Parenting Perspective 

Conflicts between friends can result in strong emotions. Teaching your child to walk away with confidence demonstrates emotional resilience, rather than weakness. Begin by talking about the benefits of taking a step back: it protects relationships and maintains respect. 

Practise at home by using role-play with simple phrases such as: I need a moment or Let us take a break and discuss this later. 

• For older children: Discuss the significance of having a trustworthy friend or adult to turn to when emotions feel too intense. 

• For young children: Use a visual tool, like a pause card, or encourage them to take a step back physically to assist in managing behaviour. 

Making these choices can help build your child’s confidence in choosing to step back rather than engage in conflict. Over time, this routine fosters respectful behaviour, reduces impulsive reactions, and supports healthier relationships with peers. 

Spiritual Insight 

Allah Almighty states in the Quran, Surah Fussilat (41), Verse 34: 

‘And the good actions cannot be equivalent to the mistaken action; (therefore) repel (your mistaken action) with that which is a good action…. ‘

This verse encourages rising above immediate reaction and choosing the higher path. 

It is narrated in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 6114 that the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘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. ‘

This shows that taking a step back is not a sign of failure, but rather a display of personal strength. 

Encourage your child to take deep breaths and quietly say Bismillah. This practice helps to centre their thoughts and supports calm decision-making.