What is the best way for parents to admit their own mistakes in handling technology without losing respect? 

Parenting Perspective 

Parents often fear that admitting their own mistakes, such as overusing their devices or being inconsistent with the family’s rules, will weaken their authority. In reality, children usually have a deep respect for honesty. Acknowledging your own shortcomings with humility and a sincere desire to improve can actually strengthen your relationship and model a powerful life lesson. 

Show Strength in Your Humility 

By calmly saying something like, ‘I realise that I did not handle this situation in the best way, and I want to do better,’ you are modelling humility and self-awareness. This shows your children that making mistakes is a normal part of life, and that true strength lies in owning our errors. 

Turn Your Mistakes Into Teachable Moments 

Admitting your own errors gives you an opportunity to explain to your children why consistency matters and how you are working to improve. This also invites them to reflect on their own behaviour without feeling singled out. When handled wisely, this creates a family culture where mistakes are openly acknowledged and corrected, rather than being hidden in shame. 

Maintain Your Authority With Consistency 

Respect is not lost by admitting to a mistake; it is lost when mistakes are denied or repeated without any effort to change. You should therefore pair your admission with clear, improved actions, such as setting healthier screen habits for yourself or being more consistent in enforcing the family’s rules. This balance of honesty and responsibility strengthens respect rather than weakening it. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that acknowledging our shortcomings and striving to improve is not a weakness, but is in fact a sign of excellent character. By admitting their mistakes with humility, parents can gain an even deeper respect from their children, showing them that leadership in the home is not about being flawless, but about sincerity and a constant desire for improvement. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Tahreem (66), Verses 6: 

‘ O you who are believers, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire (of Jahannam) whose fuel is people and stones…’ 

This verse is a reminder that parents are entrusted with the duty of guiding their families, and this great responsibility includes correcting themselves when necessary for the sake of stronger and more just leadership. 

It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 4251, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Every son of Adam makes mistakes, and the best of those who make mistakes are those who repent.’ 

This teaching clarifies that what defines a believer is not being flawless, but having the humility to turn back to Allah and to strive to be better after making a mistake. 

By modelling this principle, parents show their children that their authority is rooted not in perfection, but in a sincere and humble effort to live in a way that is pleasing to Allah.