What phrase helps them exit a game that feels mean without making a scene? 

Parenting Perspective 

Children often find themselves in a game that starts as fun but gradually turns sour. A friend or sibling might start teasing, changing the rules unfairly, or making jokes at their expense. In these moments, a child can feel trapped, not wanting to continue playing but also fearing that leaving will cause a scene or hurt someone’s feelings. This can lead to an outburst like, ‘This is stupid, I am not playing!’ which only escalates the conflict. By coaching your child in how to use a graceful exit phrase, you can teach them to practise self-respect while keeping their relationships intact. 

Explain the Importance of a Graceful Exit 

Begin by explaining the difference between leaving a game and starting a fight. You could say: ‘It is always okay to leave a game that does not feel fun anymore, but how you leave makes all the difference. If you leave with angry words, it can make things worse for everyone. If you leave calmly, you protect your own feelings and your friendships at the same time.’ 

Provide Simple and Blame-Free Exit Scripts 

Equip your child with respectful, pre-planned phrases that allow them to step away without assigning blame. 

• ‘I do not feel like playing this right now, so I am going to take a break.’ 

• ‘I think I want to stop for now. Maybe we can play something else later on.’ 

• ‘I am going to step out of the game. I just need a little space.’ 

These scripts focus on personal choice, not on the other person’s behaviour. 

Coach Them on Calm Tone and Body Language 

Remind your child that their body language is just as important as their words. Encourage them to use a calm, neutral voice and to simply walk away, rather than stomping or slamming a door. You can practise at home by acting out both a harsh and a calm exit so they can see and feel the contrast. 

Practise These Scripts Through Role-Play 

Create some practice scenarios where you pretend to be the friend who is making the game unfair. Coach your child to respond with one of the calm exit phrases instead of an accusation like, ‘You are ruining it!’ Repeating this in a safe environment helps the phrase to feel natural and accessible when they need it most. 

Teach Them How to Reconnect After a Break 

Leaving a game does not have to mean cutting off the friendship. Teach your child that after they have taken a break and calmed down, they can try to reconnect. A simple phrase like, ‘Do you want to try playing again? Maybe we can agree to keep it kind this time,’ shows maturity and a willingness to repair the relationship. 

Spiritual Insight 

Withdrawing Calmly from Hurtful Situations Reflects Faith 

Islam encourages believers to walk away from hurtful or un-dignified behaviour without escalating the conflict or responding in kind. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Furqaan (25), Verses 72: 

‘And those people who choose not to verify falsehood; and whenever they pass (people engaged in) obscenities; they pass by them (as if) they respected them.’ 

This beautiful verse reminds us that the most dignified way to handle unkind words or actions is not to engage in a fight, but to simply ‘pass by with dignity.’ A parent can use this verse to show their child that leaving a game calmly is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of the strength and self-respect that pleases Allah Almighty. 

The Prophet’s ﷺExample of Gentle Restraint 

The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ consistently modelled restraint and patience in moments that could have easily turned into conflict. 

It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, 4032, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The believer who mixes with people and bears their annoyance with patience will have a greater reward than the believer who does not mix with people and does not put up with their annoyance.’ 

This hadith teaches that while we will sometimes face unfairness or unkindness from others, responding with patience brings a great reward. A parent can say: ‘When you choose to step away from a game calmly instead of getting into a fight, you are showing the beautiful quality of patience, and Allah loves and rewards patience.’ 

By linking these everyday challenges in play to these profound spiritual teachings, children learn that exiting a difficult situation respectfully is not just about good manners, but is a reflection of their faith.