Parenting Perspective 

When a child breaks a toy, saying sorry is a good first step, but it does not fully repair the harm that has been done. Teaching them to also repair or replace what was broken shows them that true responsibility goes beyond just words. This important lesson helps a child to understand accountability, respect for others’ belongings, and the value of making things right. 

Explain That Responsibility Extends Beyond Words 

You can tell your child, ‘Saying sorry is very kind, but when we damage something that belongs to someone else, we also have a duty to try and make it better.’ This links the apology with tangible repair, helping them to see that real responsibility must include action. 

Encourage Simple Repairs Together 

If the toy can be fixed, you can involve your child in the process by saying, ‘Let’s see if we can work together to glue this piece back on.’ Even if the repair is small, the act of trying to fix it shows a sense of effort and care, which helps to make their apology feel more complete and sincere. 

Teach Replacement When Repair Is Not Possible 

If the toy is broken beyond repair, you can guide them towards the concept of replacement. Depending on their age, they might contribute some of their pocket money, save up towards a new one, or choose one of their own toys to share as a gesture of goodwill. This instils the principle that we must take responsibility for making amends. 

Reinforce With Praise and Reflection 

After the item has been repaired or replaced, be sure to affirm your child’s effort: ‘You worked hard to make things right after your mistake. That shows real care for your brother.’ This ensures they connect the act of responsibility with a feeling of empathy, not just obligation. 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, when harm has been caused to another person, our duty is not only to seek their forgiveness but also to make amends for the damage. Whether this is through repairing, replacing, or compensating for the loss, true repentance involves rectifying the harm that was done. 

The Importance of Making Amends 

The Quran reminds us that true reconciliation is about restoring balance. Making amends for a wrong is a path to both justice and mercy, and it brings a special reward from Allah. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Shuraa (42), Verses 40: 

‘ And the outcome (of defending) against an evil, (could be the formation) of an evil similar to it; so therefore, whoever offers amnesty and reconciliation, then his reward shall be with Allah (Almighty)…’ 

The Duty to Restore Rights 

The prophetic tradition teaches us that taking responsibility for any harm we cause, whether to people or their property, is an essential part of divine justice. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 2449, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘On the Day of Judgement, rights will be restored to their proper owners.’ 

By guiding your child to repair or replace a broken toy, you are instilling in them an Islamic sense of accountability. They learn that while mistakes do happen, true dignity lies in the effort to make things right, which is a principle that nurtures empathy, justice, and humility.