Parenting Perspective 

Children share their inner world when they feel safe and invited, not when they feel cornered. An approach that feels like an interrogation will almost always cause a child to withdraw. To encourage genuine openness, we must cultivate an atmosphere of trust and patience, where conversations can unfold naturally rather than being forced. 

Create Natural Opportunities for Conversation 

Some of the best conversations happen during quiet, shared moments like a walk, a drive, or while cooking together. Instead of a direct ‘What did you do today?’, try a softer, more feeling-based opener like, ‘Tell me about one thing that made you smile today.’ 

Ask with Curiosity, Not Suspicion 

Frame your questions to show you are genuinely interested in their world, not just looking for problems. Questions like, ‘What is it like being you these days?’ or ‘What is on your mind?’ are invitations to share, not demands for information. 

Practise Active and Patient Listening 

When your child begins to open up, your primary role is to listen. Resist the urge to interrupt with advice or corrections. Often, a simple nod or a quiet ‘That sounds important’ is all that is needed to keep them talking. The goal is to understand, not to immediately solve. 

Respect Their Readiness to Share 

If they are not ready to talk, pushing them will only create distance. Let them know the invitation is always open by saying, ‘That is perfectly fine. Just know I am always here to listen whenever you feel like talking.’ This respects their autonomy and builds long-term trust. 

By fostering a warm, patient, and respectful atmosphere, you give your child the confidence to share their thoughts and feelings freely, knowing they will be heard, not interrogated. 

Spiritual Insight 

The Prophetic way of communication was one of profound wisdom and gentleness. It teaches that hearts are won through mercy, not force. As parents, we can mirror this by creating an environment where our children feel emotionally safe to be open and honest. 

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

‘ So, it is by the mercy from Allah (Almighty) that you (O Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) are lenient with them; and if you had been harsh (in your speech) or restrained (in your heart), they would have dispersed from around you…’ 

This beautiful verse illustrates the magnetic power of a gentle heart. It is a direct lesson from Allah that a soft and merciful approach is what builds trust and keeps people close, a vital principle in parenting. 

It is recorded in Riyadh Al Saliheen, Hadith 636, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Make things easy and do not make things difficult, give glad tidings and do not drive people away.’ 

This hadith provides a clear and simple formula for all our interactions: make things easy, not difficult; offer encouragement, not condemnation. Applying this to our conversations with our children creates an atmosphere where they feel safe to be open. 

By applying this wisdom in your parenting, you show your child that honesty and openness are safe paths. Over time, they will learn that truthfulness is not only respected but warmly received, both by you and by Allah Almighty.