How do I handle teasing about not owning trendy items? 

Parenting Perspective 

Teasing about belongings is a common and painful experience for children. Whether it is a peer joking about simple shoes or a classmate mocking an older phone, these moments can trigger feelings of inadequacy. The emotional root is humiliation. Children may feel exposed, believing that having less makes them unworthy or unlikeable. Left unaddressed, such experiences can damage confidence and self-esteem. Parents must intervene by equipping children with tools for dignity, resilience, and self-respect. Teaching them to respond thoughtfully rather than react emotionally helps build inner strength that outlasts temporary judgments. 

Validating Feelings and Building Strength 

The first step is acknowledgment. Say to your child: “I know it feels bad when someone teases you. It is okay to feel hurt.” Validating their feelings reassures children that their emotions are recognized, which is empowering. Once feelings are acknowledged, reframe the situation: teasing often reflects the insecurities or need for attention of the person doing it, not the value of the child being teased. Encourage simple, calm responses that affirm self-worth, such as: “I like what I have, and it works for me,” or “My happiness is not tied to what I own.” By rehearsing these responses, children internalize a sense of control and dignity, turning potential embarrassment into an opportunity to model composure. 

Role-Playing Confidence 

Practice at home is essential to build resilience. Role-play scenarios where someone teases them and guide them through calm, assertive responses. Ask your child to use a firm tone and steady posture, reinforcing the idea that confidence is expressed through body language as well as words. You can switch roles so the child also practices teasing others respectfully, reinforcing empathy and understanding. Repeated practice in a safe environment strengthens readiness and reduces the emotional impact of real-life teasing. 

Micro-action: Reflection and Journaling 

After incidents of teasing, redirect attention to internal strengths. Ask your child: “What did you do today that made you proud, apart from possessions?” This reflection shifts focus from external appearances to effort, creativity, kindness, or learning. Over time, children learn to anchor their self-esteem in actions and character rather than material items. You can also maintain a “pride journal,” where your child notes daily accomplishments or positive qualities they demonstrated. Revisiting entries reinforces that worth is cumulative and internal. 

Spiritual Insight 

The noble Quran explicitly forbids mocking others and highlights the moral danger of ridicule, providing a strong spiritual shield against peer judgment. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hujurat (49), Verse 11: 

“O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule another people; perhaps they may be better than them…” 

This ayah reminds children and parents alike that teasing stems from arrogance or ignorance and has no bearing on true worth. By teaching children that mocking is sinful and that true dignity comes from character, parents provide spiritual armour against peer pressure. 

The Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also emphasized safety and respect in interpersonal conduct: 

It is recorded in Sunan Nisai, Hadith 4995, that the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

“A Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand the Muslims are safe.” 

Linking this lesson to faith reinforces that their value is intrinsic and ordained by Allah, not dependent on possessions or external approval. Through repeated validation, role-playing, and spiritual grounding, children learn to navigate teasing with composure. They begin to see that trends fade, but confidence, faith, and good character endure.