How do I teach listening to different opinions without mocking? 

Parenting Perspective 

Children often instinctively laugh, interrupt, or dismiss views that diverge from their own, especially when they feel strongly about a topic or hear something unfamiliar. Teaching them to listen respectfully, even when they disagree, is crucial for building empathy, patience, and strong emotional intelligence. 

Explaining the Value of Respectful Listening 

It is vital to distinguish between agreeing with an idea and respecting the person who holds it. 

Tell your child: “You do not have to agree with everyone, but you do need to treat their opinion with respect.” 

This distinction makes it psychologically easier for them to practise respect without feeling that they must compromise their own views. 

Teaching Polite Responses Instead of Mockery 

Equip your child with specific, courteous phrases that acknowledge others’ thoughts without belittling them. 

Give them short, respectful phrases: 

• “That is interesting, I see the matter differently.” 

• “I had not thought about it in that way before.” 

• “We can still be friends even if we do not agree on this.” 

These prepared words allow them to acknowledge the other person while clearly stating their own boundary or disagreement. 

Practising With Role-Play 

Use role-play to establish automatic, respectful habits and reduce the likelihood of a mocking or defensive reaction. 

At home, try scenarios: Parent: “I think reading is much more fun than football.” Child (guided): “I do not feel the same, but I understand why you like it so much.” 

Role-play helps children develop patience and fluency in managing real-life differences of opinion. 

Highlighting the Harm of Mockery 

Explain the direct, negative consequences of mockery on relationships, making the lesson concrete and relatable. 

Explain that mocking makes people feel small and completely closes doors to genuine friendship and understanding. Use a cause-and-effect approach: “When we laugh at someone’s opinion, they stop wanting to share with us. But when we listen kindly, they will trust us more.” 

Praise Respectful Listening 

Affirming their calm, mature response reinforces that this behaviour is a mark of strength. 

When your child listens calmly and responds without mockery, affirm it: “I liked how you let your cousin finish speaking and then answered kindly. That showed real maturity.” 

Through consistent coaching, children learn that kindness in listening is a strength that benefits both themselves and others. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam places immense importance on wisdom, patience, and respect in all forms of conversation. Even when disagreement is necessary, believers are instructed to use the best words and to fundamentally avoid belittling others. 

The Divine Command for Best Speech 

The Quran commands believers to use the best possible words in their discussions, warning that harsh language can be exploited by the Shaytan to create division. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Israa (17), Verse 53: 

‘And inform My servants that they should speak in only the politest manner (when they speak to the extremists in disbelief); indeed, Satan is (always ready for) infusing anarchy between them, as indeed, Satan is the most visible enemy for mankind.’ 

This verse reminds us that our words should always aim to build peace, not cause mockery, because harshness and ridicule create harmful division. 

Safeguarding Others from Hurtful Words 

The Hadith clearly defines a Muslim as one whose community is safe from their hurtful words and actions. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 41, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand the people are safe.’ 

This Hadith shows that safeguarding others from hurtful words, including mockery, is an inseparable part of true faith. 

When children learn to listen to different opinions without mockery, they practise essential self-control, empathy, and respect. These habits help them grow into thoughtful individuals who reflect prophetic character in their conversations, honouring both truth and the inherent dignity of the speaker.