Parenting Perspective 

Remain Calm and Understand 

If your child damages something in public, it is important to address the situation calmly and to help them take responsibility for their actions. You can start by remaining calm yourself, as this will set the tone for how your child responds. Approach your child gently and ask them what happened. For example, you could say, ‘Can you tell me what happened? I noticed that the item was damaged.’ This gives your child a chance to explain and to reflect on their actions, and it shows them that you are interested in understanding the situation rather than just assigning blame. 

Teach Responsibility and Making Amends 

Once you have understood what happened, you can teach your child that while accidents happen, it is important to take responsibility and to make things right. Encourage them to apologise and to offer to help repair or replace the item if that is possible. For instance, you might say, ‘It is important to apologise when we accidentally break something, and we can try to make it right by fixing it or replacing it.’ This helps your child to understand that taking responsibility for their actions is the right thing to do. 

Discuss Prevention 

In some cases, you may need to discuss how to prevent such accidents in the future. For example, if your child broke something due to rough play, you can explain the importance of being careful in public spaces. Reinforce the idea that respecting other people’s property is a way of showing respect for them. It is important to praise your child when they take responsibility and offer to make amends, as this reinforces the idea that honesty and accountability are values to be proud of. 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, taking responsibility for one’s actions is highly valued, and Allah Almighty encourages us to show respect for the property of others. Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Baqarah (2), Verse 188: 

‘And do not consume each other’s wealth inequitably or present it (as a bribe) to the sovereign ruler, so that (the sovereign ruler may aid you) in consuming (further) wealth of the people inequitably, whilst you are fully aware (of your wrongful actions).’ 

This verse teaches us the importance of respecting others’ property and rights, and it serves as a reminder to be mindful of our actions. 

The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also taught the importance of respect and responsibility in all aspects of life. It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 3587, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: 

‘The best of you are those who are the best to their families.’ 

This Hadith reinforces the importance of showing respect for others, both within the home and in public spaces. By teaching your child to take responsibility for their actions when they damage something in public, you are helping them to align their behaviour with the values of respect and accountability in Islam.