Parenting Perspective 

Eid gatherings and weddings are wonderful occasions for bringing the extended family together, but the excitement can sometimes blur boundaries. Children, influenced by what they see and hear around them, may start to comment on how their own parents are interacting. Remarks like, ‘Why are you not sitting with Mum?’ can feel uncomfortable and turn a joyful occasion into a moment of tension. 

Set Expectations Beforehand 

Before you arrive at the event, you can gently remind your children that celebrations are about gratitude, family, and fun, not about checking up on how their parents are behaving. This sets a positive and relaxed tone for the day. 

Model Unity and Connection 

Stay attentive to one another during the event. Even small, quiet gestures, like sitting together for a while or sharing a task, can reassure your children of your connection and reduce their urge to comment on your interactions. 

Respond Calmly to Remarks 

If your child does point something out, it is best to respond with a calm and reassuring smile. You could say, ‘Thank you for noticing, but Mum and Dad are fine. You can just go and enjoy yourself.’ This helps them to feel secure while gently closing down the subject. 

Redirect Their Focus 

You can engage your children in age-appropriate roles, such as handing out sweets, helping younger cousins, or greeting relatives as they arrive. Giving them a sense of responsibility and purpose can help to channel their energy into positive contributions instead of just observation. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam places great emphasis on celebrating special occasions with happiness, gratitude, and a sense of unity. It also teaches the importance of balance in family life: children are taught to respect their parents, and parents are entrusted with nurturing their children’s sense of security. 

A Quranic Reminder on True Joy 

The Quran reminds us that the true purpose of celebrations like Eid and weddings is to rejoice in the mercy and blessings of Allah, not to scrutinise one another. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Yunus (10), Verse 58: 

‘ Say (O Prophet Muhammad ﷺ): “In this the Bounty of Allah (Almighty) and His Mercy, with these (bestowments) they should rejoice, this is better than all their wealth and possessions they can amass”.‘ 

This reminds us that our joy should be in our faith and family connection. 

The Prophetic Teaching on Celebration 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that joyful occasions are meant for gratitude and enjoyment, not for creating unnecessary tension. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1141, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The days of Tashreeq are days of eating, drinking, and remembering Allah.’ 

This shows that the focus of our celebrations should be on thankfulness and permissible enjoyment. 

By gently redirecting your children, you can help them to see that Eid and weddings are about joy, mercy, and remembering Allah together. They will learn that family unity is expressed through kindness and celebration, not through scrutinising their parents’ every move. This preserves both the spiritual and emotional happiness of these blessed gatherings.