How to Respond When Teammates Tease My Child for Being Slow in PE 

Parenting Perspective 

When a child is mocked in Physical Education (PE) for being slow, it can leave scars that extend far beyond the playing field. The teasing strikes at their confidence and sense of belonging, two things every child needs to enjoy teamwork and sport. The objective is not to make your child run faster, but to help them feel capable, calm, and respected regardless of their pace. By equipping them with emotional resilience and practical language, you can empower them to face teasing with dignity instead of defeat. 

Begin with Understanding, Not Urgency 

When your child tells you, “They laugh at me because I am slow,” resist the urge to offer quick fixes like “Just try harder” or “Ignore them.” It is far more effective to start with empathy: 

“That must have felt embarrassing. No one likes to be laughed at.” 

This validation opens the door for an honest conversation. Your child feels heard rather than judged, which helps them to process the hurt instead of hiding it. 

Separate Effort from Outcome 

Explain to your child that speed is only one measure of ability and is not a reflection of their worth. You could say: 

“Everyone’s body is different. What matters most is that you keep trying your best.” 

Children who learn to believe their effort matters more than the outcome grow to be more resilient. They stop seeing teasing as proof of their failure and start seeing it as noise that is unworthy of their attention. 

Teach a Calm and Clear Response 

When teammates make mocking comments, coach your child to use short, confident phrases. 

• “I am doing my best, and that is what matters.” 

• “You could cheer me on instead.” 

• Or simply, “That is not funny.” 

The tone should be firm, not defensive. Practising these lines at home will help your child to recall them under pressure. Calm brevity can disrupt the teaser’s rhythm, demonstrating control without inviting an argument. 

Redefine Strength and Achievement 

Help your child to notice their other qualities that contribute positively to a team, such as reliability, good sportsmanship, or helpfulness. Tell them: 

“A good teammate is not always the fastest, but the one who keeps trying and lifts others up.” 

Celebrate these traits at home. A child’s confidence grows when their identity is not limited to their physical performance. 

Partner with Teachers and Coaches 

If the teasing becomes a frequent issue, it is appropriate to speak quietly to the PE teacher or coach. Provide context without anger: 

“My child enjoys PE but is feeling discouraged by teasing about being slow. Could you help to foster a kinder group culture?” 

When adults lead with an emphasis on fairness and inclusion, the teasing often fades. This also models for your child how to advocate for themselves respectfully. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam honours effort over results, patience over pride, and humility over boasting. Teasing someone for their physical ability goes against the spirit of compassion that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught. Helping your child to respond with grace nurtures a prophetic balance: confidence rooted in humility and faith. 

The Value of Steadiness in the Noble Quran 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Zumar (39), Verse 10: 

‘“…Indeed, those people that were resilient shall be rewarded with what is their due, without any limitations”.’ 

This verse can reassure your child that every sincere effort, no matter how small or slow it may seem, is noticed by Allah Almighty. Speed and comparison fade in importance, but patience and perseverance are rewarded beyond measure. 

Respect for Others in Prophetic Teachings 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 1977, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The believer is not one who insults, curses, or speaks in an obscene or foul manner.’ 

This Hadith reminds children that mocking others for how they look or move contradicts the principles of true faith. When your child responds with calm restraint, they reflect the prophetic qualities of self-respect and mercy, showing strength without hostility. 

When you guide your child through the experience of being teased in sports, you teach more than just confidence; you teach them grace under pressure. They learn that their worth is not measured by the seconds on a stopwatch, but by the steadiness of their heart. 

With your reassurance, calm practice, and faith-centred wisdom, they will begin to walk onto that field not with a fear of being last, but with pride in simply showing up: steady, sincere, and strong in the way that Allah Almighty values most.