Parenting Perspective 

Peer pressure can make a simple lifestyle seem undesirable or ‘uncool’ to a child. Even if they have been raised to appreciate modesty, constant exposure to peers who link a person’s worth to their possessions can blur their ability to see the value in simplicity. Over time, this can shift their focus from gratitude to comparison, which can undermine both their confidence and their sense of identity. 

Creating Emotional Conflict and Confusion 

Children may feel torn between the family values that encourage humility and the peer expectations that push them towards extravagance. This creates confusion and can make them question whether simplicity is a sign of weakness rather than a position of strength. 

The Risk of Developing Shallow Priorities 

A child’s priorities can be negatively shaped by this pressure. 

• They may begin to value appearance and possessions over inner qualities like kindness, honesty, and sincerity. 

• They might lose the ability to enjoy simple pleasures, such as a home-cooked meal or a walk in the park, because they are always seeking what looks impressive to others. 

• This can weaken their resilience, as they become dependent on external validation to feel a sense of worth. 

The Impact on Family Relationships 

Peer-driven demands for a more expensive lifestyle can put a strain on the parent-child bond. A child may start to see their parents’ emphasis on modest living as restrictive, while parents may feel disheartened by their child’s growing dissatisfaction. 

How to Support the Value of Simplicity 

Parents can protect their child’s perspective with gentle and consistent effort. 

• Share stories of people who achieved greatness through their humility and character, not through their wealth. 

• Create family traditions that celebrate simple joys, such as picnics, reading together, or other home-based activities. 

• Help your child reflect on moments when simplicity brought them more peace than extravagance ever could. 

• Model gratitude in your own lifestyle, showing that a simple life can be a happy and dignified one. 

This approach strengthens a child’s ability to resist peer pressure and to see simplicity as a strength. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam places great emphasis on the virtue of humility and warns against the dangers of extravagance. In this context, simplicity is not just a lifestyle choice but a spiritual safeguard that helps to keep the heart pure and focused on what is truly important. 

A Quranic Reminder on Extravagance 

The Quran teaches that a balanced and moderate approach to spending is a sign of a true believer, whereas excess is discouraged. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Furqaan (25), Verse 67: 

‘And it is those people that do not spend extravagantly, nor miserly; and (act in such a way) that is a balanced format between these two (extreme characteristics).‘ 

This verse shows that balance, not excess, is the path of the believer. 

The Prophetic Teaching on Simplicity 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ gave practical advice on how to cultivate gratitude and contentment, which are the foundations of a simple life. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2963, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Look at those below you and do not look at those above you, for it is more suitable that you do not belittle the favour of Allah upon you.’ 

This hadith reminds us that by focusing on those with less, we can learn to appreciate our own blessings rather than being blinded by material comparisons. 

By teaching children that a simple life can bring them closer to Allah, parents help them to see beyond the pressures of their peers. This nurtures gratitude, humility, and resilience, ensuring that children learn to value their blessings and carry themselves with a dignity that is rooted in faith, not in material validation.