How can parents model resilience by showing children how to respond calmly to mistakes online? 

Parenting Perspective 

When a child makes a mistake online, such as clicking on the wrong link or posting something they regret, their first reaction is often panic. If a parent responds with similar alarm or anger, the child learns only to fear mistakes rather than to manage them. By contrast, a calm and measured response can model resilience, showing them that errors can be corrected with patience and thoughtfulness. 

Turn Mistakes Into Teachable Moments 

A parent can reframe the situation by saying, ‘This was a mistake, but let us see what steps we can take to fix it.’ This simple shift in language teaches children that problems are things to be solved, not things to be feared. It shows them that every mistake can become a valuable lesson if it is approached in the right way. 

Demonstrate Practical Steps With Composure 

When an online mistake occurs, you can calmly walk your child through the process of resolving it. This might involve reporting inappropriate content, helping them to draft a sincere apology for a wrong message, or resetting their passwords after a security slip. By handling these steps without panic, you show them that resilience is about steady, practical problem-solving. Over time, children internalise this behaviour and learn not to hide their mistakes, but to address them responsibly. 

Reinforce That Learning Is Lifelong 

Parents can share appropriate examples of their own digital slip-ups and explain how they dealt with them. This honesty shows your child that resilience is not about achieving perfection, but about having the wisdom and courage to respond well when things go wrong. This helps them to understand that making mistakes is a normal part of growth, both online and in life. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that while believers will inevitably face challenges and make mistakes, these moments can become valuable turning points for developing a greater awareness of and closeness to Allah. By responding to a child’s mistake calmly and constructively, parents can demonstrate that resilience is an act of faith. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Inshirah (94), Verses 5–6: 

‘ Thus with (every) hardship there is facilitation (from Allah Almighty). Indeed, with (every) hardship there is facilitation (from Allah Almighty).‘ 

This beautiful and repeated promise reminds us that challenges, including our own mistakes, are not permanent setbacks. They are opportunities that, with patience, will lead to growth and relief through the wisdom of Allah. 

It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 4251, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Every son of Adam makes mistakes, and the best of those who make mistakes are those who repent.’ 

This teaching shows that making mistakes is an unavoidable part of being human. What transforms an error into a blessing is the response of turning back to what is right, seeking to correct our course, and growing from the experience. 

This empowers children to face their own online missteps not with fear, but with courage, honesty, and a deep reliance on Allah.