hadith teaches us how seriously disrespect towards parents is taken in Islam. Even indirect disrespect is considered a grave matter. 

By grounding their response in patience and a commitment to teaching, parents can help their children to understand that while their feeling of expertise may be small and temporary, the principle of respecting one’s parents is a core and lasting part of both family love and their Islamic identity. Over time, children can learn that true maturity is found in balancing knowledge with humility.