How do I teach polite manners if my child is not around classmates daily? 

Parenting Perspective 

Planting the Seeds of Adab at Home 

Depending on the type of learning your child does at home, they may miss the daily classroom interactions other children have, but that does not mean they cannot learn beautiful manners. In fact, the best place to plant the seeds of Adab is within your own home, where you can model these values daily and correct gently when needed. 

Using Everyday Moments as Lessons 

Turn everyday family moments into lessons, teach your child to say ‘please’, ‘thank you’, and ‘excuse me’ when speaking to siblings or adults. Praise them when they wait patiently or apologise sincerely for a mistake. Role play common situations together, like how to greet visitors politely or how to speak to elders with respect. Small playdates or local community trips can help your child practise these skills naturally with others outside the home. 

The Power of Your Example 

Remind your child that good manners are not reserved for special occasions, they are part of daily life and a sign of good character as a young Muslim. Often, what stays with your child is not just what you say, but how you behave, how you address them with kindness, how you handle disagreements, and how you show respect to others. These daily reminders, offered in small, consistent ways, help Adab grow into true habits that feel genuine and natural, InshaAllah. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam places great importance on Adab, reminding us that a believer’s character is a key part of faith. 

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 teaches us that good manners begin with respect for others, regardless of age or position. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 2003, that holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: 

‘Nothing is heavier on the Scale of Deeds than one’s good character. ‘

This Hadith Shareef is a gentle reminder that polite words, patience, and kindness can tip the scale in our favour on the Day of Judgement. In a home-school setting, you have the gift of being your child’s main example of these values. Show them how you greet others, offer thanks, and handle disagreements with calmness. Talk about how Adab is an act of Ibadah, a way of pleasing Allah Almighty even in small moments. Make Dua together, asking Allah Almighty to purify your hearts and words. Remind your child that good manners will help them form lasting friendships and earn respect wherever they go, whether they are learning at home, visiting family, or out in the wider community. This foundation will, InshaAllah, serve them well for life, shaping them into Muslims who are gentle, fair, and beloved by people and by Allah Almighty.