What Routine Helps Siblings Practise Forgiveness After Arguments? 

Parenting Perspective 

Disagreements between siblings are an inevitable and normal part of family life. Whether they argue over toys, space, or perceived fairness, emotions can often run high. The most important lesson in these moments is not how to avoid conflict, but how to repair the relationship afterwards. Establishing a clear and consistent routine for forgiveness teaches children that while arguments happen, reconciliation is an essential and achievable skill. 

First, Create a Space for Calm 

When emotions are heated, forgiveness cannot be forced. The first step is to give both children a chance to settle down and regulate their feelings. You can guide them by saying, ‘Let us all take a few minutes in separate spaces to calm our bodies and hearts before we talk this through.’ This crucial pause prevents insincere or coerced apologies and allows for genuine reflection. 

Second, Guide a Sincere Apology 

Once everyone is calm, you can coach them through a simple and structured exchange. Guide one sibling to say, ‘I am sorry for…’ and specify the action, and the other to reply with a clear, ‘I forgive you.’ Keeping the script short and direct helps them to be sincere without feeling overwhelmed or prolonging the conflict. 

Third, Encourage a Reconnecting Gesture 

Words of forgiveness are powerful, but they are made more real when followed by a small act of connection. Encourage a simple, kind gesture to seal the reconciliation, such as a hug, a handshake, or one sibling offering the other a toy or a glass of water. These physical acts of kindness reinforce that the verbal apology was genuine. 

Fourth, Close with Reassurance 

It is important to teach children to close the cycle of conflict with a positive and reassuring statement. Encourage them to say something kind to each other, like, ‘I am glad we are friends again,’ or ‘Let us go and play nicely now.’ This final step reaffirms their bond and provides a clear transition back to peace. 

Finally, Praise the Act of Forgiveness 

Acknowledge the effort and maturity it took for them to reconcile. You could say, ‘I was so proud of how you both chose to forgive each other just now. That showed real strength and care for your relationship.’ This helps them to view forgiveness not as a weakness, but as a skill worth practising and repeating. 

When forgiveness becomes a predictable routine, children learn that making mistakes is a normal part of life, and that repairing those mistakes with kindness is what keeps their relationships loving and strong. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam places an immense emphasis on the virtues of forgiveness and reconciliation, especially between family members. By teaching siblings to forgive one another after a disagreement, you are helping them to live out the mercy and grace that are so beloved by Allah Almighty. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Shuraa (42), Verse 40: 

‘ And the outcome (of defending) against an evil, (could be the formation) of an evil similar to it; so therefore, whoever offers amnesty and reconciliation, then his reward shall be with Allah (Almighty)…’ 

This verse teaches a profound lesson: while it is just to feel hurt, the act of choosing to forgive and make peace brings a special reward directly from Allah. For siblings, this is a powerful incentive to choose the path of reconciliation over holding on to pride or anger. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2588, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Charity does not decrease wealth, no one forgives another except that Allah increases him in honour, and no one humbles himself for the sake of Allah except that Allah raises him.’ 

This beautiful hadith teaches children that the act of forgiving another person is not a loss of status but a source of immense honour and elevation from Allah. It reframes forgiveness as an act of strength and a sign of true humility. 

When siblings regularly practise forgiveness after their arguments, they are not only repairing their worldly bond but are also building hearts that value mercy, humility, and reconciliation. Over time, this powerful habit helps them to grow into adults who instinctively strengthen their relationships rather than allowing anger or pride to break them.