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When life feels rushed and fractured, how do we still show up as parents who care deeply? 

Parenting Perspective 

Redefining Presence 

Families frequently feel obligated to navigate a multitude of responsibilities, including work, school, household chores, and digital cacophony. In the midst of this, the genuine desire to be present for one’s child can appear to be a pointless effort. However, children may not always require extended hours to feel loved. They require connection, consistency, and proof that their parents notice them, even in the middle of chaos. Begin by redefining presence. You may not have uninterrupted hours, but you can create moments of focused attention. Eye contact during meals, paying attention without interruption, or resting your hand on your child’s shoulder while they speak, these tiny gestures say, ‘You matter to me.’ 

A Strategy of Consistent Rituals 

Simple yet consistent rituals can help to structure your child’s day. This could include making Dua with them before bedtime, checking in after school, or practicing a five-minute recitation together. These moments, when repeated frequently, provide significantly greater emotional stability than rare grand attempts. Parents must also assess their own mental overburden. If both of you are constantly distracted, your child feels like a secondary task. Agree to set aside time for family, even if it is brief, with no devices or multitasking. Allow your child to see that, in a world filled with demands, they are a conscious priority. Finally, avoid over-apologizing for being busy. Children do not need guilt; they need reassurance. Say, ‘Things are full right now, but you will never be forgotten. I adore you and am always available when you need me.’ Your consistency is more important than your excellence. 

Spiritual Insight 

Our faith acknowledges the demands of dunya but never absolves us of the responsibility of parenting. Even in today’s fast-paced world, Allah Almighty values intention and sincerity. Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Mulk (67), Verse 15: 

It is He who has made for you the Earth subservient (to your needs); so, walk (freely) amongst its marvels; and eat of the nourishment He has provided for you; and to Him is the (ultimate) Resurrection.” 

This verse reminds us that, while we must strive and navigate life’s challenges, our ultimate return is to Allah Almighty. Parenthood is an integral element of that spiritual journey; it is worship itself. It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 79, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah Almighty than the weak believer, while there is good in both.” 

This Hadith demonstrates that strength requires showing up with resilience, even when fatigued or stressed. It asserts that persevering through adversity with the right goal is beloved by Allah Almighty. When both parents make little, honest efforts to remain emotionally present, even in the midst of a hectic existence, they not only show their child love, but also a live example of strength, devotion, and spiritual depth. 

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