How can parents use humility to turn tech gaps into teaching moments about lifelong learning? 

Parenting Perspective 

When children notice their parents struggling with a new app, game, or digital tool, it is easy for parents to feel embarrassed or ‘behind the times.’ However, instead of viewing these technological gaps as a weakness, parents can use them as powerful moments to model humility and the profound value of lifelong learning. By doing so, you can show your children that knowledge is never static, and that true maturity is found in having the courage to always keep learning. 

Admit Gaps With Confidence 

It is powerful to admit your gaps in knowledge openly and confidently: ‘I do not know how this works yet, but I would like to learn.’ This simple statement shows that not knowing something is not a source of shame, but an opportunity for growth. Children who witness this are less likely to feel embarrassed when they face their own learning challenges in the future. 

Link Technology to Broader Life Lessons 

Use the moment as a chance to teach a universal principle. You could explain: ‘Just as I am learning this new app now, you will always face new things that you need to learn throughout your life. What is important is having the patience and humility to keep trying.’ This turns a simple tech gap into a memorable lesson about resilience. 

Encourage Shared Learning 

Ask your child to teach you a particular feature, and then make a point of highlighting the joy of learning together. You can praise their patience as a teacher, while also gently reminding them that respect is an essential part of sharing knowledge. This simple act helps to build mutual appreciation and strengthens your bond. 

Model Curiosity Beyond Technology 

Show your children that the principle of lifelong learning applies to everything, not just to devices. Let them see you reading new books, learning new skills, and seeking to deepen your understanding of your faith. When they see that learning is a lifelong journey for you, not a race that ends once you become an adult, they will internalise that value for themselves. 

By embracing your own learning process with humility and curiosity, you can shift the family’s focus from ‘not knowing’ to ‘always growing,’ planting the seeds of resilience and respect in your children. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam honours the quality of humility, especially in the pursuit of knowledge, and it teaches that seeking knowledge is a lifelong act of worship. A parent’s willingness to learn, even in areas where they feel less competent, is a beautiful reflection of sincerity and inner strength. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Taaha (20), Verses 114: 

‘…And say: “O my Sustainer, increase for me (the parameters of) knowledge”.’ 

This is the prayer of a true believer. It reminds us that no matter how much wisdom or experience we may have, we should always remain in a state of humility, asking Allah Almighty to increase us in beneficial knowledge. 

It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 224, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.’ 

This teaching clarifies that the pursuit of learning has no age limit. The humility required to be a student is not just for the young, but is a sign of faith for every believer throughout their life. 

By grounding your response to technological gaps in a spirit of humility, you can show your children that being a learner is far more honourable than pretending to know everything. Over time, they will learn that true respect is earned not by having flawless knowledge, but by demonstrating a sincere effort to grow, with humility before both people and Allah Almighty.