Parenting Perspective 

For a teenager focused on the future and their own growing independence, the advice of older generations can sometimes sound irrelevant or ‘out of touch’. This dismissal is often a natural part of forming their own identity. Our role as parents is to act as a bridge, helping them see that the wisdom of their elders is not an outdated relic, but a timeless source of guidance and strength. 

Connect Their Wisdom to Your Teen’s Life 

Help your teen see the relevance of their grandparents’ experiences. After a story about overcoming a past struggle, you can privately connect it to your teen’s own challenges: ‘The perseverance Grandma talked about is exactly what you need for your exams.’ This makes their wisdom feel practical, not just historical. 

Create Opportunities for Meaningful Dialogue 

Move beyond passive listening. Encourage your teen to actively seek out their elders’ stories by giving them a simple prompt: ‘Next time we visit, why not ask Grandpa what his first job was like?’ When a teen feels they are driving the conversation, they are more receptive to the advice that emerges. 

Model the Honour You Want Them to Show 

Your teenager will learn how to treat elders by watching you. When you listen to your own parents with genuine interest and gratitude, you are modelling the behaviour you want to see. Your consistent respect speaks louder than any command to ‘be respectful’. 

Build a Bridge, Not a Wall 

By actively translating their wisdom, encouraging questions, and showing honour yourself, you are building a bridge across the generational gap. This helps your teen see their elders not as relics of the past, but as invaluable guides for their future, deepening family bonds and fostering humility. 

This approach nurtures a deep, authentic respect that can enrich your teen’s life and strengthen your family’s legacy. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam places the elderly in a position of high honour, recognising that their lived experience is a profound source of wisdom and a reminder of Allah’s blessings. Respecting them is not just a social nicety, but a core component of our faith. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Faatir (35), Verse 28: 

‘…The fear of Allah (Almighty) from His servants is (as at its highest form) with the scholars; indeed, Allah (Almighty) it is the Most Cherished and the Most Forgiving.’ 

This verse beautifully connects knowledge with the awe of Allah. It reminds us that wisdom, whether from books or from the life experiences of our elders, is a path to a deeper and more meaningful faith. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 6231, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The young should greet the old, the passerby should greet the one sitting, and the small group should greet the larger group.’ 

This simple instruction on etiquette establishes a profound principle of honour. By directing the young to initiate greetings to the old, Islam builds a social structure where respect for elders is the default, woven into the fabric of daily life. 

By teaching your teen that listening to elders is not about blind obedience but about valuing wisdom, you root them in an Islamic ethic of humility. Over time, they will learn that seeking guidance from older generations enriches their own life choices and strengthens their identity as Muslims.