as salam alaikum please could you tell me the ruling on a mother or father who laughs at their children who are upset and crying? and also the same question to one who torments or winds a child up to the extent of upsetting them? i truly appreaciate how busy you are but i really need a answer asap. jazallah khayran,

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

It is permissible for parents to play and joke with their children when they are angry or weeping, as this may remove the anger and distress from them. The parents are more affectionate and loving towards their children than anyone else and it is unimaginable that they would intentionally harm them, so they cannot be condemned or blamed for laughing or playing with their children even when they are angry.

For more benefit, please refer to Fatwa 90547.

Allaah Knows best.