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How can families model honesty by admitting when they need to learn about new apps or platforms? 

Parenting Perspective 

Parents often feel pressured to be the expert on everything, including the ever-changing digital world. However, pretending to know about an app or platform when you do not can create distance. By honestly admitting your knowledge gaps, you can model the powerful virtues of humility and lifelong learning, turning a moment of uncertainty into an opportunity for connection. 

Click below to discover meaningful books that nurture strong values in your child and support you on your parenting journey

Normalise Not Knowing Everything 

Children often assume that their parents should already understand every new app or platform. It is important to show them that this is not a realistic expectation. By openly saying, ‘I do not know much about this app yet, can you show me how it works?’, you can model humility and honesty. This teaches your child that not knowing something is not a weakness, but an opportunity to learn together. 

Build Trust Through Transparency 

When you openly admit your limitations with technology, it shows your child that the trust in your family goes both ways. Instead of creating distance through a false sense of authority, you can close the gap by showing that you are willing to learn. This encourages your children to share what they know, leading to more open and honest conversations about their digital lives. 

Turn Learning Into a Shared Journey 

You can frame the process of exploring new apps as a team effort. For example, you could set aside time to research privacy settings together, to read reviews of a new game, or to discuss what features might be risky. By doing this, you demonstrate that using technology responsibly is not just about control, but about shared wisdom and partnership. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that the pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong journey, and that humility is a key virtue for any learner. By modelling honesty and a sincere desire to learn, parents are not diminishing their role, but are in fact embodying a beautiful Islamic principle. 

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 taught to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself. It is a powerful reminder that we should always be in a state of seeking more knowledge from Allah, which begins with the humility of admitting what we do not yet know. 

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 act of learning is not limited by a person’s age or role. Parents who openly admit their need to learn about new things are not lowering their status, but are fulfilling a core Islamic duty in front of their children. 

By admitting their gaps in knowledge, parents show that integrity is paramount. This helps a child to learn that responsible digital citizenship is not about already knowing everything, but about approaching the unknown with humility, wisdom, and a sincere desire to seek what is pleasing to Allah. 

Click below to discover meaningful books that nurture strong values in your child and support you on your parenting journey

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