What should I do when a child boasts about being “the best” after praise? 

Parenting Perspective 

It is quite common for a child to express praise by boasting. This is often not a sign of arrogance but part of their learning process as they figure out how to handle positive feedback. Instead of issuing a harsh correction that might discourage them, it is better to respond with calm redirection. 

For example, if your child declares, ‘I am the best’, you could reply with warmth, ‘You did that so well, and I am very proud of your effort. Remember that we are all learning and trying our best’. This approach keeps the moment positive while gently correcting the underlying attitude. 

Shifting Focus from Superiority to Effort 

When your child boasts, gently guide their attention away from the final result and towards the effort it took to get there. You could ask questions like, ‘What made you feel proud of yourself today?’ or ‘Which part was the most challenging, and how did you keep trying?’ 

This redirects the conversation from comparison with others towards self-reflection and inner growth. You can also model humility by celebrating effort as a family: ‘Alhamdulillah, we all improve when we keep practising’. With consistent and gentle reminders, your child will learn that praise is a recognition of their effort and progress, not a declaration of being ‘the best’. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that all success and ability are gifts from Allah Almighty. Therefore, the quality that protects our hearts from arrogance is humility. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Luqman (31), Verse 18: 

‘And do not turn your cheek from people (in pride and contempt), and do not walk on the Earth in self-glory; indeed, Allah (Almighty) does not love those (people who believe in) self-aggrandizement and boasting.’ 

This verse makes it clear that pride and boastfulness are displeasing to Allah Almighty. Sharing this wisdom gently helps children understand that true honour is found in humility, not in self-praise. 

Guiding Boastfulness Towards Gratitude 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that true elevation comes from lowering oneself for the sake of Allah Almighty. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 5641, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that.’ 

This beautiful Hadith encourages children to see that true greatness does not come from declaring oneself superior, but from being humble before God. Teaching a child to replace a boastful statement with ‘Alhamdulillah’ is a practical way to nurture gratitude. It reminds them that every success is a blessing, and that sincere humility is what earns a person true honour in the sight of Allah Almighty.