Parenting Perspective 

Explain the ‘Why’ 

Encouraging respect for shared spaces at home is essential for fostering a sense of responsibility, teamwork, and mutual respect among family members. You can start by explaining to your child that shared spaces, such as the living room, kitchen, and bathrooms, are areas that everyone in the family uses. Therefore, everyone has a responsibility to keep them tidy and organised. You could say, ‘We all share the space in this house, so we need to take care of it and make sure it is clean for everyone to enjoy.’ 

Teach Consideration for Others 

Teach your child that respect for shared spaces means not only cleaning up after themselves but also being considerate of the needs of others. For example, if your child leaves their toys or clothes in the living room, you can kindly remind them to put their things away when they are finished. Use gentle reminders like, ‘Remember to put your toys away after you are done playing. This way, the space stays nice for everyone.’ This reinforces the idea that a clean environment contributes to a peaceful and organised home. 

Make it a Collaborative Effort 

Involve your child in household chores and make cleaning a fun, collaborative activity. For instance, you can turn tidying up into a game or a race to see who can put away their things the quickest. Praise your child when they help to maintain the cleanliness of shared spaces, as this reinforces positive behaviour and creates a sense of accomplishment. Lastly, set clear expectations for how everyone should contribute. For example, you could say, ‘Every time you finish using a space, make sure it is left clean and organised for the next person.’ 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, maintaining cleanliness and respecting the spaces around us are fundamental aspects of good character. Allah Almighty reminds us in the noble Quran at Surah Al Baqarah (2), Verse 195: 

‘And expend (your wealth) in the pathway of Allah (Almighty), and do not let your actions place you in a (state of) destruction (by being miserly)…..’ 

This verse teaches us the importance of maintaining cleanliness and order, not just for our own well-being but for the benefit of others as well. 

The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also placed great emphasis on cleanliness and respect for the home. It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 223, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Cleanliness is half of faith.’ 

This Hadith highlights the significance of maintaining a clean environment, which extends to our homes and the spaces we share with others. By teaching your child to respect shared spaces, you are instilling in them the Islamic values of cleanliness, responsibility, and respect for others.