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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU for stopping a nice Muslim girl from showing my son her hair?

235 replies

BeSpoonyRedCat · 22/04/2026 22:46

It was on Monday after school, 10 year old DS, a very traditional 10 year old Muslim girl, and another 10 year old girl from my son's school were in the living room.

DS asked to see the Muslim girl's hair and she was actually about to show him. I stopped her, nothing dramatic. I basically said no sweetie, don't do that. I wasn't loud. Both girls looked like they wanted to laugh while my son looked annoyed. After I finished dropping the girls home, my son was all moody.

Yesterday he was still moody and I asked why he's upset. He basically explained that the Muslim girl doesn't show any other kid her hair. I said there's a reason for that. And I'm thankful my son didn't ask me the reason because I actually don't know.

From my perspective, I was being a responsible adult with my son and 2 girls under my supervision. I don't know the ramifications of that little girl showing my son her hair. I don't know if her parents would have been upset with her. I don't know if her parents would have banned my son from being friends with her. But I'm still wondering if I was dramatic.

Am I being unreasonable?

OP posts:
LittleMissClutter · 22/04/2026 22:54

Lol

scoobysnaxx · 22/04/2026 22:53

I think it’s a good think you did this.
maybe her parents wouldn’t be particularly bothered. But maybe they would.
if she is Muslim and wearing a headspace you have reason to believe she does for a reason.
I think it’s okay. You didn’t make a big song and dance about it.
it’s nice to see someone thoughtful and considerate of something like this.

ToKittyornottoKitty · 22/04/2026 22:53

Seems young for a head scarf, her parents can’t be that strict if they’ve let her go play at a boys house that they don’t know well. Odd thread

ExtraOnions · 22/04/2026 22:52

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pinkyredrose · 22/04/2026 22:52

Shark321 · 22/04/2026 22:51

Well done on protecting the little girl.

Huh?

Blimms · 22/04/2026 22:51

Yes you are being dramatic, and this thread sounds a lot like virtue signalling.

GentleSheep · 22/04/2026 22:51

Depends whether the girl was wearing the head covering because she's reached puberty (in which case her religion means she needs to cover it for modesty except for amongst family) or whether she's still pre-puberty and so wearing it is optional therefore removing it is likely OK. I'm surprised she's wearing a head scarf so young.

Shark321 · 22/04/2026 22:51

Well done on protecting the little girl.

MissCooCooMcgoo · 22/04/2026 22:50

Um, it's her hair she's 10. She can do as she wishes. As long as your son wasn't coercing her.

Boreded · 22/04/2026 22:48

Wow!