Parenting Perspective 

Dares prey on a child’s sense of pride. Children often worry that saying no will label them as weak, boring, or scared. You can help them replace that fear with composure and skill. The goal is not to beat the dare, but to beat the pressure with dignity. Begin by showing them that courage is not about taking every risk; it is about knowing which ones to walk away from. 

Reframe the Meaning of Courage 

Explain that true courage is choosing what is right even when others might laugh. You can say, ‘Real bravery is not about proving yourself to other people. It is about proving yourself to your conscience.’ Remind them that it takes more inner strength to stay calm under teasing than it does to follow a crowd into trouble. 

The Smile–Stand–Switch Technique 

Coach your child to respond with a small smile, relaxed shoulders, and steady eye contact. Then, practise a confident line and a quick topic switch: 

• ‘That is a good one. I like my bones unbroken though.’ 

• ‘You win this round. I am keeping my dignity for the weekend.’ 

• ‘Not really my scene, but go on, I will film it for your bravery award.’ 

The smile disarms, the humour diffuses, and the switch moves attention away. 

The “I Already Promised” Card 

Give your child a ready-made excuse that feels effortless: ‘I told my mum I would not,’ or ‘My coach said no injuries this month.’ This softens the refusal without getting into a long debate. Using an external promise signals loyalty, not fear, and keeps the tone friendly. 

Teach the Calm Exit 

If the teasing continues, teach your child a neutral line like, ‘You know me. I am not into that,’ followed by a clear move. This could be walking over to a teacher, checking their phone, or joining another group. Movement ends arguments faster than words. 

Role-play the Pressure Cycle 

Rehearse common situations: a dare to skip class, climb a wall, prank a teacher, or record a risky video. Use playful pressure, saying things like, ‘Are you scared?’ or ‘Come on, just do it once!’ Let them practise their tone and their exit. Afterwards, praise their calm eyes and controlled voice. Confidence comes from rehearsal, not from speeches. 

Build Inner Anchors 

Ask your child, ‘What would you lose if you said yes?’ Then ask, ‘What would you keep if you said no?’ Help them to name what matters most to them, such as trust, safety, and self-respect. Once these values are clear in their mind, no dare will look worth the trade. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches composure, wisdom, and self-control, even when the crowd provokes recklessness. A Muslim’s courage shines in discipline, not in danger. Declining a dare with calm humour is not cowardice; it is intelligence guided by faith (Imaan). 

From the noble Quran 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Israa (17), Verse 36: 

‘And do not pursue (to meddle in matters) with which you have no knowledge; indeed, your hearing (everything you heard), your sight (everything you observed), your conscience (everything you thought), in fact, all of these (your faculties) shall be called for questioning (on the Day of Judgment).‘ 

This verse reminds believers that curiosity or a challenge should never outrun wisdom. Every action, glance, and step is a trust (Amanah). Encourage your child to pause when asked to do something reckless and recall: ‘Will I be proud of this when Allah Almighty asks me about it?’ That awareness anchors restraint. 

From the teachings of the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ 

It is recorded in Al Adab Al Mufrad, Hadith 1317, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The strong man is not the one who throws others down, but the one who controls himself when he is angry.’ 

This Hadith Shareef reframes strength as mastery over impulse. Dares often target a person’s pride; a calm refusal shows true self-control. Teach your child to smile, stay steady, and leave, knowing that composure is the definition of power given by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. 

When your child walks away from a dare with quiet humour and confidence, they are not avoiding fear; they are mastering it. Each calm refusal strengthens their Imaan and self-respect. Remind them that strength is not proven in the eyes of their peers, but in the eyes of Allah Almighty, who honours those who stand firm with grace and wisdom.