How can I encourage good manners when on field trips or group outings? 

Parenting Perspective 

Setting Clear Expectations 

Group outings and field trips are wonderful chances for children to practise the good manners they learn at home out in the real world. Before leaving, explain to your child what good behaviour looks like outside the home. Talk about speaking gently, paying attention to guides or teachers, waiting their turn and helping younger or quieter children feel included. 

Practising Skills at Home 

Keep it simple. Remind them, ‘We are representatives of our family and our beliefs wherever we go.’ Practise a few everyday situations at home. Role-play how to greet new people, say ‘excuse me’ politely or apologise if they bump into someone by accident. 

Praising and Correcting Gently 

Take a few snacks or small comforts to help your child stay settled during the trip. While out, praise your child quietly when they do well, sharing nicely, waiting patiently or showing respect to adults. If they make a mistake, correct them kindly and privately rather than in front of others. 

These small, steady reminders help your child see that good Adab is not just for the home or the mosque. It becomes part of who they are, wherever they go. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam places great value on carrying ourselves with the best character in public, showing kindness, respect, and humility always. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hujurat (49), Verse 13: 

‘O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another… ‘

This Ayah reminds us that every outing is an opportunity to meet others with dignity and respect. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 2003, that holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Nothing is heavier on the Scale of Deeds than one’s good character. ‘

Share this wisdom with your child so they see that good manners on a trip are not just about avoiding trouble, they are a way to earn reward and spread the beauty of Islam. Make a small Dua together before leaving home: O Allah, help us behave with kindness and protect us from mistakes. After the outing, talk about what went well and what could improve next time, praise their efforts so they feel proud to try again. Over time, your child will learn that good Adab is not tied to place, it is tied to the heart that remembers Allah Almighty in every setting, InshaAllah.