Parenting Perspective 

Teaching children how to behave respectfully on buses, trains, or in waiting areas must commence prior to the journey. Children perform best when they are fully aware of what is expected of them. Before departing from home, parents should calmly explain the concept of shared seating and public space. For example, one could say: “These seats belong to everyone, so we must use them kindly.” 

One should use visual aids or role-play exercises to prepare the child. Parents can pretend to wait for a bus together and practise key behaviours: greeting the driver, maintaining a low voice, waiting for one’s turn, and offering seats. Framing travel as a shared communal experience assists children in understanding that good manners protect the comfort of all passengers, making the experience pleasant for everyone. 

Clear and Simple Expectations 

The guidance provided must be concise and specific, especially for younger children. Focusing on a small number of key points is more effective than listing many rules. 

• Voices Quiet: Explain that “Others might be tired or reading and need quiet.” 

• Hands and Feet to Yourself: State clearly that “Seats are for sitting, not climbing or touching others.” 

• Offer Space: Emphasise that “If someone older, unwell, or with a baby comes, we must offer our seat.” 

• Respect Privacy: Ensure they know, “We do not stare or point at other people.” 

• Leave Neat: Instruct them to “Take your wrappers and bottles with you when you leave the seat.” 

Parents must reinforce these rules gently yet consistently. If a mistake occurs, correct the behaviour in a whisper to maintain the child’s dignity: “Let us fix that quickly, please.” Conversely, parents should offer specific praise for good conduct: “I liked how you waited quietly for others to sit first.” This approach builds dignity rather than fostering defiance. 

Modelling and Reinforcing through Reflection 

Children learn significantly more from observation than from direct instruction. Parents should actively model patience during delays and politeness towards transport staff. After the journey is complete, engage in reflection together: “How did we do today? Did we make the journey nice for others?” Encourage them to view courtesy as a strength, not merely a restriction. When children grasp that respect and self-control create ease for all, shared spaces transform into profound lessons in empathy and discipline. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam fundamentally emphasises humility, patience, and respect for others—values that are perfectly applicable in all public settings. Teaching one’s child to behave considerately in shared spaces is essentially teaching them to implement adab (good manners) in their daily actions. This ensures that their faith travels with them wherever they go. 

Courtesy and Humility as Marks of Faith 

Parents should understand that the proper conduct of their children in public reflects the spiritual maturity they are striving to instil. Helping a child to walk, sit, and speak gently among others is a direct reflection of Islamic humility. When a child waits patiently or offers their seat to another, they are embodying mercy and calm—qualities that are highly beloved to Allah Almighty. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Furqaan (25), Verse 63: 

‘And the true servants of the One Who is Most Beneficent are those who wander around the Earth with humility; and when they are addressed by the ignorant people, they say: “Peace be unto you”.’ 

This verse teaches grace in conduct and restraint in all public interactions. 

Respecting Others as a Form of Worship 

Every shared journey represents a valuable opportunity to practise ihsan—doing things beautifully and excellently for Allah Almighty’s sake. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 223, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Cleanliness is half of faith.’ 

Although this Hadith pertains primarily to physical and spiritual purity, it also symbolises inner refinement of character. Just as a believer maintains the cleanliness of their body and private space, they must also ensure their behaviour is pure—free from selfishness, excessive noise, or a disregard for others. Remind the child that sitting kindly, speaking softly, and showing respect in public are all forms of worship that polish their character. They will then understand that good manners on buses or trains are not mere social rules; they are reflections of faith in motion.