Parenting Perspective 

When something breaks at home, a child often assumes that it requires money or a professional to solve. They may not realise that small repairs—a loose screw, a squeaky hinge, a wobbly chair—are opportunities to practise problem-solving and responsibility. If parents always outsource these tasks, children can grow up believing that confidence lies only in having money, rather than in building skill and persistence. 

The Hidden Message in Repairs 

Every time a child sees a parent fix something calmly, they receive an unspoken message: ‘I am capable of learning and handling small challenges.’ The act is less about saving cost and more about shaping identity. Children who learn to mend, tighten, or patch up come to view obstacles as solvable. Without this training, they may internalise helplessness, waiting for others to step in. 

From Fear to Confidence 

Many children avoid fixing things because they fear making it worse. Parents can counter this by choosing small, low-risk tasks to involve them in. For example, tightening a screw on a door handle or replacing a light bulb. Standing side by side, a parent can say: ‘Try turning it gently; if it does not work, we will do it together.’ This turns the task into exploration rather than a test. 

A Living Example to Give 

One powerful example to share with your child is repairing a small toy or reattaching a button. You might say, ‘This button looked ruined, but all it needed was a few stitches. Now it is strong again.’ The story shows that not every problem requires money—sometimes it only requires patience and willingness to try. 

A Micro-Action to Try 

Next time something minor breaks, pause before fixing it alone. Call your child and guide them through the process. Even if they do only half the work, the pride of seeing the result will outweigh the effort. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that self-reliance, effort, and care for what one owns are signs of strength and dignity. Small acts, like fixing a household item, build gratitude for what we already have rather than rushing to replace it. This nurtures humility and respect for the blessings Allah Almighty has placed in our lives. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Ra’ad (13), Verse 11: 

‘…Indeed, Allah (Almighty) does not alter (the condition of) any nation, unless they start to make positive changes by themselves…’ 

This verse highlights that growth begins with small efforts. Teaching a child to repair something is not just about the object, it is about changing their own condition from dependence to confidence. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 1429, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The upper hand is better than the lower hand…’ 

Here, the ‘upper hand’ symbolises giving, capability, and self-reliance. A child who learns to fix what they can embodies this principle, becoming someone who contributes rather than always depending. 

By using small repairs as lessons, parents plant the belief that challenges are not threats but opportunities to act with patience and courage. Over time, children will see that confidence does not come from money spent, but from skill developed and effort offered. That lesson, lived out in a repaired hinge or a button sewn back, can stay with them for life.