Parenting Perspective 

Misbehaviour in public can be particularly stressful for parents, who often feel the pressure of being watched and judged by others. This can trigger an embarrassed or angry reaction. However, responding harshly only worsens the situation and teaches your child to associate discipline with public shame. A calmer approach involves staying steady, prioritising your child’s needs, and saving the main lesson for a more private moment. 

Lower Your Voice, Not Raise It 

Instead of shouting or raising your voice, make a conscious effort to speak in a low, firm, and quiet tone. A simple statement like, ‘We will talk about this when we get home,’ can be very effective. A low, firm voice demonstrates self-control and prevents the situation from escalating in front of an audience. 

Remove or Redirect Calmly 

If possible, calmly guide your child to a quieter spot, away from the main crowd. Sometimes, simply stepping outside or moving to a different aisle can give both of you the space needed to reset and calm down. If you cannot leave the area, try to redirect their attention by saying, ‘Let’s walk together to the car now,’ or ‘We will hold hands until we both feel calm.’ 

Teach Afterwards, Not in the Moment 

A public setting is not the right place for a long explanation or a serious consequence. Once you are back home, you can discuss the behaviour calmly: ‘Earlier, when you shouted in the shop, it was not a respectful way to behave. Next time, we will need to leave immediately.’ A lesson delivered later, without the added pressure of embarrassment, is far more likely to be absorbed. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that dignity, patience, and self-control are essential virtues in all settings, especially when we feel that others are watching us. Parents are called to protect their children’s honour, even while teaching discipline, ensuring that any correction is delivered with wisdom and mercy. 

Maintaining Dignity in Public 

The Quran describes the true servants of the Most Merciful as those who maintain their dignity and respond to challenges with peace, which is a powerful reminder for parents under public pressure. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Furqaan (25), Verses 63: 

‘ And the true servants of the One Who is Most Beneficent are those who wander around the Earth with humility; and when they are addressed by the ignorant people, they say: “Peace be unto you”.‘ 

The True Meaning of Strength 

The prophetic tradition teaches that real strength is not about outward displays of power, but about the inner ability to remain patient and exercise self-restraint, especially when under pressure. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 6114, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The strong is not the one who overcomes others by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself when angry.’ 

By handling public misbehaviour calmly, you are embodying these core Islamic values. Your child learns that your guidance is steady and loving, not humiliating, and that discipline can protect their dignity while still teaching them about responsibility.