Parenting Perspective 

The fiery conflicts between siblings often leave a trail of harsh words. While forcing a reluctant ‘sorry’ might quiet the house, it does little to heal the hurt. The true goal is to guide them towards sincere apologies that acknowledge the impact of their words, take responsibility, and genuinely begin to repair their bond. 

Model Sincere Apologies 

Your example is the most powerful teacher. When you make a mistake, let your children hear you offer a genuine apology: ‘I was feeling stressed and I spoke too sharply. I am sorry.’ This teaches them that apologising is a sign of strength and self-awareness. 

Guide Them Towards Specificity 

A meaningful apology is specific. Coach them to move beyond a mumbled ‘sorry’ to something that shows they understand. Help them find the words, such as, ‘I am sorry for shouting when you came in my room. I should not have done that.’ 

Connect Apologies with Action 

Teach them that an apology is often the first step, not the last. Encourage them to follow their words with a small act of kindness offering a hug, helping with a chore, or sharing a toy. This shows that reconciliation is an active process. 

Praise the Courage to Apologise 

When a child manages a sincere apology, acknowledge the effort it took. A warm, ‘That was a very kind and brave thing to do. Thank you for fixing things,’ reinforces that apologising is a respected and valued action in your family. 

By teaching an apology as a thoughtful process rather than a forced word, you equip your children with the tools for accountability and compassion that will strengthen their bond for a lifetime. 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, the act of repairing a broken relationship is considered one of the most noble deeds. When we teach our children to apologise sincerely, we are nurturing within them the beautiful Islamic qualities of humility, forgiveness, and the desire for reconciliation. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hujuraat (49), Verse 10: 

‘Indeed, the believers are brothers (to each other); so, make peace with your brothers; and seek piety from Allah (Almighty) so that you may receive His Mercy.’ 

This verse frames the entire community of believers as a single family, making the act of ‘making settlement’ between siblings a direct fulfilment of a divine command. It connects family harmony with receiving Allah’s mercy. 

It is recorded in Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith 4919, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘“Shall I not tell you what is better in degree than fasting, prayer, and charity?” They said: “Yes, O Messenger of Allah.”He said: “Reconciling between people, for grudges and disputes are the shaver (of religion).”’ 

This astonishing hadith elevates the act of mending relationships to a spiritual rank higher than some of our greatest acts of worship. It teaches that allowing disputes to fester ‘shaves’ away our religion, while making peace restores it. 

By nurturing the practice of sincere apologies, you show your children that respect, humility, and reconciliation are not only family values but also acts beloved to Allah Almighty.