Teaching Children Humility

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Narrated Haritha bin Wahb: I heard the Prophet saying, "Shall I tell you of the people of Paradise? They comprise every poor humble person, and if he swears by Allah to do something, Allah will fulfill it; while the people of the fire comprise every violent, cruel arrogant person."  (Al Bukhari, Book #78, Hadith #651)

Humility and arrogance are the polar opposites of each other. Let me illustrate with this story: At one year, we had 2 new young teachers fresh out of uni. One was eager, enthusiastic and listened to whatever advice was given her on how to improve her teaching. She always asked. The other was eager as well but whenever was advised on ways to improve she would argue why her way was better or blamed someone or something. She always demanded and never asked. You could guess which one got on better with the rest of the staff and which one was most difficult and which people avoided.

The difference between humility and arrogance is the difference between asking and demanding. A lot of children these days always demand but rarely ask. They think that it is their God-given right. Where is the humility in asking? I say this from my teaching experience. It's always "I want this." or "Give me that!" I have to teach them to ask politely. Does your children ask or demand things of you?

This is the best advice for teaching children humility at this post.