Parenting Perspective 

When a child misbehaves at school, a sincere apology is more than just saying the word ‘sorry’. It is an important opportunity to teach them about responsibility, respect for their teachers, and the value of accountability in a shared learning environment. A respectful apology helps to restore trust and demonstrates true maturity. 

Teach the Purpose of a School Apology 

Explain to your child that apologising at school is not just about avoiding punishment, but about showing respect to their teacher and classmates. You could say, ‘Your apology tells the teacher that you value their efforts, and it shows you care about the classroom being a peaceful place for everyone.’ This helps to shift their focus from self-protection to a sense of community responsibility. 

Guide Them on Respectful Words and Tone 

Help your child to prepare and practise a simple, respectful apology, such as, ‘I am sorry for disrupting the class earlier. I will try to make sure it does not happen again.’ It is also important to encourage them to make eye contact and use a calm, sincere tone of voice. This teaches them that how they say something is just as important as what they say. 

Pair the Apology With Changed Behaviour 

Make it clear to your child that the best and most sincere apology is always demonstrated through a change in action. If they were talking when they should have been listening, they should make an extra effort to be attentive the next day. If they were unkind to a classmate, you can encourage them to be helpful in the future. 

Encourage Reflection After School Incidents 

At home, in a calm moment, you can discuss what happened and why it was important to address it. Ask them reflective questions like, ‘How do you think your teacher felt when that happened today? What could you do tomorrow to show your respect?’ This helps them to connect a sense of empathy to their actions and words. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that showing respect for knowledge and for those who teach it is a fundamental part of our faith. A sincere apology in school is not just about correcting social manners, but about honouring the blessing of knowledge and those who share it. 

The Status of Teachers and Knowledge 

The Quran reminds us that those who have been given knowledge hold a special and elevated status, which teaches us that showing respect to our teachers is an act of faith. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Mujadilah (58), Verses 11: 

‘…(And in return) Allah (Almighty) shall elevate those who are believers amongst you, and those people who are given the knowledge (of existential reality) in various stages…’ 

The Weight of Good Character 

The prophetic tradition teaches us that having good character, which includes sincerity, respect, and good manners, is one of the most valuable and weighty qualities a Muslim can possess. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 2002, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Nothing is heavier on the believer’s scale on the Day of Judgement than good character.’ 

When you teach your child to apologise respectfully at school, you are nurturing the qualities of humility, responsibility, and reverence for knowledge, all of which are central to Islam. This helps them to see that their behaviour at school is not just about discipline but is a part of living their faith with dignity.