Parenting Perspective 

The gap between generations is often a cultural one, filled with different customs, expectations, and ways of life. For a child, a grandparent’s traditions around food, clothing, or greetings can feel foreign and confusing. Our role as parents is to act as a bridge, translating these differences not as a source of conflict, but as a beautiful opportunity to teach respect, celebrate heritage, and deepen family bonds. 

Connect Customs to Their Story 

Give their traditions a context by sharing stories. Instead of just saying ‘That is how it is done,’ explain the ‘why’. For example, ‘Grandma loves this dish because it reminds her of happy festivals from her childhood.’ Stories transform rules into heritage. 

Encourage Curious Questions 

Foster a spirit of learning, not just blind obedience. Encourage your child to ask their grandparents respectful questions about their past. This turns a potential point of friction into a moment of connection and discovery, showing your child that they can learn from their elders. 

Model Respectful Adaptation 

Your child will learn how to navigate these differences by watching you. When you respectfully participate in a tradition, even if it is not your own daily practice, you model a beautiful balance. You show them that showing respect for others does not mean losing respect for yourself. 

Foster a Balanced Identity 

Through these conversations, you help your child build a rich and balanced identity. They learn that they can be proud of their modern upbringing while also honouring the traditions and history of their family. They learn that these two worlds can coexist beautifully. 

This approach teaches children to see cultural diversity not as a barrier, but as a blessing that enriches their family and their own identity. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam celebrates diversity while establishing a clear framework for honouring family ties, especially towards elders. It teaches us to respect different customs and traditions, so long as they align with the core principles of our faith. 

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; indeed, the best of you in the judgement of Allah (Almighty) is the one who is most virtuous…’ 

This magnificent verse establishes that diversity is a divine design, intended to foster mutual understanding, not conflict. It teaches us that true honour comes not from our tribe or culture, but from our righteousness. 

It is recorded in Riyadh Al Saliheen, Hadith 355, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘He who does not respect our elders and show mercy to our young, and does not give our scholars their due, is not one of us.’ 

This hadith makes respecting elders a defining feature of a believer. This respect naturally extends to their life experiences, customs, and traditions, teaching us to honour them with patience and dignity. 

By framing cultural differences as opportunities to practise respect and learning, you help your child value their grandparents’ heritage. Over time, they will recognise that diversity within the family is a blessing, and that treating elders with kindness preserves both love and Islamic values.