Parenting Perspective 

When a child first discovers a genuine talent, their initial joy can easily shift into a sense of personal ownership—where ‘I am good at this’ quickly and quietly evolves into ‘I am better than others.’ The essential aim for parents is not to diminish their confidence, but to firmly anchor it in reality and gratitude. Skills are certainly real, yet their true roots lie beyond the child’s self. Parents can guide children to recognise that their ability is both a divine blessing and a trust (amanah), not a trophy of self importance. 

Starting with Wonder, Not Warning 

Instead of directly offering a warning like, ‘Do not be proud,’ invite the child to see their ability as something genuinely wondrous. When your child plays music beautifully, solves a puzzle quickly, or demonstrates faster learning than their peers, say warmly, ‘Look at how Allah Almighty made your mind so curious and sharp.’ This language immediately builds an intrinsic awareness that every spark of talent is divinely bestowed, not merely self made or self earned. 

Connecting Skill to Service 

Children must learn early that every inherent strength carries a corresponding responsibility. You might gently say, ‘Allah Almighty gifted you this particular skill so that you can make life easier or happier for other people.’ If your child is highly artistic, encourage them to draw something kind for a sibling. If they are athletically gifted, let them help younger children learn a skill. This crucial step successfully turns their raw talent into a sincere purpose, transforming self focus into profound gratitude. 

Telling Stories of Gifted Humility 

Narrate powerful, real examples of individuals who were highly blessed yet remained deeply modest. Share how Prophet Dawud (peace be upon him) possessed a beautiful, powerful voice, yet he only used it to remember and praise Allah Almighty. Share how Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him) had exceptional wisdom and beauty, yet he used them to serve, forgive, and lead with justice. Such stories naturally and beautifully weave humility into the fabric of admiration. 

Avoiding Labels That Centre the Ego 

Replace labels that centre the self, such as ‘You are a genius’ or ‘You are the best,’ with humble phrases like, ‘Allah Almighty helped you think wisely today’ or ‘You used your gift beautifully today.’ Words that keep Allah Almighty at the absolute centre of recognition prevent personal glory from settling dangerously on the self. 

Modelling Gratitude in Your Own Strengths 

Children possess an acute sense for how adults hold their own abilities. When they observe you attributing ease, creativity, or skill to divine help, they internalise the same sincere rhythm. Try saying aloud, ‘Alhamdulillah, Allah Almighty helped me finish this difficult task well.’ This subtle, consistent modelling teaches them that no achievement truly stands alone. 

A valuable micro action: immediately after moments of success, ask your child, ‘How can we sincerely thank Allah Almighty for this gift today?’ This may involve a short dua, a small, silent act of kindness, or simply a whispered ‘Alhamdulillah’. Over time, gratitude becomes their very first instinct following any achievement. 

Spiritual Insight 

The noble Quran provides consistent reminders that every strength, beauty, and success ultimately originates from the Giver, not from the self. Recognising this essential truth protects the heart from the dangers of arrogance and firmly anchors it in sincere humility. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran in Surah Al Kahf (18), Verse 39: 

‘And when you entered your gardens, why did you not say: “Whatever is the desire of Allah (Almighty), there is no power except with Allah (Almighty)”… ‘ 

This verse beautifully encapsulates the true essence of humility—to fully enjoy one’s blessings yet immediately remember the ultimate Source. It kindly invites the believer to view skill, wealth, or success not as absolute ownership but as entrusted grace. When a child learns to say ‘MashaAllah’ for their own ability, they automatically honour the true Owner. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2664, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘A strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than a weak believer, while there is good in both. Strive for that which will benefit you, seek the help of Allah, and do not feel helpless.’ 

This Hadith teaches a perfect balance: to value genuine strength while completely knowing that its ultimate source lies in divine support. A child who fully believes their skill is a trust from Allah Almighty will strive wholeheartedly, but always with profound humility. They will diligently polish their talent without developing personal pride, because their true purpose is not to impress others but to humbly serve the Divine. 

In this beautiful light, parents act as gardeners of gratitude. They water a child’s blossoming confidence with remembrance of Allah, ensuring it grows upward yet remains firmly rooted in the earth of humility. True glory, after all, is not found in being merely seen, but in being used by Allah Almighty for lasting good. When the child internalises this truth, every sincere achievement becomes a meaningful form of worship—quiet, purposeful, and full of barakah.