Parenting Perspective 

When children brag to their classmates about foreign holidays, it can introduce subtle but harmful social dynamics. The experience of travel is no longer just a family memory; it becomes a marker of social status. While the child who has travelled may enjoy the attention, others can be left feeling inadequate or envious if their own families cannot afford similar trips. 

The Emotional Impact on Peers 

Hearing peers boast about travel can be difficult for a child. 

• Feelings of Inferiority: They may begin to question their family’s worth, believing they are less important because they have not travelled abroad. 

• Frustration and Sadness: Some may feel overlooked when classmates only admire those with glamorous experiences to share. 

• Distorted Self-Image: Over time, children may wrongly conclude that happiness and respect come only from luxury experiences, not from simpler joys. 

The Risk of Shallow Friendships 

When bragging becomes a central part of peer interactions, it can shift relationships away from kindness and sincerity. Friendships may weaken if admiration is based only on who has ‘been abroad’, which creates division instead of unity. 

Creating Pressure on Families 

Children who feel left out may begin to pressure their parents to arrange expensive trips, which can strain the family’s finances or create conflict at home. Others may feel the need to hide or lie about their own holiday experiences to avoid embarrassment. 

Guiding Children Through Conversations About Travel 

Parents can help children on both sides of this issue. 

• Teach humility to a child who has travelled, reminding them that blessings are gifts from Allah to be shared with gratitude, not with pride. 

• Reassure a child who feels left out that experiences do not define a person’s dignity. 

• Emphasise local adventures and family traditions that also build joy and create lasting memories. 

• Model gratitude and togetherness, teaching that real value is found in shared moments, not in faraway destinations. 

This approach helps to balance a child’s perspective and shields them from the harm of social comparison. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam reminds us that any pride we take in worldly blessings is fleeting, whereas gratitude and humility are virtues that have lasting value. Bragging about holidays may bring a moment of admiration, but it comes with the risk of planting arrogance in one child and envy in another. 

A Quranic Reminder Against Pride 

The story of Qarun in the Quran serves as a powerful warning against becoming arrogant and boastful over the worldly blessings that Allah bestows. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Qasas (28), Verse 76: 

‘Indeed, Qaaroon was one of the (members of) the nation of (Prophet) Musa (AS); but he oppressed them; and We (Allah Almighty) had bestowed upon him such treasures, indeed, whose keys (to open the treasures) would have become a burden on a group of (ten men or more), possessing great strength; when his people (observing his arrogance) said to him: “Do not gloat (in your worldly riches), as indeed, Allah (Almighty) does not like those who revel (in vanity)”.‘ 

This verse clearly warns that arrogance over worldly experiences and possessions is a trait that displeases Allah. 

The Prophetic Teaching on Modesty 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that humility is a core characteristic of a believer and the foundation of a just and compassionate society. 

It is recorded in Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith 4895, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Allah has revealed to me that you must be humble, so that no one oppresses another or boasts over another.’ 

This hadith is a direct caution against boasting over others, reminding us that humility is where true honour lies. 

By grounding children in humility, parents can help them enjoy blessings like travel without needing to flaunt them. Similarly, those who feel left out can learn that their dignity is found in being grateful for what Allah has given them. This nurtures a balanced character, ensuring children grow up valuing simplicity, sincerity, and faith over fleeting social comparisons.