Parenting Perspective 

Build Their Courage Step by Step 

Many children feel shy or worried about speaking up in class, especially when they are still building confidence in a second language. You can help by building their courage step by step at home first. Practise short, everyday sentences they might use at school, such as asking a teacher for help or answering a simple question. You can role-play with your child; pretend to be the teacher and let them practise saying the words out loud. Praise their effort warmly and remind them that making mistakes is how we all learn. 

Talk to their teacher too and explain that your child needs gentle encouragement to join in. Teachers can often help by providing small, predictable opportunities for them to speak, like answering yes-or-no questions before trying longer sentences. Remind your child that they do not have to speak perfectly; their classmates and teachers want to hear their ideas, not just flawless words. Each time they speak up, no matter how small, celebrate their courage so they learn to see their voice as something to use with confidence, not fear. 

Spiritual Insight 

A Prayer for Clarity 

Islam honours clear, kind speech and teaches us that bravery often starts with trusting Allah Almighty in moments when we feel nervous. The noble Quran gives us the example of Prophet Musa (AS), who asked Allah Almighty to help him speak well. Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Taaha (20), Verses 25–28: 

‘(Prophet Musa (AS)) said: “O my Sustainer, fortify my mind (with confidence of achieving the impossible); and make it easy for me (to accomplish) all of what You have commanded me; and untie the restriction (of stuttering) from my tongue. So that they may understand my speech.”’ 

This beautiful Dua is a reminder that speech, courage, and clarity are blessings we can ask for. 

The Spirit of Support 

The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ treated people’s words with respect and encouraged those who struggled to speak with patience and mercy. It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 5027, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The best among you are those who learn the Quran and teach it.’ 

Teaching your child to speak bravely is part of this spirit; it helps them to use their words to share knowledge and goodness. Encourage your child to make Dua before school, asking Allah Almighty for the strength and calmness to use their voice well. Remind them that each small attempt is rewarded, and that every shy word spoken with sincerity can grow into stronger, clearer speech with Allah Almighty’s help and your loving support.