How Can I Comfort My Child When They Feel Left Out During Eid Games Due to Slower Movement? 

Parenting Perspective 

Children who feel left out during Eid games due to slower movement often experience disappointment, sadness, and a sense of inadequacy. These feelings stem from comparing themselves to peers and worrying about not belonging. Comforting your child effectively involves recognising their feelings, validating their experience, and gently guiding them towards alternative strategies that foster inclusion and confidence. 

Validate and Name Emotions 

Begin by acknowledging the emotions your child is experiencing. Naming emotions helps the child feel understood and reduces the internalised pressure to perform. 

• Acknowledge: ‘I can see that you feel sad and frustrated because the others are running faster.’ 

• Validate: Parent script: ‘It is okay to feel this way; feeling left out shows that you care about joining in and having fun.’ 

By recognising feelings first, children can begin to separate self-worth from performance in games. 

Encourage Participation in Alternative Roles 

Not all involvement in Eid games requires being the fastest or strongest. Suggest roles that highlight the child’s strengths, which foster a sense of agency, social connection, and pride. 

• Suggest Roles: Encourage them to take roles such as scorekeeping, cheering teammates, or leading smaller group activities. 

• Micro-action: Assign your child a task in the next game, however small, that allows them to contribute meaningfully. 

• Parent script: ‘You can help me organise the teams and cheer for everyone; your role is important.’ 

This approach shifts focus from speed to contribution, helping the child feel valued and included. 

Practice Gradual Skill-Building 

Outside of Eid games, practice fun activities that gradually improve coordination, speed, and confidence. Simple exercises like short relay races in the garden, hopping, or ball-handling drills can enhance movement skills over time. 

• Emphasise Progress: Emphasise progress over perfection and celebrate small milestones. 

• Parent script: ‘Let us try one short race together today and see how much progress we make.’ 

Incremental improvements help the child feel capable and more willing to join in social games. 

Reframe Success and Fun 

Teach children that participation and effort matter more than winning. Reframing the meaning of success reduces anxiety about performance and strengthens resilience. 

• You might say, ‘Eid is about having fun together, not being the fastest. Let us enjoy the laughter and cheering.’ 

• This reframing nurtures a positive mindset and reinforces that belonging is linked to engagement, kindness, and spirit rather than physical prowess alone. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that true worth lies in effort, intention, and sincerity rather than outward comparison or speed. Children can be encouraged to view their involvement and effort during games as acts of patience, perseverance, and teamwork, which are rewarded by Allah Almighty. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Imran (3), Verses 159: 

‘So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely upon Him…’ 

This verse highlights the power of gentle guidance, patience, and reliance on Allah Almighty. Parents can teach children that even if they move slower than peers, their sincerity, effort, and engagement are valuable in the eyes of Allah Almighty. 

It is recorded in Riyadh Al Saliheen, Hadith 646, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The strong believer is not the one who overcomes others in strength, but the one who controls himself when angry, and perseveres in seeking what is right.’ 

This Hadith reinforces that true strength and reward come from perseverance, self-control, and striving to participate with sincerity. By celebrating perseverance and intention, children learn that inclusion, joy, and spiritual growth are more important than raw physical speed.