How to Make Sure Your Child Feels Loved When Life is Heavy 

Parenting Perspective 

When life gets tough in any aspect which could be emotionally, financially, mentally, in that case love does not disappear, but its expression often gets dim. You may still adore your child deeply but find yourself saying ‘not now’ more often or reacting with a sigh instead of a smile. It is a heartbreaking tension; the love is there, but it does not always reach them. 

In such seasons, children do not need grand gestures. What they need is consistent emotional proof, small, simple signals that say, I see you. I still delight in you. You are still safe with me. 

Small Ways to Let Love Show, Even When Drained 

When you cannot give more time or energy, try giving attention in micro-moments: 

The softening of your face when they enter the room. Let your eyes meet theirs with warmth, even if your body is aching. 

A whispered reminder. ‘I love you, even when I am tired.’ Children do not automatically assume love. They need it verbalised. 

A gentle hand on their back during routine tasks. Physical touch is grounding. It offers security when words are few. 

A daily habit of presence. Sit beside them, even silently. Watch their game. Hold their toy. Your presence becomes the message. 

You do not have to be cheerful. You do not have to be available all the time. You just have to be reachable , emotionally reachable, even for 30 seconds at a time. 

And when you do fall short, which all parents do, repair quickly. ‘Mummy was really tired earlier. I did not mean to sound upset. I still love you so much.’ These small corrections carry more power than you realise. They tell your child: My parent loves me enough to try again. 

Spiritual Insight 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Maryam (19), verse 96: 

“Indeed, those people who have believed, and have undertaken virtuous actions; the One Who is Most Beneficent shall designate for them, His absolute affection.” 

This verse is a reminder that love is not only a human emotion, but a gift placed by Allah Himself. Even in hardship, even in silence, the affection you give, and the way it is received, is under divine care. 

The Prophetic Model: Forms of Mercy 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ kissed his grandson and a man said, ‘You kiss children? I have ten and have never kissed one.’ The Prophet replied: 

“Whoever does not show mercy will not be shown mercy.” 

 [Sahih Muslim, 2319] 

This hadith becomes a compass for the hardest times. Even one kiss, one soft word, one gentle correction, these are forms of mercy. They are not beneath us. They are our Ibadah. 

So when everything feels heavy, do not pressure yourself to be your best self. Just focus on this: Let my child feel loved today, in some small way, with whatever I have to give. That is enough and beautiful.