How do I manage when my child copies exaggerated drama from shows into real life? 

Parenting Perspective 

It can be exhausting when a child injects exaggerated drama into ordinary situations, especially when you recognise the behaviour as something they have copied from a show. Characters in entertainment often overreact, shout, or storm off for dramatic effect, but when children bring this into the home, it disrupts peace and creates unnecessary conflict. The key is to help them understand that while drama is entertaining on screen, real life requires calm communication and self-control. 

Why Children Copy Drama from Shows 

Understanding the appeal of this behaviour is the first step to correcting it effectively. Children often imitate dramatic actions because: 

• The exaggerated reactions get the biggest laughs or the most attention on the show. 

• They perceive this dramatic behaviour as being powerful, exciting, or grown-up. 

• They enjoy the strong reaction they can provoke from parents or siblings at home. 

Stay Calm and Avoid Feeding the Drama 

When your child begins to overreact, the most important thing you can do is to remain calm yourself. Avoid giving the dramatic display the extra attention it is designed to attract. 

Instead, state firmly and neutrally: ‘I will be happy to talk with you when you are using a calm and respectful voice.’ 

This response teaches them that dramatic behaviour is not a rewarding or effective way to communicate. 

Teach Real-Life Alternatives 

Model calm and constructive ways of expressing frustration or disappointment. Give your child the specific words to use so they have a tool to replace the dramatic actions. 

‘If you are feeling upset about something, you can say, “I feel frustrated because…” That helps me to understand what is wrong.’ 

Create Opportunities to Practise Calmness 

During a quiet, calm moment, you can role-play different scenarios with your child. Act out a situation with an over-the-top “dramatic version” and then a “respectful version.” Afterwards, you can ask which one felt more helpful. This exercise helps them to clearly see the contrast between on-screen entertainment and real-life problem-solving. 

Reinforce Positive Reactions 

When your child successfully manages their feelings calmly or uses respectful words to express themselves, praise that specific choice. 

‘I really liked how you explained what was upsetting you without shouting. That shows you are becoming very mature.’ 

This builds their confidence in responding thoughtfully instead of reacting dramatically. By staying calm and consistently teaching better tools, you show your child that real life is not a stage, but a place to practise respect and self-control. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam emphasises the qualities of dignity (waqar), patience (sabr), and calmness in our interactions. Over-dramatic behaviour is not only unhelpful in resolving issues but can also weaken relationships and a person’s self-respect. Children must learn that the best way to express themselves is with balance and composure. 

Moderation in our behaviour and tone of voice is a virtue that is pleasing to Allah. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Luqman (31), Verse 19: 

‘And be modest in your attitude and lower your voice (in dealing with people); as indeed, the harshest of all sounds, is the noise of the donkeys.’ 

This powerful analogy reminds us that moderation and a calm tone are signs of wisdom, while loud and exaggerated reactions are viewed with disfavour. 

Good character, which includes calmness and composure, is of immense weight in the sight of Allah. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 2003, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Nothing will be placed in the scale heavier than good character.’ 

This hadith teaches that dramatic displays and emotional outbursts carry no real value. It is the steady cultivation of good manners, patience, and self-control that truly elevates a believer. By helping your child understand that Islam values calmness, you anchor their behaviour in faith. They will learn that real strength comes not from copied drama, but from dignity in speech and action.