How can we mark the end of a repair with gratitude and humility? 

Parenting Perspective 

Children often think of making a repair as a form of punishment: a mistake that is followed by a heavy and unpleasant consequence. If we do not guide them carefully, they may come to see the process of repair as shameful instead of meaningful. To shift this perspective, parents can help their children mark the end of a repair with a short, positive ritual that combines gratitude for forgiveness with a sense of humility about the lesson that has been learned.

 

Build a Simple and Predictable Closure Habit 

Create a consistent line that you can use to signal that a repair is complete and the issue is now closed. For example: ‘We have told the truth, we have made the repair, and we have put our safeguard in place. We are now finished with this for today. Alhamdulillah.’ Saying this out loud helps your child to feel the relief of completion, rather than carrying their guilt forward into the rest of the day. 

Encourage a Moment of Sincere Gratitude 

After a repair has been completed, whether it involved an apology, an act of restitution, or a changed behaviour, invite your child to pause for a moment and name one blessing related to the situation. 

• ‘Alhamdulillah, I fixed what I did wrong and my teacher forgave me.’ 

• ‘Alhamdulillah, I was able to replace the item that I broke.’ 

This simple practice trains them to see the mercy of Allah Almighty in the everyday opportunities they are given to make things right. 

Add Humility by Recognising the Growth 

It is important to balance the feeling of gratitude with a soft reminder of the lesson. You could ask, ‘What did you learn from this mistake?’ or ‘What will you do differently next time?’ This shows your child that a repair is not just about feeling relief, but also about genuine growth. It helps to prevent a sense of pride from developing around the act of repair itself and keeps them grounded in humility. 

A Simple and Age-Appropriate Ritual 

A brief and simple ritual will always be more effective than a long lecture. 

• Parent: ‘What did you do to fix the mistake?’ 

• Child: ‘I apologised and shared my game with my sister.’ 

• Parent: ‘Alhamdulillah. And what did you learn from that?’ 

• Child: ‘I learned not to grab things, and to ask for a turn first.’ 

• Parent: ‘Good. That is how we keep our hearts clean.’ 

This short exchange reinforces the entire process in a positive and memorable way. 

Spiritual Insight 

Gratitude Is What Completes Our Repentance 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Ibraheem (14), Verse 7: 

‘And (remember) when your Sustainer made this declaration; (saying that): “If you show gratitude, I (Allah Almighty) will indeed, amplify them for you (provisions and sustenance); however, if you become ungrateful, then indeed, My punishment is Meticulous (in execution)”.’ 

This verse reminds us that expressing gratitude is a crucial step in securing our blessings after a mistake has been corrected. Teach your child that when they finish making a repair, they should not only feel a sense of relief, but they should also take a moment to thank Allah Almighty for giving them another chance and for granting them the strength to put things right. 

The Prophet ﷺ Linked Humility with Forgiveness 

It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 4250, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The one who repents from sin is like one who did not sin.’ 

This hadith teaches that after a true and sincere repentance, our slate is wiped clean. The correct response to this immense mercy is not arrogance or indifference, but a deep sense of humility. We should be thankful to Allah Almighty and be careful not to repeat the same mistake. Parents can use this teaching to reassure their children that once a repair is complete, they can start fresh without any shame, but always with a humble heart.