How do I stop body comments like size, height, or skin from creeping into jokes? 

Parenting Perspective 

Children often experiment with humour as a way of connecting with others, but when that humour targets physical traits like size, height, or skin colour, it can leave lasting emotional marks. What may feel like a harmless joke to one child can be deeply painful to another, chipping away at their confidence and sense of self-worth. As a parent, your role is to set clear family standards around dignity while equipping your child with alternatives that keep humour fun but also safe. 

Set a Clear and Simple Boundary 

Establish the family rule in a simple and direct way: ‘In our family, we do not make jokes about people’s bodies. Everyone’s body is a creation of Allah Almighty and deserves to be treated with respect.’ Keeping the rule short, firm, and consistent makes it easy to remember. If you over-explain in the moment, a child may become defensive. Instead, let the rule stand as a visible and non-negotiable family value. 

Name the Impact to Build Empathy 

Help your child to see why these comments are off-limits. You could say: ‘When you make a joke about someone’s body, even if you only meant to be funny, it can hurt their feelings for a long time. That kind of hurt can be heavier than you think.’ Connecting the rule to their own feelings can help to build empathy. 

Offer Safer Alternatives for Humour 

Children use humour as a natural part of bonding, so the key is to redirect it, not to ban it. Encourage them to make jokes about silly situations, funny voices, or playful exaggerations that do not involve a person’s physical appearance. This shows them that fun does not have to be harmful. 

Teach Them How to Make a Quick Repair 

If your child does slip up and make a joke about someone’s body, guide them in making a quick and simple repair: ‘I am sorry, I made a joke about your body. I should have said something else. Let me try that again.’ The focus should always be on rephrasing the comment, not on shaming the child for their mistake. 

Model Respectful Language Yourself 

Children are highly attuned to how adults speak. Be mindful of your own language, avoiding jokes or critical comments about your own body or the appearance of others. Instead, you can model appreciation: ‘My legs worked hard on that walk today; I am thankful for them.’ The example you set will be their strongest teacher. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that every human body is a trust (amanah) from Allah Almighty and that mocking another person’s appearance is a form of arrogance. Protecting others from ridicule is therefore not just a matter of good manners, but an act of obedience to Allah and respect for His creation. 

The Quran’s Prohibition of Mockery 

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

‘Those of you who are believers, do not let a nation ridicule another nation, as perhaps it may be that they are better than them…’ 

This verse makes it clear that mocking others, whether for their physical traits, their status, or their personality, has no place in the conduct of a believer. Teaching your child to stop making body-based jokes is a direct and practical way of living this Quranic command within your home. 

The Prophet’s ﷺTeaching on Human Dignity 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, 6022, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Verily, Allah does not look at your appearances or your wealth, but He looks at your hearts and your deeds.’ 

This hadith teaches us that the true measure of a person’s worth is not in their physical appearance, but in the state of their heart and the quality of their character. Jokes that target a person’s body size, skin colour, or height contradict the beautiful Islamic principle of focusing on inner worth. 

By anchoring your family’s rules about speech in these timeless teachings, you are not only curbing hurtful jokes but also nurturing the qualities of humility and compassion in your child.