Parenting Perspective 

For many children, especially younger ones, expressing complex emotions like remorse through words can be very difficult. Encouraging them to write a short note or draw a picture as an apology can offer a creative and heartfelt way to repair a relationship. This approach helps to shift the act of apologising from a forced word into a thoughtful and sincere gesture. 

Show That Creative Apologies Are Meaningful 

Explain to your child, ‘Sometimes saying sorry with words can feel hard, but writing it down or drawing a picture can also show how much you care.’ This reassures them that actions beyond just words can still count as a true and valid apology, and it gives them another tool for making amends. 

Provide Tools and Gentle Guidance 

Offer your child some paper, crayons, or a card and make a gentle suggestion. For example: ‘Why don’t you draw a picture of you and your friend playing happily together again?’ or ‘Let’s write a short note together that says you are sorry.’ Having the materials ready makes it easier for your child to take that first step. 

Keep It Age-Appropriate and Pressure-Free 

It is important not to demand a perfect drawing or a beautifully written letter. Even a small scribble or a few simple words can carry a great deal of meaning if they are offered with sincerity. The goal is to help your child see that their effort and thoughtfulness are what matter most, not their artistic skill. 

Praise the Gesture 

When your child gives their note or drawing to the other person, be sure to highlight the positive impact of their gesture. A quiet word of praise like, ‘That was such a kind way to help your friend feel better,’ reinforces the habit and encourages them to see creative apologies as a valued option in the future. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam values sincerity in all our actions, no matter how small they may seem. Even a simple, heartfelt effort to heal hurt feelings carries a great reward when it is done with a pure heart. Encouraging children to use creative ways of apologising helps to nurture this spirit of sincerity, humility, and kindness. 

The Power of Small, Sincere Deeds 

The Quran reminds us that no act of goodness, however small it may appear to us, is insignificant in the sight of Allah, as long as it is done with sincerity. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Zalzalah (99), Verses 7: 

‘Thus, everyone’s actions equivalent to the measurement of an atom that is good shall be observed by them (on the Day of Judgment).’ 

The Weight of Good Character 

The prophetic tradition teaches us that even small gestures of kindness and repair, such as offering a hand-drawn picture, are a part of the good character that is so weighty on a believer’s scale. 

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

‘Nothing is heavier on the believer’s scale on the Day of Judgement than good character.’ 

By encouraging notes or drawings as a form of apology, you are helping your child to practise sincerity in a creative and gentle way. These small acts can nurture their compassion, heal their relationships, and build a habit of kindness that reflects the beautiful Islamic spirit of good character.