How do I guide them to see role models who reflect good values? 

Parenting Perspective 

Children naturally look for figures to admire and imitate. The challenge for parents arises when the people they admire most celebrities, fictional characters, or online influencers do not reflect the values you wish to instil. Your task is not to forbid admiration, but to redirect it towards role models who embody kindness, integrity, and respect. The key is to help your child see that a true hero is someone whose character benefits others and earns lasting respect. 

Show Them Real-Life Examples 

Point out the admirable qualities in the people around you family members, teachers, or community leaders. Highlight specific actions that demonstrate good character. 

‘Did you see how your uncle helped that neighbour with his heavy bags without even being asked? That is what real strength and kindness look like.’ 

Share Stories of Noble Characters 

Children are deeply influenced by stories. Read to them or narrate accounts of individuals from history, the community, or Islamic tradition who showed courage, compassion, or wisdom. After the story, discuss why these qualities made them worthy of admiration. 

Contrast Empty Fame with True Greatness 

Help your child develop a critical eye by discussing the difference between fame and true respect. 

‘That celebrity might be popular for a short time, but the teacher who shows patience and kindness every single day is the one who truly deserves our admiration and respect.’ 

Encourage Role Models Close to Their World 

If your child admires an older sibling or a cousin, embrace that relationship as a learning opportunity. Gently encourage the older child to display positive leadership, turning their natural influence into a tool for mutual growth. 

Reinforce Their Own Potential 

Remind your child that they, too, have the capacity to be a role model for others. When they behave with kindness, honesty, or responsibility, affirm their actions. 

‘When you shared your toy with your sister today, you set a wonderful example for her. That is exactly what real role models do.’ 

By consistently highlighting positive examples and affirming their own good qualities, you can gradually shape your child’s admiration towards figures who reflect timeless and valuable principles. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam places immense importance on the company we keep and the people we choose as role models. The individuals we admire inevitably shape our hearts, our actions, and our ultimate destiny. Guiding children to admire those with good values is a crucial part of raising them to be believers with sound and noble character. 

The ultimate role model for all of humanity is the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Ahzaab (33), Verse 21: 

‘Indeed, there is for you (O mankind) in (the personality of) the Messenger of Allah (Almighty) (Prophet Muhammad ﷺ), an outstanding example of incredible benevolence; it is for those people that have hope in Allah (Almighty) and the Day of Judgment, and (desire) to remember Allah (Almighty) excessively.‘ 

This verse reminds us that the perfect standard of excellence in character has already been established for us. By teaching our children about the life and manners of the Prophet ﷺ, we give them the best possible example to follow. 

The true measure of a person worthy of admiration is the quality of their character. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 1162, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The most complete of the believers in faith are those with the best character.’ 

This hadith teaches that we should measure greatness not by wealth, status, or fame, but by character and faith. By guiding your child to look up to people of dignity and integrity, you are not only shaping their manners but also grounding their admiration in what truly matters. They will learn that real role models are those who live in a way that is pleasing to Allah.