Parenting Perspective 

When a child encounters insults or name-calling, their instinctive response is often to react similarly. This behaviour comes from a child’s need to regain their sense of dignity, especially when they lack better ways to handle the situation. 

Young children might cry or shout right away, while older children may keep their feelings inside before they respond. It is essential to foster self-esteem and emotional management skills prior to any conflicts occurring. 

Participate in role-playing scenarios at home while communicating in a clear and assertive manner. Support your child in sharing their emotions by encouraging them to say, I do not like that, please stop. Additionally, advise them to relocate to a secure location when feelings become intense. 

Recognise their emotions while avoiding any encouragement of negative behaviours. As time goes on, they come to understand that choosing to remain calm maintains their dignity much more effectively than pursuing revenge could ever achieve. 

Spiritual Insight 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Furqaan (25), Verse 63: 

‘And the true servants of the One Who is Most Beneficent are those who, wander around the Earth with humility; and when they are addressed by the ignorant people, they say: “peace be unto you”. ‘

This verse provides a powerful model for emotional restraint and grace under provocation. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 6114, that Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: 

‘The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger. ‘

Teaching this to a child affirms that inner strength is linked to self-control, not aggression. 

A helpful Dua to teach them is: Allahumma ajirni min sharri nafsi, O Allah, protect me from the evil within myself. This gentle reminder reinforces the idea that their response reflects their character, not the insult.