How can parents use family discussions to model humility and willingness to learn? 

Parenting Perspective 

Family discussions can be powerful tools for teaching values, but they are most effective when they are not one-sided lectures. By modelling humility and a genuine willingness to learn, parents can transform these conversations into shared journeys of growth. This approach not only strengthens family bonds but also teaches children that true wisdom lies in staying curious and open-minded throughout life. 

Create a Space for Honest Conversations 

Your family discussions should be opportunities for everyone, including you as a parent, to share and reflect. You can model humility by saying things like, ‘I do not have all the answers to this, but I want us to learn about it together.’ This open and honest approach shows your children that even adults continue to grow, creating a safe environment where questions and mistakes can be addressed without judgment. 

Admit Your Limitations With Confidence 

When parents openly admit that they do not know everything, whether about technology or even certain aspects of faith, they demonstrate strength in honesty. By following up with a phrase like, ‘Let us find out the answer to that together,’ you can show your children that seeking knowledge is a sign of responsibility, not a failure. This teaches them to value truth and learning over the need to maintain a facade of pride. 

Encourage Your Children’s Contributions 

Invite your children to share their own knowledge and perspectives, whether about the apps they use or their experiences with their peers. This helps them to feel that their voice is respected and valued. You can then gently guide the discussion, aligning their contributions with the core family values of safety, respect, and faith. This balance of listening and guiding turns family talks into living lessons in teamwork. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that the pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong journey, and that humility is a key virtue for any learner. By using family discussions to admit their own limitations and to value learning together, parents can model this beautiful Islamic principle in action. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Taaha (20), Verses 114: 

‘…And say: “O my Sustainer, increase for me (the parameters of) knowledge”.’ 

This is the prayer that Allah taught to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself. It is a powerful reminder that we should always be in a state of seeking more knowledge, which begins with the humility of admitting what we do not yet know. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, 55, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The religion is sincere advice.’ 

This teaching shows that offering and receiving guidance is at the heart of our faith. Parents who demonstrate that they are also willing to learn and receive advice are setting a profound example of sincerity and humility for their children. 

This approach transforms the home into a place where guidance is shared, knowledge is sought with sincerity, and everyone is growing together in faith and understanding, under the mercy of Allah Almighty.