What should I do if my child forgets to thank someone who brought them a gift? 

Parenting Perspective 

It can feel awkward when a child, in their excitement, forgets to thank someone for a gift. This often comes from distraction rather than deliberate rudeness. Instead of scolding them in front of others, it is better to guide them gently so they learn that expressing thanks is an essential part of receiving a gift respectfully. 

Prompt Gently in the Moment 

If your child forgets to say thank you, you can offer a soft and subtle cue, such as, ‘What do we say to Auntie for her lovely gift?’ A quiet reminder is far more effective than a public reprimand. This allows them to correct the oversight themselves without feeling publicly shamed or embarrassed. 

Reinforce the Value Afterwards 

At a quiet time later on, explain to your child why showing gratitude is so important. You could say, ‘When someone gives you a gift, they are showing you their love. When we say thank you, it makes them feel happy and shows we appreciate their kindness.’ You can also use role-play at home to practise saying thank you in a warm and confident manner. 

Encourage Follow-Up Gratitude 

If the moment for an immediate thank you has passed, you can teach your child that it is never too late to show appreciation. Encourage them to make up for it with a thoughtful message, a hand-drawn picture, or a phone call. This teaches them that making the effort to correct a mistake is, in itself, a valuable and respectful act. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches believers that showing appreciation for the kindness of others is not merely a social grace but an integral part of one’s faith. 

Gratitude as a Key to Blessings 

The Quran teaches that gratitude is a direct cause of an increase in Allah’s blessings, while a lack of gratitude can close the door to His favour. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Ibraheem (14), Verses 7: 

‘And (remember) when your Sustainer made this declaration; (saying that): “If you show gratitude, I (Allah Almighty) will indeed, amplify them for you (provisions and sustenance); however, if you become ungrateful, then indeed, My punishment is Meticulous (in execution)”.‘ 

The Duty to Acknowledge Kindness 

The prophetic tradition instructs believers to acknowledge and praise any good that is done for them, as this is a vital part of showing true thankfulness. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 2034, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Whoever is given something and finds a way to recompense it, let him do so; and if he cannot, then let him praise the giver, for if he praises him, he has thanked him. But if he conceals it, he has denied it.’ 

By helping your child to practise gratitude consistently, you are rooting their manners in both family respect and deep-seated faith. They will learn that saying thank you is not just a courtesy, but an expression of iman (faith) that brings blessings from Allah Almighty.