How can I help my child include others in playtime at school or madrassah? 

Parenting Perspective 

Model Inclusive Behaviour at Home 

Including others is a vital social skill that fosters kindness and confidence. The best way to teach it is to model inclusive behaviour in your own home. For example, if you are playing a game and another family member enters the room, pause and say, ‘We would love for you to join us!’ When children see this happen regularly, they will naturally begin to copy this welcoming language with their own friends. 

Equip Them with Simple Phrases 

Sometimes a child might exclude others simply because they do not know how to invite them in. You can help by teaching them simple, practical phrases like, ‘Would you like to play with us?’ or ‘You can have the next turn.’ It can be helpful to role-play these scenarios at home, so that your child feels confident using these phrases in a real-life situation. 

Highlight the Joy of Inclusion 

After school, you can ask gentle, reflective questions like, ‘Was there anyone new you played with today?’ Make sure to praise even small efforts to be inclusive: ‘It was so kind of you to invite your classmate to join your game.’ This positive reinforcement shows your child that including others is a highly valued quality in your family. 

Spiritual Insight 

Created to Connect, Not to Divide 

Islam teaches that our differences are not meant to be a source of division, but rather a means for us to get to know one another. The Quran reminds us that we were created as different peoples and tribes precisely so that we would build connections. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hujuraat (49), Verse 13: 

‘ O mankind, indeed, We (Allah Almighty) have created you all from one man and one woman; and placed you amongst various nations and tribes for your introduction to each other…’ 

A Believer Makes Others Feel Safe 

The prophetic tradition defines a believer as someone who makes others feel safe and secure. For a child, this means being the kind of person who is welcoming and does not make others feel excluded during playtime. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, 2627, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The believer is one who makes others feel safe, and the Muslim is one from whose tongue and hand others are safe.’ 

Inclusion as an Act of Worship 

When your child learns to see playtime as an opportunity to practise kindness for the sake of Allah, they understand that making space for others is a blessing, not a burden. This mindset helps to nurture friendships built on respect and can turn a simple game into a beautiful act of worship.