What to Do When Your Teen Rolls Their Eyes 

Parenting Perspective 

Eye-rolling is a very common way for teenagers to express frustration or resistance. While it can feel dismissive or disrespectful, it is often an immediate, non-verbal reaction rather than an act of outright rebellion. If you respond with anger, the situation can easily escalate into a larger conflict. The most effective approach is to set boundaries without overreacting, teaching your teen that respect is important even in silent gestures. 

Stay Calm and Do Not Take the Bait 

Eye-rolling is often intended to provoke a reaction. By keeping your tone steady and proceeding with your request, you avoid feeding this behaviour. A calm response demonstrates strength and maturity, showing your teen that you will not be manipulated by such gestures. 

Name the Behaviour Clearly 

You can say, ‘When you roll your eyes, it feels like you are not respecting me. If you are frustrated, please tell me calmly instead.’ This approach addresses the specific behaviour without shaming your child, helping them understand how small gestures can communicate significant messages. 

Hold the Line on Your Request 

Do not allow the eye-rolling to derail the original task. Following through calmly, for example, by saying, ‘I still need you to finish your homework before dinner,’ shows your teen that their attitude does not excuse them from their responsibilities. 

Responding in this way teaches your teen that eye-rolling is noticed but is not powerful enough to change the outcome. Over time, they will learn that expressing frustration respectfully is more effective than non-verbal defiance. 

Spiritual Insight 

Disrespect and arrogance, in any form, are discouraged in Islam. This includes non-verbal gestures that convey a sense of pride or disdain. 

Guidance from the noble Quran 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Israa (17), Verse 37: 

‘And do not walk around the Earth in an insolent manner; indeed, as you will never be able to change the shape of the Earth, and you will never grow taller than the mountains.’ 

This verse reminds us that pride and arrogance, whether shown in posture or behaviour, are disliked by Allah Almighty and should be replaced with humility. 

Teachings of the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ 

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

‘The one who has in his heart the weight of a mustard seed of arrogance shall not enter Paradise.’ 

This Hadith teaches us that even small displays of arrogance or disdain are spiritually harmful and must be corrected early in life. 

By calmly addressing eye-rolling and linking it to respectful behaviour, you teach your teen that arrogance has no place in the life of a believer. They learn that even non-verbal gestures reflect the state of the heart, and that humility and respect should guide every response. This nurtures both discipline and spiritual growth.