Parenting Perspective 

Address the Behaviour Immediately 

When one child bullies or intimidates another, it is important to address the issue immediately and calmly. Bullying can cause emotional harm and impact sibling relationships, so it is essential to take the matter seriously. Begin by separating the children to prevent further conflict and to ensure everyone is safe. Then, sit down with the child who has been bullying and explain the impact of their behaviour. You can ask them why they acted this way and guide them to understand how it makes their sibling feel. You might say, ‘When you push your sister away, it makes her feel scared and hurt. How would you feel if someone did that to you?’ 

Reassure the Child Being Bullied 

Next, you should speak with the child who is being bullied. Reassure them that they are not at fault and that bullying is never acceptable. Encourage them to speak up when they are being mistreated and let them know that you will always be there to support them. It is important to empower both children, teaching them that it is okay to express their feelings and to stand up for themselves in a respectful way. 

Set Clear Boundaries and Consequences 

Once both children understand the impact of the bullying behaviour, you can discuss solutions together. Set clear boundaries and consequences for bullying, ensuring that your child understands that such behaviour will not be tolerated. It is crucial to provide consistent discipline to prevent the behaviour from continuing. Additionally, you can encourage positive interactions between your children by praising moments of cooperation, kindness, and mutual respect. 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, the importance of treating others with kindness and respect is a central value. Allah Almighty warns us against harmful behaviour, including bullying, 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 encourages respect and warns against mistreating others, teaching us that no one should belittle or harm another. 

The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also taught the importance of kindness and respect in all our interactions. It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 3587, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

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

This Hadith teaches that kindness should begin in the home and that parents should guide their children to treat each other with respect. By addressing bullying and teaching your children to respect one another, you are helping them to build relationships rooted in the values of compassion and respect, as taught by the Prophet ﷺ.