What is a kind way to correct the repeated mispronunciation of a child’s name? 

Parenting Perspective 

Our names hold our identity, our meaning, and our dignity. For a child, hearing their name said correctly is about more than just politeness; it is a recognition of who they are. Yet, when other people repeatedly mispronounce it, children can be made to feel small, invisible, or pressured into accepting an easier version of their name. Teaching your child how to correct others in a kind and confident way helps them to honour their identity while remaining gracious and respectful. 

Beginning with Pride in Their Name 

You can start by saying, ‘Your name is a part of your story, and it is something to be proud of. When you ask people to say it correctly, you are not being fussy; you are simply honouring who you are.’ Children who feel a sense of pride in their name are more likely to protect it with calm assurance instead of irritation. 

Giving Them Warm and Simple Phrases 

Equip your child with short sentences that sound polite but are also clear. 

• ‘Actually, it is pronounced [name], but that is okay; it can be a bit tricky.’ 

• ‘You are really close! It is said like this: [repeat slowly].’ 

• A particularly good phrase is: ‘It is actually pronounced [repeat name]; it can be tricky, so no worries.’ 

These phrases help to maintain a sense of warmth and approachability, turning a moment of correction into one of connection. 

Teaching the Right Tone and Timing 

Encourage your child to respond to a mispronunciation early and gently, not after their frustration has had a chance to build up. You could say, ‘If someone says your name wrong, just smile and say it again for them in a kind way. Most people will appreciate the help.’ 

Using Practice to Build Confidence 

Role-playing common scenarios can help the act of correction to feel more natural. This practice can also help them to use neutral body language and a calm facial expression, which can prevent embarrassment for both the child and the listener. 

Explaining Why Repetition Matters 

You can explain to your child, ‘When people keep saying your name wrong, it is okay to remind them again, as long as you do it gently. You are teaching them something important, not causing trouble.’ This helps to reframe their persistence as a sign of confidence, not confrontation. 

Modelling Respect for Names at Home 

Let your child see you taking care to pronounce other people’s names correctly. For example, ‘I am so sorry, can you please repeat your name for me? I want to make sure I am saying it properly.’ This example reinforces the idea that names are important and should be respected. 

Acknowledging Their Feelings 

You can help your child to process their feelings by saying, ‘I know it can feel awkward to keep correcting someone, but you are standing up for yourself in a kind and respectful way. That shows strength, not rudeness.’ 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that our names carry immense value and a deep sense of identity. They are gifts that can reflect our faith, our heritage, and our honour. The act of protecting one’s name, and of using the names of others respectfully, is a part of adab (refined manners) and ikram (the act of honouring others). 

The Quranic Honour in Names and Identity 

The Quran forbids the use of names in a careless or mocking way, which reminds us that respecting a person’s name is a fundamental part of respecting their dignity. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hujuraat (49), Verses 11: 

‘…And do not insult each other; and do not call each other by (offensive) nicknames; how bad is it to be called by nefarious names after the attainment of faith…‘ 

When your child kindly corrects the pronunciation of their name, they are upholding this teaching by seeking respect through grace, not anger. 

The Prophetic Example of Calling Others Rightly 

The teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ highlight the great significance of names in Islam. They are not just labels; they carry meaning and are a core part of our identity. 

It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 3782, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The dearest of your names to Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, are ‘Abdullah and ‘Abdur-Rahman.‘ 

This hadith shows that the correct pronunciation of a name is not just a formality; it is an appreciation of the significance that the name carries. 

When your child learns to say, “It is actually pronounced [name]; it can be tricky, so no worries,” they are practising a form of dignity that is wrapped in gentleness. They are discovering that self-respect does not need to sound harsh, and that confidence does not have to lose its compassion. 

Each polite correction teaches them to guard their identity with grace and to be firm without causing friction. Over time, they will come to understand that respect begins with how we value our own names, and how we choose to honour the names of others. 

In every calm and respectful reminder they give, your child comes to reflect the beauty of the Islamic character: confident, kind, and conscious of the honour that Allah Almighty has placed in every name and in every soul.