Parenting Perspective 

Small, consistent actions are often the most powerful signs of genuine change. When rebuilding trust or demonstrating that your behaviour has improved, it is important to focus on everyday actions that show your commitment. These small steps may seem simple, but they build up over time and clearly demonstrate your sincerity. The key is consistency, ensuring your actions match your words day by day. This approach will show your child that you are truly working to become a better person, not just for a moment, but for the long term. 

. 

Practise Active Listening 

One of the most important actions is the way you listen. Showing that you are fully present and engaged when your child speaks, without interrupting or dismissing their feelings, is a powerful way to rebuild trust and show respect. 

You can say: ‘I hear you, and I understand that this is important to you.’ 

This shows you are actively working on improving your communication and reinforces your commitment to treating them with respect. 

Show Consistent Patience 

If you have previously struggled with managing your reactions, showing consistent patience in everyday situations is a clear sign of change. By taking deep breaths, pausing, and being more mindful, you demonstrate your dedication to better self-control. 

You might say: ‘I am taking a deep breath before I respond, so I can handle this calmly.’ 

These small, mindful actions reassure your child that you are actively working on managing your emotional responses in a healthier way. 

Follow Through on Promises 

Keeping your promises is a daily action that proves your sincerity. When you commit to something, no matter how small, following through with it demonstrates reliability and integrity. This helps to rebuild trust because it shows your child that you can be counted on. 

You can say: ‘You can count on me to keep my word. I will make sure I follow through.’ 

Show Empathy with Small Gestures 

Small, thoughtful gestures of care and empathy go a long way in showing that your behaviour has changed. This could be a kind word, an unexpected act of service, or an effort to show you are thinking about their feelings. 

You could say: ‘I see that you are feeling upset, and I am here if you need to talk.’ 

These gestures demonstrate that you genuinely care about your child’s emotional well-being. 

Consistently Respect Boundaries 

Respecting your child’s personal space, feelings, and boundaries is another small but powerful action that demonstrates real change. Consistently showing respect for their autonomy is a sign that you are valuing them in a more thoughtful and mature way. 

You might say: ‘I will give you some space to think, and I am here when you are ready.’ 

This reinforces that you understand the importance of mutual respect in relationships and are committed to showing it every day. 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, true change is not measured by grand, dramatic actions but by the consistency and sincerity of small, daily efforts. Everyday actions that reflect a commitment to better behaviour and emotional maturity are highly valued and demonstrate genuine repentance and growth. 

True Repentance is Proven by Righteous Actions 

The noble Quran highlights that true repentance involves not just regret but also consistent efforts to improve through righteous actions. The small daily changes you make reflect this ongoing process. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Furqaan (25), Verse 70: 

‘Except for the one who sought repentance, and believed (in the truth), and enacted virtuous deeds; so, for those people, Allah (Almighty) shall substitute (and extinguish) their evil deeds with good deeds; and Allah (Almighty) is All Forgiving and All Merciful.‘ 

This verse teaches that positive, consistent action is the outward sign of a sincere heart. 

Good Character is the Best Proof of Change 

The teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ reinforce that the best way to show genuine change is through the consistent display of good character in our everyday interactions. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2569, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The best of you are those who are best in their character. The best of character is to show patience, kindness, and to be forgiving.’ 

This hadith reminds us that by consistently demonstrating these qualities, you show your child that your behaviour is changing for the better and that you are committed to being a more patient, kind, and responsible person.