Parenting Perspective 

A nightly family practice can be a wonderful way to nurture empathy, responsibility, and the habit of apologising when necessary. By incorporating small acts of apology and care into your family’s evening routine, you help your children understand that acknowledging mistakes and showing kindness are habits to cultivate in daily life. This practice also strengthens the bond within the family, fostering an environment of mutual respect. 

Create a Family Reflection Time 

Start by dedicating a few minutes each evening for a simple family reflection. You can call it ‘Our Family Circle’ or any name that feels inviting. 

• What to do: Encourage each family member to share something positive about their day and also something they may have done wrong. For younger children, you could phrase it like, ‘Was there something today that you wish you had done differently?’ 

• Why it works: This provides an opportunity for everyone to reflect on their actions in a safe, non-judgemental space. 

Practice Gratitude and Apology Together 

Encourage the practice of both gratitude and apology. This can be framed as: ‘What did you appreciate today?’ and ‘Is there anything you need to apologise for?’ 

• Why it works: This reinforces the idea that it is important to own up to small mistakes and also to acknowledge others’ efforts with gratitude. 

Use Duas for Forgiveness and Kindness 

Incorporate Duas (supplications) into this nightly ritual, tying it to the concept of seeking forgiveness and making a commitment to be better. 

• What to do: Teach your children simple Duas, such as ‘Rabbi ghfir li wa li walidayya’ (O my Lord, forgive me and my parents). These Duas can be recited together, encouraging everyone to ask Allah for forgiveness. 

• Why it works: The inclusion of Duas connects the practice to faith and reinforces the understanding that apologies and care are part of being responsible. 

Reinforce Acts of Kindness and Apology 

After expressing apologies or gratitude, encourage small acts of care. For example, if one child has apologised for an argument, encourage them to show kindness in a tangible way. 

• Why it works: These small gestures reinforce that apologies are not just words, but actions that contribute to healing and strengthening relationships. 

End the Night with Love and Affirmation 

End the nightly practice by reaffirming love and connection. After the reflections, Duas, and acts of care, take a moment to remind each family member that no mistake is too big to repair. 

• What to say: You can say something like, ‘I am proud of each one of you for being so kind today, and I love you all very much.’ 

• Why it works: This final affirmation reinforces the importance of family unity, love, and the idea that mistakes are part of life. 

By making small acts of apology and care a nightly practice, you help your children internalise the values of humility, empathy, and mutual respect. 

Spiritual Insight 

The Transformative Power of Repentance 

The noble Quran teaches us that sincere repentance leads to Allah’s forgiveness, and He not only forgives but replaces our wrongs with good. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Furqaan (25), Verse 70: 

‘ Except for the one who sought repentance, and believed (in the truth), and enacted virtuous deeds; so, for those people, Allah (Almighty) shall substitute (and extinguish) their evil deeds with good deeds; and Allah (Almighty) is All Forgiving and All Merciful.‘ 

In the context of family, this reminds us that small acts of apology and care are a way to seek Allah’s mercy, and even the smallest efforts to repair relationships are rewarded. 

The Importance of Kindness to Family 

The teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ underscore the importance of kindness, care, and forgiveness within the family. It teaches that the true measure of character lies in how we treat our loved ones. 

It is recorded in Riyadh Al Saliheen, Hadith 3264, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The best of you are those who are the best to their families.’ 

By encouraging acts of apology and care as a nightly practice, you help your children embody this principle, learning that family relationships are an essential part of their faith and character development.