Parenting Perspective 

If a teacher openly criticises a parent’s financial struggles in front of the class, it can cause deep humiliation and lasting harm to a child’s emotional well-being. As figures of authority, a teacher’s words carry immense weight. For a child to hear their family’s private difficulties exposed or mocked can make them feel intensely ashamed, even though these are matters entirely beyond their control. 

Creating Emotional Shame and Insecurity 

Children in this situation are likely to feel embarrassed in front of their peers, fearing judgment for their family’s circumstances. This public shame can severely damage their self-esteem and create a painful feeling of being ‘less than’ others. 

The Erosion of Respect and Trust 

The child’s trust in the teacher can be broken. They may feel betrayed by the very person who is supposed to support and nurture them. This can also create tension at home if the child, confused and hurt, wrongly blames their parents for the public ridicule. 

Long-Term Psychological Impact 

Such a negative experience can have long-term consequences. 

• It may lead to the child withdrawing from class participation. 

• They might become reluctant to invite friends to their home out of embarrassment. 

• It can foster a resentment towards education itself, as they begin to associate school with humiliation instead of growth. 

How to Support a Child Through This Experience 

Parents can help their child heal and regain their confidence. 

• Reassure them that financial struggles do not define their dignity or the worth of their family. 

• Explain that it is wrong for anyone, including an adult, to speak negatively about another person’s situation. 

• Build their resilience by celebrating their non-material strengths, such as their effort, kindness, and good character. 

• If necessary, consider respectfully addressing the issue with the school to ensure such an incident does not happen again. 

This approach helps to restore the child’s sense of safety and self-worth, reminding them that their value is far greater than any financial measure. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam strictly forbids mocking or shaming people for their personal circumstances, especially for financial hardship. Such behaviour is not only an attack on a person’s dignity but also a direct contradiction of the values of compassion and fairness that Allah Almighty commands. 

The Quran’s Strict Condemnation of Mockery 

The Quran warns believers against ridiculing others, as the true standing of a person is known only to Allah. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hujuraat (49), Verse 11: 

‘ Those of you who are believers, do not let a nation ridicule another nation, as perhaps it may be that they are better than them…’ 

This verse is a clear reminder that those who are mocked for worldly reasons may, in fact, be more honoured in the sight of Allah. 

Prophetic Guidance on Human Dignity 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that Allah judges people based on their inner state and actions, not on their outward appearance or wealth. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2564, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Verily, Allah does not look at your appearance or wealth, but He looks at your hearts and your deeds.’ 

This hadith confirms that Allah values sincerity and good deeds, rendering financial status irrelevant to a person’s true worth. 

By teaching children that their true dignity lies in their character and piety, parents can help them heal from the pain of unfair criticism. This anchors a child’s self-worth in faith and resilience, ensuring they can grow with pride in their identity, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.