What helps when siblings compete to interrupt while I am answering one child? 

Parenting Perspective 

When one child is speaking and another suddenly interjects, often more loudly or insistently, the natural instinct can be to demand silence. However, sibling interruptions are often less about disrespect and more about a rivalry for connection. Both children want to feel seen, heard, and valued. The key is to use these moments to teach emotional patience, the importance of taking turns, and the confidence that they will eventually be heard. 

Recognise the Need for Connection 

When siblings compete to interrupt, they are often not competing for your answer, but for your presence. They may fear that the one who gets your attention first is the one who ‘wins’. Recognising the emotion that lies beneath the interruption can help you to correct the behaviour with empathy rather than irritation. Reminding yourself, ‘They are not being rude; they are asking to be noticed,’ can help you to respond with guidance. 

Establish a Fair Turn-Taking System 

When both voices rise and you feel pulled in two directions, avoid rushing to silence them. Instead, you can calmly label what is happening. 

‘I can only listen to one voice at a time. Right now, I am listening to your brother. I will come to you next.’ 

This simple statement provides structure and fairness without shaming either child. It helps to turn a chaotic exchange into a predictable rhythm. Children who hear the same respectful phrases each time learn that waiting brings certainty, not neglect. 

Acknowledge and Praise Patience 

The moment one child waits without shouting or interrupting, it is important to highlight it warmly afterwards. 

‘You waited so patiently while I finished talking to your sister. That was very respectful of you. Thank you.’ 

Such positive reinforcement teaches them that patience gets noticed, not just noise. 

Use Visual Cues for Younger Children 

If your younger children often compete to speak, you could introduce a visual tool, such as a soft toy or a ‘talking spoon.’ The rule would be that whoever is holding the object gets to speak first. After a short time, they must pass it on. This kind of visual turn-taking can help them to understand the concept of fairness in a physical, rather than abstract, way. 

Provide One-on-One Attention 

Sibling interruptions can often stem from a need for more one-on-one time. After group interactions, try to give each child a short, separate moment of your undivided attention. Even five minutes of your full presence can help to ease their sense of competition and strengthen their feelings of security. 

Model Calmness and Composure 

If you react with a raised voice or visible frustration, your children will learn that volume is what wins. However, when you remain steady, with a low tone and a calm expression, they will begin to associate a sense of order with your composure. Your calm authority teaches far more than any correction ever could. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that justice (adl) and patience (sabr) are the foundations of healthy relationships, including those within the family. Managing sibling rivalry with fairness and a calm demeanour is a way of modelling both of these values. When you divide your attention equitably and respond with gentleness, you are mirroring the balance that Allah Almighty loves: a mercy that is guided by discipline. 

Fairness and Justice in the Noble Quran 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Maaidah (5), Verse 8: 

‘You who are believers, become steadfast (in your devotion) to Allah (Almighty), corroborating all of that which is just; and never let your hatred of any nation prevent you from being just, – let justice prevail, as that is very close to attaining piety…’ 

This verse emphasises that fairness is not situational; it is a principle. When you demonstrate fairness even between your children’s voices, you are teaching divine justice in its simplest and most human form. 

The Prophet’s ﷺ Teaching on Fair Treatment 

It is recorded in Bulugh Al Maram, Hadith 814, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Be afraid of Allah and be just among your children.’ 

This hadith highlights the spiritual responsibility of parents to act with fairness and balance. When siblings interrupt each other, your calm and fair response, hearing one child fully before turning to the other, becomes a living example of justice. It teaches them that in your home, and in Islam, fairness is love in action. 

Every time you manage sibling competition with composure, you are teaching your children three essential truths: that your love is not limited, that your attention does not vanish, and that fairness brings peace. 

Over time, your steady fairness will shape a home where waiting becomes an act of trust, not a reason for fear. Each child will know that their voice will be heard, and your calm presence will quietly mirror the balance and mercy of Allah Almighty.