My spouse and I both work full-time. How do we make sure our child does not feel emotionally sidelined? 

Parenting Perspective 

For busy working parents, the key to a strong connection with a child is not the quantity of time, but the quality of your presence. Children measure love in moments of focused, intentional attention. 

Create ‘Micro-Moments’ of Connection 

Weave small but powerful rituals into your daily routine. This could be a shared five-minute dua in the morning, a specific question you always ask after school like, ‘What made you smile today?’, or a warm cuddle during a bedtime story. These small, consistent moments are more impactful than infrequent grand gestures. 

Make Transitions Count 

The moments when you leave for work and return home are emotionally significant for a child. Before you leave, offer a warm hug and a sincere ‘I will miss you’. When you return, put your phone and bags down for a few minutes to give them your undivided attention. Reconnect with them first, before you redirect them to other tasks. 

Schedule Protected Family Time 

Set aside a regular, non-negotiable pocket of time each week where both parents are fully present and engaged. It does not have to be long; even thirty minutes of a family walk or a screen-free meal where you are all focused on each other can create a powerful rhythm of connection that your child can count on. 

Be Honest About Your Responsibilities 

In an age-appropriate way, be open with your child. You can say, ‘Mummy and Daddy work hard to provide for our family, but you are the most important part of our lives, and we will always make time for you’. This transparency helps them feel like a valued member of the family team, not an afterthought. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam honours both the effort of seeking a halal livelihood and the sacred duty of nurturing one’s family. The goal is to find a blessed balance between the two. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Mulk (67), Verse 15: 

‘It is He who made the earth manageable for you, so move about in its regions and eat of His provision. And to Him is the resurrection…‘ 

This verse affirms that working to seek Allah’s provision is a noble act. However, it concludes with a powerful reminder of our ultimate return to Him, which calls us to be mindful of our other sacred responsibilities—the foremost of which is the family He has entrusted to us. 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ defined our core role within the family. 

It is recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari, 2409, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Each of you is a guardian and is responsible for those in his care.‘ 

This hadith reminds us that our primary role as parents is that of a “guardian” responsible for our “flock.” While professional life has its demands, our most important responsibility is the emotional and spiritual wellbeing of the children in our care. Making intentional time for them is a direct fulfilment of this sacred trust.