How do I help my child handle awkward or rude questions politely? 

Parenting Perspective 

Preparing Your Child for Awkward Questions 

Children, especially those who are home-schooled, may sometimes face awkward or unkind questions from friends, relatives or even strangers about their studies, religious beliefs or family choices. The key is to prepare your child for this in a way that helps them feel calm, not embarrassed or caught off guard. 

Practising Responses Through Role-Play 

Practise common situations through role play. For example, someone might ask, ‘Why do you not go to school?’ or tease them about how they dress or speak. Teach your child simple, polite replies they can give confidently, such as, ‘At home we are taught, and I like it,’ or ‘My family does things differently, and that is all right.’ 

The Option to Not Answer 

Let your child know they do not have to answer every question, especially if they feel uncomfortable. It is perfectly fine to say, ‘I do not want to discuss that.’ Remind them to speak softly and kindly, even if the other person is rude. 

Praise your child when they handle questions well and stand up for themselves without fear. Over time, these small, steady lessons help your child feel strong and secure. They learn they can hold their head high and respond with calmness and respect, no matter what others may say. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches us that facing rude or hurtful words with patience and grace is a sign of strong Iman and good character. 

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

‘And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth humbly, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace. ‘

This Ayah is a beautiful reminder that sometimes the best answer is calmness, not argument. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2609a, that holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The strong person is not the one who throws his adversaries to the ground. The strong person is he who controls himself when he is angry. ‘

Share this with your child so they see that staying polite does not mean they are weak, it means they are strong enough to hold their tongue and heart steady. Teach them a simple Dua: O Allah, help me speak words that please You. Remind your child that people’s comments come and go, but the way we respond leaves a mark on our hearts and on theirs. By practising calm, kind replies, they learn to protect their dignity while staying true to Islamic Adab, a sign of quiet strength that pleases Allah Almighty and makes every interaction, even awkward ones, an opportunity for growth, InshaAllah.