How Do I Encourage Sharing Sports Equipment Fairly at the Park? 

Parenting Perspective 

A single piece of sports equipment a football, a bat, or a skipping rope can often become the epicentre of disputes when children play together at the park. It is common for some children to dominate the equipment, leaving others feeling frustrated and excluded. Teaching them the principles of fairness in these moments not only reduces conflict but also nurtures the essential life skills of cooperation, respect, and generosity. 

Establish Clear Rules Before Play Begins 

Before you even arrive at the park, it is helpful to agree on a simple and clear structure for sharing. You might say, ‘When we play with the ball today, each person will get five minutes to have it to themselves, and then it will be the next person’s turn.’ Setting these clear boundaries and expectations beforehand reduces the likelihood of arguments and creates a predictable, fair environment for everyone. 

Encourage Cooperative Play 

Guide your children to think of ways the equipment can be enjoyed together, rather than just by one person at a time. You could prompt them by asking, ‘Is there a way we can all use this ball together?’ This can lead to ideas like: 

• Passing the ball to each other in a circle. 

• Taking turns as the goalkeeper while others take shots. 

• Using two skipping ropes together to practise paired skipping. 

This simple shift in focus helps to move their mindset from individual ownership to collaborative teamwork. 

Lead by Your Own Example 

Fairness is learned most effectively when it is seen in action. If you join in with their play, be sure to model the behaviour you want them to adopt. You can say, ‘I have had my turn kicking the ball now, so it is your turn next.’ Your children will learn the principles of fair play best when they see you practising it with a cheerful spirit. 

Acknowledge and Praise Fair Play 

When you see a child willingly hand over a piece of equipment when their turn is over, make a point of highlighting it. A warm word of praise ‘I really liked how you gave the bat to your brother without any fuss when the timer went off. That showed a lot of fairness’ makes the act of sharing feel positive and rewarding. 

Reinforce the Lesson Through Reflection 

On the way home from the park, you can take a moment to reflect on the experience with them. Ask a simple question like, ‘How did it feel today when everyone made sure to get a fair turn with the equipment?’ This helps them to internalise the benefits of fairness and appreciate how cooperation makes playtime more enjoyable for everyone involved. 

By teaching these simple routines of fairness, children learn that sharing sports equipment is not about losing out, but about creating a more joyful and inclusive experience for the entire group. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam places a great deal of emphasis on the principles of justice (adl) and fairness in all our dealings, both big and small. The simple act of sharing equipment fairly during playtime is a practical and tangible way for children to live out these essential Islamic values. 

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…‘ 

This verse is a reminder that fairness and justice are direct commands from Allah. This principle applies to all of life’s situations, including the seemingly small matter of ensuring that turns are shared fairly and justly at the park. 

It is recorded in Sunan Nisai, Hadith 5021, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The signs of a hypocrite are three: when he speaks, he lies; when he makes a promise, he breaks it; and when he is entrusted, he betrays the trust.’ 

This hadith highlights the seriousness of upholding a trust (amanah). For children, agreeing to a system of taking turns with a piece of equipment is a form of trust. Keeping to that agreement is therefore a way of honouring that trust and avoiding the blameworthy characteristic of unfairness. 

When children learn to share their sports equipment fairly, they are not just avoiding arguments; they are actively practising justice, building empathy, and strengthening their friendships. These small acts of fairness on the playground are what prepare them to become adults who value trust, justice, and kindness in every aspect