What should I do if my child gets impatient when a grandparent repeats stories? 

Parenting Perspective 

For a child, hearing the same story from a grandparent for the tenth time can feel tedious, and their impatience might show. It is important to remember this is usually a sign of a child’s natural desire for novelty, not a lack of love. Our role is to gently guide their perspective, teaching them to see these repeated stories not as an annoyance, but as an opportunity to show compassion and respect. 

Explain with Compassion 

In a quiet moment, explain why this happens. You could say, ‘Sometimes when people get older, certain memories become very precious to them, and they love to share them.’ Framing it with love and understanding helps your child develop empathy instead of irritation. 

Teach and Practise Respectful Responses 

Give them practical tools for these moments. Coach them to offer a gentle smile, a nod, or to ask a new question about the story, like ‘What was your favourite part about that day?’ This shows them how to engage respectfully even when they know the story by heart. 

Model the Patience You Want to See 

Your child is taking their cues directly from you. If you show visible impatience or interrupt, they will learn that this is an acceptable response. When you listen with a patient and loving expression, you are modelling the exact behaviour you want them to adopt. 

Frame It as an Opportunity for Empathy 

Help your child see this not as a test of their patience, but as a chance to show love. By listening kindly to a repeated story, they are not just being polite; they are giving a gift of their time and attention, which strengthens their bond with their grandparents and builds their own character. 

This approach helps transform a potentially frustrating situation into a meaningful lesson in patience, respect, and intergenerational love. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam places elders in a position of profound honour. Our tradition teaches that showing respect and patience towards them, especially in their later years, is not just good manners but a deep and meaningful act of faith. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Luqman (31), Verse 14: 

‘…(thus O mankind) be grateful to Me (Allah Almighty) and to your parents, and to Me is (your ultimate) destination.’ 

This verse links gratitude to parents directly with gratitude to Allah. Listening patiently to an elder’s story is a simple, beautiful way to express this divinely commanded gratitude. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 1919, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘He is not one of us who does not show mercy to our young and respect our elders.’ 

This powerful hadith makes respect for elders a fundamental characteristic of a believer. It is not something to be practiced only when convenient, but a fundamental part of belonging to the community of the Prophet ﷺ. 

By guiding your child to respond with patience and politeness, you are teaching them that honouring grandparents is both an Islamic duty and a mark of strong character. Over time, they will learn that true respect is not shown when it is easy, but when it requires self-control and compassion.