What is the best way to repair things if I shouted in front of other people and my child felt embarrassed? 

Parenting Perspective 

The Impact of Public Shouting 

A parent’s public shouting can have a profound emotional impact on the child, both because of the words and because of the people around them. Children are extremely sensitive to social cues and humiliated in public. 

Repairing in Private 

Privacy, not performance, must be the first thing to be repaired. Take your child aside and say, I should not have yelled in front of people, in a straightforward but kind manner. That was incorrect. You did not deserve that kind of embarrassment. Do not use excuses like I was just upset to soften your apology; this will lessen its impact. Children require more ownership than just an explanation. 

Restoring Dignity in Public 

After you have discreetly acknowledged their feelings, take a discreet step to restore their dignity. When it comes naturally to you, say something positive about them in public. Hold their hand, softly welcome them back into the room, and speak kindly in front of others to help them feel included again. Your child will see that you are creating room for them to regain their honour. Little actions that uphold their dignity gradually serve as the foundation for trust. You are not merely fixing one moment. You are showing them that you are prepared to make amends with integrity even if you make mistakes. 

Spiritual Insight 

Honour is highly valued in Islam, particularly when it comes to people who are unable to defend themselves, such as children. Even inadvertently causing someone public humiliation is stealing something sacred from them. Allah Almighty cautions us in the noble Quran, Surah Al Hujuraat (49), Verse 11: 

“…..Do not let a nation ridicule another nation, as perhaps it may be that they are better than them … and do not insult each other; and do not call each other by (offensive) nicknames…” 

This command does not exclude children. Their social status, reputations, and sentiments are important. It was well known that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ corrected people in public with great dignity. In order to save the person’s honour, he would frequently generalise an occurrence or postpone making the correction until he could speak with them alone. It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2318, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

“He who does not show mercy (towards his children), no mercy would be shown to him. “

In this context, mercy entails protecting children from embarrassment. Not only are you making amends, but you are also demonstrating prophetic compassion when you apologize privately and restore respect in public. Restoring honor with humility and shielding the vulnerable heart are two ways to make reparations that bring your parenting into line with divine principles.