Parenting Perspective 

When a child mocks a friend’s shoes, bag, or pencil case, it is often a reflection of status anxiety or copying behaviours they see online. Your correction should focus on the impact of their words rather than applying negative labels. This approach helps a child to change their behaviour without feeling shame. 

Focus on the Harm, Not the Child 

It is important to separate the behaviour from the child’s identity. Say calmly, ‘Those words are hurtful. We do not talk about other people’s things in that way.’ This makes it clear that the action is the problem, which allows the child to learn and grow. 

Prepare Before Social Events 

Children benefit from clear expectations set in advance. Before they go to school, parties, or playdates, establish a few simple rules: 

• We speak kindly about other people’s belongings. 

• If we do not like something, we keep that thought to ourselves. 

• If we see someone being teased, we stand with them or change the subject. 

Practising short scripts like, ‘That is their choice,’ or ‘Let us talk about the game instead,’ can help turn good intentions into automatic, respectful responses. 

Teach Empathy and Perspective 

Use simple questions to help your child develop emotional insight. You could ask, ‘How would you feel if someone laughed at your favourite hoodie?’ or ‘What story might be behind that backpack?’ This encourages them to connect belongings with the feelings of their owners. Praise even small moments of restraint: ‘You stopped yourself and changed the topic. That was very respectful.’ 

Replace Mockery with Gratitude 

Coach your child to notice function and effort, rather than price or trends. For example, ‘That bag helps them carry their books,’ or ‘Someone worked hard to buy that for them.’ You can also build a daily habit of expressing gratitude for two of your child’s own items. Children who feel content with what they have are less likely to belittle what others possess. 

Correct Privately, Repair Publicly 

If mockery does occur, intervene with a brief and steady cue, such as, ‘Kind words only.’ Discuss the incident later in private and plan how to make amends. This should involve a sincere apology that names the harm (‘I am sorry I teased you about your bag. That was unkind.’), followed by a respectful action, like sitting with the friend or inviting them to play. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that a person’s true worth is known only to Allah Almighty and that protecting the dignity of others is a fundamental aspect of faith. Mocking others erodes the heart and weakens the bonds of community. 

Allah Almighty states 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 divine command serves as a powerful reminder to protect the dignity of others. When your child refrains from teasing or defends a peer, they are honouring this verse and strengthening the mercy that should flow between believers. 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warned that disdain for others is a serious moral fault and tied faith directly to how we regard one another. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2564, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘It is enough evil for a Muslim that he should look down upon his brother Muslim.’ 

This Hadith shows that belittling a friend’s possessions is not ‘just a joke’; it is a seed of contempt that Islam forbids. Encourage your child to begin their day with a simple intention: ‘O Allah, make my words gentle and my heart clean.’ If they make a mistake, guide them towards repentance, a sincere apology, and an act of kindness to compensate. This turns remorse into an opportunity for growth. When a family anchors its speech in these teachings, children learn that real status comes from taqwa (God-consciousness), not from logos or labels.