How can I stay composed when interruptions happen during visits? 

Parenting Perspective 

When you are hosting guests or visiting others, it is common for children to interrupt with demands or loud behaviour. This can often make parents feel embarrassed, which can trigger a harsh reaction. However, this only creates more tension for everyone. Staying composed involves preparing your child in advance, setting clear expectations, and handling any interruptions with calm redirection. 

Set Expectations Beforehand 

Before a visit begins, take a moment to remind your child of a few simple and clear rules. For example: ‘When our guests are here, we need to use our indoor voices,’ or ‘If you need me while I am talking, please touch my arm gently instead of shouting.’ Providing this guidance in advance helps to reduce unwanted surprises and sets your child up for success. 

Respond Briefly and Calmly 

If an interruption does happen, it is important to avoid snapping or shaming your child in front of others. Instead, use a quiet, pre-agreed cue, a soft touch, or a short phrase like, ‘We will talk about that in a moment.’ This allows you to maintain control of the situation without escalating the tension in front of your guests. 

Reconnect Afterwards 

A social visit is not the right time for a long lecture on behaviour. It is far more effective to explain the situation later in private. You could say, ‘When you interrupted me while I was talking to our guest, it felt disrespectful. Next time, please try to wait until I have finished.’ This makes the correction feel constructive and respectful. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam places a high value on patience and good manners, especially when in the company of others. Maintaining your composure reflects self-control and respect, and using gentle correction with your child protects the dignity of everyone involved. 

Responding to Challenges with Peace 

The Quran teaches that responding to challenging situations with calmness and dignity is a sign of true strength and faith. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Furqaan (25), Verses 63: 

‘ And the true servants of the One Who is Most Beneficent are those who wander around the Earth with humility; and when they are addressed by the ignorant people, they say: “Peace be unto you”.‘ 

The Reward for Patience in Social Settings 

The prophetic tradition reminds us that social interactions often require a greater degree of patience, and that remaining composed in these situations brings a great reward. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 2507, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The believer who mixes with people and is patient with their harm has a greater reward than the one who does not mix with people and is not patient with their harm.’ 

By staying calm during interruptions, you are modelling Islamic patience and dignity for your child. They learn that self-control and respect are important even when in the company of others, and that family harmony is maintained through calmness, not through anger.