What should I do when my child copies a sports idol’s arrogance rather than their discipline? 

Parenting Perspective 

Sports figures can be powerful role models for children. While many athletes demonstrate admirable discipline and perseverance, some also exhibit arrogance by boasting or belittling others. It is common for a child to be drawn to this flashy confidence. Your role is to help them separate the admirable work ethic from the undesirable attitude, guiding them to copy what is truly valuable. 

Separate the Behaviour from the Skill 

Teach your child that it is possible to admire someone’s skill without copying their entire personality. This helps them learn to admire selectively. 

• You can say, ‘It is amazing how hard your favourite player trains. That dedication is a great quality to copy.’ 

• Then add, ‘But showing off and being rude to others is a weakness, not a strength. That part is not worth imitating.’ 

This empowers them to think critically about who and what they admire. 

Emphasise Discipline Over Display 

Shift your child’s focus from the glamorous displays of arrogance to the hidden effort that leads to success. 

• Explain, ‘He became a great player because he practised for hours every single day, not because he was the loudest.’ 

• Remind them, ‘The true strength is in the hard work, patience, and commitment that nobody sees.’ 

This teaches them to value the substance of discipline over the style of arrogance. 

Use Role-Play to Show the Impact 

Practical exercises can help a child understand the social consequences of different attitudes. 

• First, act out a scene of arrogance, such as pretending to boast after winning a game. Ask your child, ‘How do you think that makes the other players feel?’ 

• Then, act out a scene of humility, such as thanking teammates and acknowledging their effort. Ask, ‘Which one of these actions earns more respect?’ 

This helps them see that humility, not arrogance, is what builds true admiration. 

Model and Reinforce Humility 

Be a consistent example of humility in your own life by admitting mistakes, thanking others for their help, and avoiding boastfulness. Praise your child specifically when they demonstrate this quality. 

• You could say, ‘I love how you won the game but stayed so kind and respectful to the other team.’ 

• Or, ‘That showed true strength. You were humble in your victory.’ 

Spiritual Insight 

Guidance from the Quran 

Islam is unequivocal in its condemnation of arrogance and its praise for humility. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Luqman (31), Verse 18: 

‘And do not turn your cheek from people (in pride and contempt), and do not walk on the Earth in self-glory; indeed, Allah (Almighty) does not love those (people who believe in) self-aggrandizement and boasting.’ 

This verse gives a direct and clear warning against the sin of arrogance, teaching us that humility is a quality beloved by Allah. It provides a divine standard against which your child can measure the behaviour of their idols. 

Guidance from the Hadith 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that arrogance is a serious barrier to entering Paradise, highlighting its spiritual danger. 

It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 59, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘No one who has an atom’s weight of arrogance in his heart will enter Paradise.’ 

Sharing this powerful Hadith helps your child understand that copying an idol’s arrogance is not just a social mistake but a spiritually damaging choice. It frames humility and discipline as the qualities that are truly rewarding in the sight of Allah Almighty.