How can I help my child handle teasing in a kind but strong way? 

Parenting Perspective 

Practice Kind But Firm Responses 

Most children will face teasing at some point, whether it is playful or unkind. It can feel painful and confusing, especially if your child is shy or does not know how to respond. Teach your child that they have the right to stand up for themselves while still using kind words. Practise short responses together so they feel prepared. For example, they could say, ‘Please stop saying that, I do not like it,’ or ‘That is not funny to me.’ These phrases help your child set a clear boundary without shouting or being rude. 

Use Role-Play and Praise 

Explain that sometimes it is best to walk away from someone who keeps teasing. Role-play scenarios using toys or pretend games to show when to speak up and when to ignore hurtful words. Talk about the difference between gentle joking among good friends and words that feel mean or are repeated. Praise your child when they try to handle teasing calmly, even if they get nervous. Remind them that they can always come to you if they feel stuck or if the teasing does not stop. Over time, these simple tools help your child to feel stronger inside, knowing they can protect their feelings without becoming unkind themselves. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches us to guard our dignity and respond to hurtful words with patience and wisdom. Allah Almighty reminds us that people’s words cannot harm us if we trust in Him and hold ourselves with respect. Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Aalai Imran (3), Verse 186: 

‘(O Muslims) you will certainly be tested with (the expanding) of your wealth, and your personal (sacrifices); and you will certainly hear many hurtful things from those people who have been given the Scriptures before you, and from those people who are polytheists; and if you are resilient and attain piety, then indeed, this shall be a matter of great self-determination.‘

This verse shows that facing hurtful words with patience and strength is an act of faith. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2594a, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: 

‘Gentleness is not in anything except that it beautifies it, and it is not removed from anything except that it makes it defective. ‘

By teaching your child to respond to teasing without harshness, you help them hold on to the beauty of gentleness. You can encourage your child to make a short Dua, such as, ‘Ya Allah, help me stay strong and calm when someone teases me.’ This reminds them that Allah Almighty knows every word they hear and every feeling in their heart. With your loving guidance, they will learn that kindness and courage can live together, making them strong in character and beloved to Allah Almighty.