Parenting Perspective 

Children learn most effectively through what they see and experience in their daily lives. When you connect the concept of an apology to these ordinary, real-life situations, it helps them understand that ‘sorry’ is not merely a word but a powerful tool for repairing trust, restoring love, and bringing about peace. 

Examples Within the Family 

If you accidentally raise your voice or become impatient, you can model a sincere apology in front of your child: “I am sorry that I spoke so harshly just now. I will try to be calmer.” When they see you, their parent, apologising sincerely and without shame, they learn that a genuine apology strengthens love rather than signifies weakness. 

Examples Between Siblings 

When sibling conflicts arise, use the resolution as a teachable moment. After an apology has been made, you can point out the positive change in atmosphere: “Do you see how your brother smiled when you said you were sorry and gave him a turn? He feels happy and included again now.” This helps children to directly connect the act of apologising with restored harmony. 

Examples Among Friends 

If your child inadvertently hurts a friend during playtime, you can gently guide them through the process of making amends. You can encourage them to say, “I am sorry,” and then observe the outcome together. Watching their friend’s reaction of relief or forgiveness reinforces the idea that an apology is a key tool that rebuilds friendships. 

Examples in the Wider Community 

You can also use small moments from public life to illustrate the point. For example, if you are out and someone accidentally bumps into another person and apologises, you can quietly highlight it to your child: “Did you see how they both smiled at each other after that? That one small word made everything peaceful again.” 

By consistently highlighting these examples, children come to see that an apology has a visible and immediate power: it can change feelings, rebuild trust, and create peace in the midst of everyday life. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam encourages believers to mend relationships quickly and to be vigilant about protecting the hearts of others. Showing children the power of an apology through daily, real-world examples is a practical way of training them to live by the core Islamic values of humility, mercy, and reconciliation. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hujuraat (49), Verses 10: 

‘Indeed, the believers are brothers (to each other); so, make peace with your brothers; and seek piety from Allah (Almighty) so that you may receive His Mercy.’ 

This verse reminds us that the act of mending relationships and making peace is a form of worship and a direct means of earning the mercy of Allah Almighty. The teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also stress the virtue of reconciling without delay. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 6077, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘It is not permissible for a man to desert his brother for more than three nights, the two of them turning away from each other when they meet. The better of the two is the one who is the first to greet with the salaam.’ 

This teaches us that the sooner we make amends, whether by offering a greeting of peace or by apologising for a wrong, the greater our reward and dignity are in the sight of Allah. When children see the power of apology working in real life between parents, siblings, friends, or even strangers and connect this to their faith, they begin to understand it as both a vital life skill and a profound spiritual duty. This gives them the confidence to use apologies as a powerful and beautiful way to heal hearts and please Allah Almighty.