Parenting Perspective 

Intervene Calmly 

When a child teases a sibling too harshly, it is important to address the behaviour calmly and constructively. Teasing can often cross the line into hurtful behaviour, and it is essential to help your child understand the impact their words or actions can have on others. Begin by intervening immediately, but calmly, ensuring that the sibling being teased is supported. For example, you might say, ‘It is not okay to tease your brother like that. How do you think he feels?’ This helps your child to start to recognise the emotional consequences of their actions. 

Develop Empathy 

It is also important to talk to your child about the difference between playful teasing and hurtful behaviour. Explain that while joking and having fun with siblings is natural, crossing the line into teasing that makes others feel bad is not acceptable. Encourage your child to think before they speak. You can ask them to reflect on how they would feel if they were on the receiving end of the teasing. For example, ‘Would you like it if someone said that to you? How would it make you feel?’ This helps to develop empathy, a crucial aspect of learning how to interact respectfully with others. 

Reinforce Positive Behaviour 

To reinforce positive behaviour, you should praise your child when they show kindness and consideration towards their sibling. Positive reinforcement encourages the child to behave in a way that promotes understanding and cooperation. Additionally, you can guide them in making amends if they have hurt their sibling’s feelings. For example, they could apologise and find a way to show kindness, such as offering a compliment or playing together peacefully. 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, kindness and respect towards others, especially family members, is highly emphasised. Allah Almighty encourages us to treat each other with gentleness and care in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hujuraat (49), Verse 11: 

‘Those of you who are believers, do not let a nation ridicule another nation, as perhaps it may be that they are better than them….’ 

This verse reminds us not to belittle or mock others, which is the essence of what teasing can sometimes become. Teaching your child not to tease harshly aligns with these Islamic principles, promoting respect and empathy. 

The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also taught the importance of kindness and gentleness in all relationships. It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 3587, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: 

‘The best of you are those who are the best to their families.’ 

This Hadith teaches that kindness should begin in the home, and that parents should guide their children to treat each other with respect. By addressing bullying and teaching your children to respect one another, you are helping them to build relationships rooted in the values of compassion and respect, as taught by the Prophet ﷺ.