How can I calmly explain house rules to visiting children? 

Parenting Perspective 

When other children visit, their behaviour may not always align with your family’s rules. Correcting them harshly can cause embarrassment for both the child and their parents, yet ignoring misbehaviour can unsettle your own children. The most effective approach is to state your house rules clearly and kindly, so that visiting children understand the expectations without feeling singled out or unwelcome. 

Use a Friendly but Firm Tone 

Instead of issuing direct commands, you can frame the rules as part of how your household operates. For example: ‘In our house, we always take our shoes off at the door,’ or ‘We have a family rule about keeping all food in the kitchen.’ This approach communicates the boundary clearly and confidently, without sounding harsh or unwelcoming. 

Keep It Simple and Consistent 

Focus on explaining only the key rules that matter most for safety, respect, or the core values of your home. Giving too many instructions at once can be overwhelming for a visiting child. A few clear and simple rules, applied consistently to everyone, are much easier for a guest to remember and follow. 

Model and Support With Your Own Child 

Encourage your child to be a gentle guide and role model for their friends. You could say to them, ‘Could you please show your friend where we put the toys away when we are finished playing?’ This reinforces the rule in a natural way, and a visiting child is much more likely to follow the lead of their friend. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam places a strong emphasis on hospitality and good character, while also valuing the sanctity and protection of the home environment. Parents are responsible for ensuring their homes remain places of respect, even when guests are present. 

Respect for the Rules of a Home 

The Quran teaches that entering another person’s home is a privilege that requires permission and a deep consideration for the rules and privacy of its inhabitants. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Noor (24), Verses 27: 

‘ O those of you who are believers, do not enter houses (of other people) except your own homes; unless you have permission from them, (and when you do) say Salaams upon the inhabitants…’ 

The Balance of Hospitality 

The prophetic tradition makes it clear that while honouring a guest is a profound act of faith, this hospitality must be balanced with maintaining the dignity and order of the household. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 6018, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should honour his guest.’ 

By explaining your house rules calmly to visiting children, you are mirroring this important Islamic balance of hospitality and protection. Your own child sees that faith means welcoming others with kindness, while also upholding the values that preserve the peace and respect of the home.