What do I say about sharing space fairly with younger kids at parks? 

Parenting Perspective 

Parks are shared spaces where children of different ages naturally play together. Older children may sometimes dominate the swings, slides, or climbing areas without fully realising that younger ones also need safe room and access. Teaching fairness in these moments helps children practise patience, empathy, and respect for the rights of others. 

Explaining the Principle of Fair Play 

Establish that the principle of communal space requires every user to be considered equally. 

Tell your child: “The park belongs to everyone. Sharing space means that every person gets to have fun, not just the biggest or the fastest among us.” 

This helps them immediately understand fairness as a necessary community value. 

Teach Practical Ways to Share 

Provide clear, concrete actions for your child to implement that translate the abstract idea of “fairness” into behaviour. 

Guide your child to: 

• Take turns calmly on popular equipment like swings and slides. 

• Slow down their movements when they see younger children playing nearby. 

• Offer to let a younger child go first sometimes, even when it is their turn. 

These conscious habits turn the principle of fairness into tangible, concrete actions. 

Using Short, Respectful Phrases 

Equip your child with specific, polite words they can use effortlessly in the moment to manage the sharing process smoothly. 

Give your child ready phrases to use: 

• “You can have a turn after me, I will be finished soon.” 

• “I will let you go first this time.” 

• “Let us make space so everyone can play safely.” 

Using polite words makes the act of sharing much smoother and more pleasant. 

Practising at the Park 

Use the park environment itself as an opportunity for real-time coaching and positive reinforcement. 

Before arriving, remind them: “Let us make sure younger children get their turn easily too.” Then, make sure to praise them immediately on the spot when they act kindly. 

Celebrating Their Kindness 

Affirm the thoughtfulness behind their actions to reinforce the intrinsic motivation to be kind and considerate. 

When they share space fairly, affirm it: “I loved how you waited patiently so the little boy could go down the slide. That showed real thoughtfulness.” 

By preparing them with clear words, positive examples, and direct encouragement, you help your child learn that sharing space at the park is a vital part of everyday kindness. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam places a high emphasis on fairness, mercy, and giving all people their due rights. Sharing park space thoughtfully with younger children reflects humility and respect for those who are more vulnerable. 

The Divine Command for Justice 

The Quran commands believers to uphold justice in all their dealings, confirming that even seemingly small matters like fair play fall under this broader spiritual duty. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Nisa (4), Verse 58: 

‘Indeed, Allah (Almighty) commands you to execute all trusts to their rightful owners; and when you (are asked to) judge between people, that you should judge with justice; indeed, the enlightened direction to you from Allah (Almighty) is (a beneficial) endowment; indeed, Allah (Almighty) is All Hearing and All Seeing.’ 

This verse reminds us that fairness and justice must be upheld even in small, daily matters, including play and sharing. 

Mercy Attracts Mercy 

The Hadith clearly outlines that showing kindness and mercy to others on earth brings a corresponding measure of mercy from Allah Almighty. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 1924, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Show mercy to those on earth, and the One above the heavens will show mercy to you.’ 

This Hadith highlights that showing kindness and mercy to others specifically including younger, less capable children brings Allah Almighty’s mercy in return. 

When children learn to share park space fairly with younger kids, they are actively practising justice, patience, and mercy. These small acts of consideration shape them into individuals who honour others’ rights and reflect prophetic manners in their everyday life.