Parenting Perspective 

Create a Sense of Collective Responsibility 

Encouraging respect for shared spaces at home is essential for fostering a sense of responsibility, teamwork, and mutual respect among family members. You can start by explaining to your children that shared spaces, such as the living room, the kitchen, and the bathrooms, are areas that everyone in the family uses and, therefore, everyone has a responsibility to keep them tidy and organised. You might say, ‘We all share the space in this house, so we need to take care of it and to make sure it is clean for everyone to enjoy.’ 

You can assign each child specific tasks that are related to the shared spaces, such as cleaning up after themselves or helping to organise common areas. Make sure to set clear expectations about where things should go, and to model good behaviour by keeping shared spaces tidy yourself. ‘If you use the living room, please remember to put your things back where they belong. This way, everyone can enjoy using the space.’ 

Praise Their Initiative 

Involve your child in household chores and make cleaning a fun, collaborative activity. It is important to praise your children when they take the initiative in keeping shared spaces organised. ‘I am really proud of how you both helped to keep the living room clean. That shows respect for our space and for each other.’ 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, respect for shared spaces and for the belongings of others is an important part of maintaining harmony in the family and the community. Allah Almighty says in the noble Quran at Surah Al Baqarah (2), Verse 195: 

‘And expend (your wealth) in the pathway of Allah (Almighty), and do not let your actions place you in a (state of) destruction (by being miserly)…..’ 

This verse teaches us that we should protect our environment, including our homes and shared spaces, and that we should work together to preserve them. 

The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also emphasised the importance of respect and responsibility in the family. 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 reinforces the idea that respecting shared spaces is an essential part of maintaining good family relationships and of keeping the home a peaceful and harmonious place. By teaching your children to respect their shared spaces, you are helping them to align with these Islamic values of cooperation, respect, and mutual care.