How do I respond when resay child doodles on shared whiteboards? 

Parenting Perspective 

When a child doodles on a shared classroom or family whiteboard, it is not always an act of defiance. Often, it reflects creativity, curiosity, or a need to be seen and to feel a sense of belonging. The key is to guide this expressive energy constructively. 

Look Beneath the Surface 

Instead of reacting with anger, pause to ask, ‘What made you draw there instead of in your notebook?’ This question invites honesty and helps to uncover what they were feeling in that moment, whether it was excitement, boredom, or pride in their artwork. Validate their creativity before addressing the issue: ‘That is a lovely drawing, but this board is for everyone’s use’. This approach teaches that rules can coexist with appreciation. The aim is not to suppress expression but to guide it respectfully. A calm correction preserves both your child’s dignity and their willingness to learn. 

Redirect Energy with Clear Boundaries 

Offer designated outlets for artistic impulses, such as a personal whiteboard, a drawing notebook, or a wall poster where they can freely express themselves. Children thrive when they have creative autonomy balanced with clear boundaries. Explain the concept of fairness through empathy: ‘When you draw on the board, it leaves less space for others to write. How would you feel if someone erased your work to make room for theirs?’ Then, guide them to clean the board themselves. Repairing what they have disturbed transforms a consequence into moral learning. If needed, partner with teachers to create a consistent plan, such as a ‘free drawing corner’, to teach accountability. 

Reinforce Responsibility and Ownership 

When your child admits to doodling, commend their honesty first: ‘I am proud that you told the truth’. Then, link the correction with restoration: ‘Now let us make it right together’. Encourage them to apologise if others were affected. Praise the effort they put into repairing the mistake more than the mistake itself. Over time, they will learn that respect for shared property is part of honouring trust, not just following rules. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that every shared resource is an Amanah—a trust to be used responsibly. Even simple items like whiteboards, books, and classroom materials deserve respect, as they are part of a communal trust. 

Qur’anic Guidance on Fulfilling Trusts 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Nisa (4), Verse 58: 

‘Indeed, Allah (Almighty) commands you to execute all trusts to their rightful owners; and when you (are asked to) judge between people, that you should judge with justice…’ 

This verse calls believers to honour every trust, whether it involves wealth, time, or communal belongings. A whiteboard used by many is a small but important example of a shared trust. Teaching children that respecting communal tools is part of obeying Allah Almighty nurtures integrity that goes beyond supervision. They begin to understand that morality includes how they treat what belongs to others. 

Prophetic Teaching on Respecting Property 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, 2466, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Your blood, your wealth, and your honour are sacred to you, as sacred as this day of yours, in this month of yours, in this land of yours.’ 

This profound statement, part of the Prophet’s ﷺ Farewell Sermon, reminds believers that the property of others is inviolable. Using or altering another person’s belongings without permission, even in small ways, breaches this sacred trust. Helping a child to understand this early helps them to see that respect is not based on fear but on faith—an act of devotion and conscience. 

Explain to your child that wiping the whiteboard clean after using it is a way of showing gratitude for Allah’s blessings and respect for others. Say, ‘When you leave the board ready for the next person, Allah Almighty sees your care and rewards it’. By linking respect for shared spaces with accountability before Allah Almighty, children learn to treat every environment with Ihsan (excellence).