Parenting Perspective 

Focus on the Impact, Not Just the Word 

Children often say a quick ‘sorry’ just to get out of trouble, without any real sincerity. To encourage a more meaningful apology, you must first help them to understand the impact of their actions. Asking a gentle question like, ‘How do you think your friend felt when that happened?’ encourages them to reflect. This makes the apology about healing the other person’s feelings, not just about ending the conflict.

Model and Practise Sincere Apologies 

The best way to teach this is to model a sincere apology yourself. For example, ‘I am sorry that I raised my voice; I will try to be more patient next time.’ Encourage your child to include both an acknowledgement of what they did wrong and a commitment to do better. Praise them warmly when they manage a sincere apology, as this reinforces that true remorse is what matters. 

Turn Mistakes into Lessons 

By guiding your child to apologise with awareness and empathy, you turn their mistakes into valuable lessons in responsibility and kindness. Over time, they will learn that real apologies are what heal relationships and build lasting trust. 

Spiritual Insight 

Show Forgiveness and Enjoin Good 

Islam encourages believers to be people who both seek and show forgiveness. The Quran commands us to pardon others, enjoin what is right, and turn away from ignorance. A sincere apology is a practical step towards fulfilling this beautiful instruction. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Aa’raaf (7), Verse 199: 

‘ (O Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) adopt a forgiving approach, and encourage (the doing of) positive (moral) actions, and disregard those who are imbued in their ignorance.‘ 

Goodness Begins at Home 

The prophetic tradition teaches that the best of believers are those who are best to their own families. This includes the practice of apologising sincerely when we have wronged a family member, which is a sign of excellent character and strong faith. 

It is recorded in Mishkaat Al Masaabih, 3252, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best of you to my family.’ 

An Act of Humility and Empathy 

When you connect the act of apologising to the Islamic value of sincerity, your child learns that saying sorry is not just about avoiding consequences. They begin to understand that it is a powerful way to heal relationships and earn the pleasure of Allah. This nurtures humility, empathy, and a deep sense of responsibility.