How do I encourage my child to tidy shared equipment after practice? 

Parenting Perspective 

After a sports practice, an art lesson, or even a group play session, many children have the instinct to rush off as soon as the activity ends, leaving equipment scattered behind them. Parents and coaches often end up collecting the balls, brushes, or instruments, which can feel frustrating when the child has just benefitted from using those very items. Teaching your child to tidy up shared equipment is about more than just cleaning; it is a vital lesson in respect, responsibility, and gratitude. 

Connect Use with Responsibility 

Explain to your child that if they have the privilege of using something, they also have the responsibility of putting it back. You could say: ‘When you finish using the ball, part of the job is to return it to the bag. Using an item without tidying it away is not a complete action.’ This helps them to understand that tidying is an integral part of the activity, not an optional extra. 

Explain How Tidying Benefits Everyone 

Children are often more motivated when they can see the bigger picture and understand how their actions affect others. 

• The equipment will last longer when it is looked after properly. 

• Their friends and teammates will be able to find what they need more easily next time. 

• The coaches and teachers feel respected and appreciated when the children help. 

Create a Clear Tidy-Up Routine 

At the end of every activity, you can establish a clear and consistent tidy-up step. This helps to make tidying a part of ‘finishing’ the activity, rather than an additional chore. 

• In sports: gathering the balls, stacking the cones, or folding the bibs. 

• In arts: washing the brushes, closing the paint lids, or stacking the chairs. 

• At home: putting all the board game pieces back in the box. 

Practise with Shared Roles 

If a whole group is tidying up, it can be helpful to assign specific jobs so that your child knows exactly what is expected of them. For example: ‘You can be in charge of carrying the mats,’ or, ‘Your job is to collect all the pencils.’ This prevents them from avoiding the task and teaches them about teamwork. 

Model Gratitude in Action 

You can model this behaviour by saying aloud: ‘I am so grateful that we had this gym to use today, so I will make sure I put these things away properly as a way of saying thank you.’ Children learn that tidying is a practical expression of gratitude. 

Praise the Habit, Not Just a Single Effort 

When your child remembers to tidy up without being asked, make sure to acknowledge it straight away: ‘I saw how you put the cricket bat back without needing a reminder. That shows great respect and responsibility.’ 

Mini Dialogue Example 

Parent: ‘What is the last thing we do when our practice ends?’ 

Child: ‘We pack away all the equipment.’ 

Parent: ‘Exactly. Using and tidying go together. That way, everything is neat and ready for us next time.’ 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam encourages cleanliness, order, and the returning of trusts. Any shared equipment that we use is an amanah (a trust), and caring for it properly is a reflection of our faith in action. 

Returning What Is Borrowed as a Trust 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Nisa (4), Verse 58: 

‘Indeed, Allah (Almighty) commands you to execute all trusts to their rightful owners; and when you (are asked to) judge between people, that you should judge with justice; indeed, the enlightened direction to you from Allah (Almighty) is (a beneficial) endowment; indeed, Allah (Almighty) is All Hearing and All Seeing.’ 

This verse can be explained to a child in a simple way: ‘The equipment that you use at your club belongs to the whole group. When you put it back carefully, you are returning the trust that Allah has given you to use.’ 

Order and Cleanliness Are Part of Faith 

It is recorded in Riyadh Al Saliheen, Hadith 639, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Indeed Allah has prescribed excellence (ihsan) in everything.’ 

This can be explained to a child by saying: ‘When you tidy up the equipment properly after your practice, you are showing excellence in what you do. Allah loves it when we complete every task, whether it is big or small, in the very best way.’ 

By linking the simple act of tidying to the principles of responsibility and worship, you show your child that looking after shared items is not just about politeness; it is part of being a trustworthy and grateful Muslim.