What should I do when my child makes a comment that sounds culturally insensitive? 

Parenting Perspective 

A Gentle Teaching Opportunity 

Children often repeat things they have heard without understanding the impact. If your child makes an insensitive comment, it is best not to react with anger or embarrassment, but to use it as a gentle teaching opportunity. Calmly intervene by saying, ‘That is not a kind way to speak about people. Let’s talk about why.’ Afterwards, you can explain simply that we must always speak respectfully about other people’s cultures. 

Teach Respect Through Awareness 

To build empathy, use an example your child can relate to: ‘How would you feel if someone made fun of the food our family eats?’ This helps them to understand the power of words. Encourage them to replace judgment with curiosity, asking respectful questions instead of making comments. When you see them showing respect for differences, praise them for it, as this reinforces the behaviour you want to encourage. 

Turn Comments into Lessons 

By addressing comments calmly and turning them into lessons, you show your child that cultural sensitivity is about respect, kindness, and thoughtfulness. This builds their awareness and helps them navigate a diverse world with good character. 

Spiritual Insight 

Do Not Ridicule Others 

Islam honours the diversity of humanity and strictly forbids mocking or belittling others. The Quran reminds us that a person we look down upon may be more honoured in the sight of Allah, a powerful lesson in humility. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hujuraat (49), Verse 11: 

‘Those of you who are believers, do not let a nation ridicule another nation, as perhaps it may be that they are better than them…’ 

Be Beneficial to Others 

The prophetic tradition teaches that the most beloved of people to Allah are those who bring benefit to others. Culturally sensitive and respectful speech is a way of being beneficial, as it fosters harmony and goodwill, whereas insensitive comments cause harm. 

It is recorded in Sunan Nisai, 5379, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The most beloved of people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to others.’ 

A Reflection of Faith 

When you connect the idea of cultural sensitivity to the Islamic values of respect and humility, your child learns that their words are a reflection of their faith. This understanding helps to nurture a heart that is open, compassionate, and honours the diversity of Allah’s creation.