What is the best way to admit mistakes after losing patience while on devices in front of children? 

Parenting Perspective 

Own the Mistake Calmly and Sincerely 

When a parent, distracted by a device, snaps in frustration at their child, it can leave the child feeling hurt or ignored. The best way to repair this rupture is to take calm ownership of the mistake. An apology such as, ‘I should not have spoken to you like that. I was distracted and let my frustration get the better of me. I am sorry,’ does not weaken authority. Instead, it strengthens respect by demonstrating a commitment to fairness and self-control. 

Model Accountability and a Desire to Grow 

Admitting a mistake is also an opportunity to model resilience. A parent can explain, ‘I am working on managing my phone use better so that this does not happen again.’ By pairing an apology with a commitment to improve, parents teach children that mistakes are not final, but are opportunities for growth. This shows that self-correction is a sign of maturity, encouraging children to practise it in their own lives. 

Restore Trust With Your Presence 

Following an apology, a parent should take immediate, visible action. Putting the device aside and giving the child their full and undivided attention proves that the apology is genuine and not merely a string of words. Over time, this consistency is what rebuilds trust and strengthens the family bond. 

Spiritual Insight 

The Virtue of Seeking Forgiveness 

Islam teaches that when we make a mistake, the correct response is to remember Allah Almighty, seek His forgiveness, and sincerely commit to not repeating the action. This principle applies directly to parenting, where owning our errors is a sign of faith. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Aalai Imran (3), Verse 135: 

‘ And when those people who have committed immoral actions, or wronged themselves; (they should) remember Allah (Almighty), and then ask for forgiveness for their sins; and who can forgive their sins except Allah (Almighty), and do not intentionally continue to persist on what (wrong) you have done.‘ 

The Best of Those Who Err 

Making mistakes is an unavoidable part of the human condition. The prophetic tradition reminds us that true character is not defined by perfection, but by our willingness to repent and improve after we fall short. 

It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, 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.’ 

Turning Mistakes into Lessons of Faith 

By admitting mistakes with humility, matching apologies with presence, and sincerely striving to improve, parents show their children where true strength lies: not in never failing, but in how we respond when we do. This approach transforms moments of impatience into powerful, living lessons of sincerity, growth, and faith.