How can parents encourage respect when teaching each other tech skills in the home? 

Parenting Perspective 

When family members teach each other about technology, the exchange can sometimes become disrespectful. A child might laugh at a parent’s slowness with a new app, or a parent may grow impatient with a child’s mistakes. To ensure these teaching moments remain healthy and positive, it is essential for families to consciously nurture an atmosphere of patience, humility, and mutual respect. 

Set the Tone for Respectful Learning 

Before you begin, you can gently remind each other of the ground rules: ‘Let us agree that we will explain things kindly and listen patiently to each other.’ This simple act establishes a respectful foundation and helps to reduce the likelihood of tension or mockery from the outset. 

Value Each Other’s Contributions 

When a child is teaching a parent, it is important for the parent to show appreciation: ‘Thank you for explaining that so clearly to me.’ Conversely, when a parent is teaching a child, they can offer encouragement: ‘I know this seems tricky right now, but you are learning it well.’ Expressing gratitude and encouragement reinforces dignity for everyone involved. 

Correct Without Mocking 

Laughter or sarcasm should be replaced with gentle encouragement. A child teaching a parent can be encouraged to say: ‘It is okay, it just takes a little practice,’ instead of laughing at their mistakes. In turn, parents should avoid belittling a child’s errors and instead guide calmly towards the correct way. 

Model Patience as Adults 

The tone of these interactions is often set by the parents. If parents remain patient and gentle while they are in the teaching role, their children are far more likely to mirror that patience when it is their turn to instruct. Your own example is the most powerful tool you have. 

By fostering an environment of mutual respect, the process of teaching and learning about technology at home becomes less about who knows more, and more about growing together as a family, with kindness holding the experience together. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam places immense value on the importance of respectful communication and patience, especially when sharing knowledge with others. Whether one is in the role of the teacher or the student, the virtues of humility and kindness are considered essential. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Nahal (16), Verses 125: 

‘ Invite (people) to (follow) the (prescribed) pathways of your Sustainer with wisdom, and polite enlightened direction, and only argue with them in the politest manner…’ 

This verse reminds us that the act of teaching, whether it is about faith or worldly matters, should always be done with wisdom, gentleness, and the best of manners. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2609, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The strong man is not the one who overpowers in wrestling, but the strong man is the one who controls himself when angry.’ 

This teaching is a powerful reminder that real strength, especially in a teaching moment that can be frustrating, is demonstrated through patience and self-control, not through anger or irritation. 

By rooting these tech-learning moments in the principles of Islamic adab (manners), families can turn potential moments of irritation into valuable opportunities for bonding. Over time, children will learn that teaching and helping others respectfully is not just a polite thing to do, but is a beautiful reflection of one’s faith and good character.