How do I help siblings share lessons without rivalry or jealousy? 

Parenting Perspective 

Guiding Competition Towards Encouragement 

Competitive sparks between siblings can appear very easily when they are learning together. It is natural for children to notice who learns faster, who gets praise, or who needs more help. The goal is not to erase healthy competition altogether but to guide it towards encouragement instead of jealousy. 

Praising Individual Effort 

Start by recognising each child’s unique strengths and needs. Avoid comparing them with each other, even in small ways. Instead, focus on praising each child for their individual effort and progress. You might say, ‘I love how you worked today’ or ‘That was a clever question you asked.’ 

Carving Out One-to-One Time 

When teaching group lessons, try to carve out a few minutes of one-to-one time with each child so they feel seen and valued. Encourage them to help each other too. An older child could read aloud to a younger sibling, or they could share crayons and ideas for a project. 

If arguments do happen, pause the lesson and listen calmly. Remind them gently that learning at home is teamwork. Celebrate successes together so that achievements feel shared rather than separate. 

In time, your children will come to see that there is enough love, praise, and learning for everyone. This helps them grow into supportive siblings who know that each person’s progress is not a threat but a reason to feel proud together. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam reminds us that love and fairness between siblings is not just family harmony, it is part of our faith. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hujurat (49), Verse 10: 

‘The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy. ‘

This Ayah shows that maintaining peace and fairness among siblings is an act that brings Allah Almighty’s mercy. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 2446, that holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The believer to another believer is like a building, each part strengthening the other. ‘

Share this idea with your children in simple words: each sibling is part of a strong family structure, supporting one another, not competing to knock each other down. Make a small Dua before lessons: O Allah, fill our hearts with love and fairness. Praise your children when they show kindness to one another during study time, even if it is just sharing an eraser or waiting patiently for their turn. Use real-life stories from the Seerah to remind them how holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ treated his family with deep fairness and compassion. When children feel seen and valued as individuals, jealousy loses its grip. In time, your home-school routine can become a source of Sabr, mercy, and unity, a small family circle strengthened by the love that Allah Almighty loves most, InshaAllah.