Parenting Perspective 

The affirmation children receive from others is a moment they naturally enjoy; it brightens their countenance and fills their heart. Yet, that very same moment holds the potential to nurture the ego if it is not gently guided. The aim is not to discourage others from complimenting your child, but to effectively teach your child how to carry that praise with grace. When the phrase ‘Alhamdulillah’ becomes their instinctive response, they learn that being praised is not a spotlight focused on their own self but a humble reflection of Allah Almighty’s blessing upon them. 

Explaining What ‘Alhamdulillah’ Truly Means 

Begin by ensuring your child understands that ‘Alhamdulillah’ is far more than just a polite, perfunctory phrase. It literally means ‘All praise belongs to Allah Almighty.’ You must tell them: ‘When someone praises you, they are noticing a clear gift that Allah Almighty placed in you. Saying Alhamdulillah is your sincere way of giving that praise back to its rightful Owner.’ This deep, conscious understanding transforms the word from a mere habit into a deliberate act of gratitude. 

Practising Response Rituals 

Simple role playing of common social moments is highly effective. Pretend to offer them a compliment and then model the desired, humble response: 

• You say: ‘You drew that beautifully! You have such a talent.’ 

• They reply: ‘Alhamdulillah, I truly tried my best, thank you.’ 

Such small, rehearsed exchanges help children feel assured about what to say in real life, ensuring they can respond with ease and sincerity. Over time, their mouth follows the consistent training of their heart, instilling gratitude before pride. 

Connecting Praise to Divine Help 

When your child achieves something notable, gently point out how their success came through Allah Almighty’s facilitation and ease: ‘You studied diligently, and Allah Almighty gave you the necessary focus you needed to do well in the exam.’ By consciously linking their ability to divine aid, they clearly see that effort and help are profoundly intertwined. This mindset naturally makes ‘Alhamdulillah’ the most suitable and organic response when others acknowledge their achievement. 

Modelling Humility Publicly 

It is essential to let your children hear you say ‘Alhamdulillah’ when you are praised. If someone compliments your cooking, a successful piece of work, or a kind action, respond calmly: ‘Alhamdulillah, I am grateful for the ease Allah Almighty gave.’ Children internalise emotional tone before they grasp theology. When they see you respond with gratitude instead of self importance, it immediately becomes a part of their emotional language. 

Encouraging Gratitude Reflections 

Implement a routine of soft questioning to foster emotional awareness: ‘Who said something kind to you today? How did you consciously thank Allah Almighty for that?’ This gentle questioning teaches them that praise is not something to selfishly collect, but something to humbly redirect towards its source. 

A valuable micro action: keep a ‘Praise & Praise-Back’ journal at home. Whenever a family member receives a compliment, they write down what was said and their response of gratitude, ensuring it begins with ‘Alhamdulillah for…’. This simple ritual transforms fleeting praise into enduring remembrance. 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, every single form of praise ultimately belongs to Allah Almighty, for He alone creates and enables all goodness, skills, and opportunities. Teaching a child to respond with ‘Alhamdulillah’ is not just a matter of etiquette; it is an active demonstration of faith. It successfully grounds their self esteem in humble servitude rather than in a feeling of personal superiority. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Yunus (10), Verse 58: 

‘Say (O Prophet Muhammad ﷺ): “In this the Bounty of Allah (Almighty) and His Mercy, with these (bestowments) they should rejoice, this is better than all their wealth and possessions they can amass”.‘ 

This divine verse reminds believers to find their deepest joy in Allah Almighty’s grace and bounty, not merely in worldly recognition. When children rejoice through sincere gratitude, their happiness remains pure, untouched by arrogance. They learn that every compliment they receive is a valuable moment to remember the Giver, not just the temporary gift. 

It is recorded in Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith 4811, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘He who is not thankful to people is not thankful to Allah.’ 

This Hadith beautifully bridges the human and the divine aspects of gratitude. It teaches that appreciation from others should lead not to pride but to thanks—both to the person who gave the compliment and, most importantly, to Allah Almighty. By saying ‘Alhamdulillah’ after being praised, a child merges both vital acknowledgements in one profound, beautiful phrase. 

In time, this consistent habit will refine their heart. They learn to view every compliment as a reflection of Allah Almighty’s mercy and every success as a trust to be utilised well. ‘Alhamdulillah’ then becomes far more than a word—it becomes a spiritual shield for humility, keeping their joy within rightful bounds and their hearts in constant remembrance.