How Can I Encourage Them to Return Things to Their Place as a Kindness to the Next Person? 

Parenting Perspective 

Children naturally view tidying up as a chore rather than an opportunity to show consideration for others. By framing this simple act as a form of kindness, you can shift their perspective from one of obligation to one of empathy. This helps them see returning things to their proper place not just as a rule, but as a thoughtful way of making life easier for the next person who might need them. 

Explain the Purpose Behind the Action 

Instead of simply instructing them to ‘put it back’, explain the thoughtful reason behind the request. For example, you could say, ‘When you return the scissors to the drawer, the next person will not have to waste time looking for them. That is a small act of kindness.’ This approach makes tidying feel purposeful rather than pointless. 

Connect to Their Own Experiences 

Use real-life examples that they can relate to. You might remind them, ‘Do you remember how frustrated you felt when you could not find your favourite book because it was not on the shelf? Putting things back helps other people avoid that same feeling.’ Children absorb lessons more effectively when they can see a direct benefit to themselves and others. 

Lead by Example and Verbalise Your Intentions 

Demonstrate this behaviour through your own actions and narrate your thoughts aloud. For instance, ‘I am putting this pen back in the holder so that whoever needs it next can find it straight away.’ This habit turns your own routine actions into powerful teachable moments for your child. 

Make it a Shared Family Principle 

Establish a shared phrase or motto within the family, such as, ‘We leave things ready as a gift for the next person.’ When this idea is repeated regularly, it becomes an ingrained part of your family culture and a core value that children internalise. 

Acknowledge and Appreciate Their Efforts 

Whenever you notice your child has remembered to return something to its place, offer warm and specific praise. ‘I love how you put all the puzzle pieces back in the box. You have made it so easy for the next person to enjoy it.’ This creates a positive association with the act, making it feel rewarding. 

Gradually, your child will learn that organisation is not about control or rigid rules, but about leaving a space with ease and consideration for others. 

Spiritual Insight 

From an Islamic perspective, the value of a kind act is measured not by its size, but by the intention behind it. Returning an item to its designated place might seem insignificant, but when the motive is to help someone else, it is elevated to an act of faith and goodness. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Baqarah (2), Verse 195: 

‘…And be benevolent, indeed, Allah (Almighty) loves those who are benevolent.’ 

This verse teaches that every good deed, no matter how ordinary it seems, attracts the love of Allah Almighty. For a child, putting something back where it belongs is not just about being tidy; it is an opportunity to be counted among those whom Allah loves. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 1930, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Whoever relieves a believer’s distress of the distressful aspects of this world, Allah will rescue him from a difficulty of the Hereafter.’ 

While this hadith speaks of relieving significant distress, its principle applies to smaller actions as well. Removing a minor inconvenience for someone is a form of relieving their burden. Teaching a child that returning an item helps another person avoid the stress of searching for it nurtures this same spirit of compassion. 

By drawing a line between tidiness and kindness, you teach your child that organisation is fundamentally about serving others, not just about neatness. Each time they put something back, they are practising ihsan excellence in both their manners and their faith and growing into a person who brings ease and thoughtfulness into the lives of others.