How do I stay patient when I feel overwhelmed? 

Parenting Perspective 

Accepting Your Feelings and Taking a Pause 

Every parent reaches a point where patience feels out of reach. It does not make you weak; it makes you human. The first step is to accept that feeling overwhelmed is normal, especially when juggling family, work, and your own emotions. When you feel your patience slipping, pause if you can. Take three slow breaths, or step into another room for a moment if it is safe to do so. Even short pauses help stop harsh words or actions you might regret. 

Breaking Down Challenges and Practising Self-Compassion 

Break big challenges into smaller steps. If you are overwhelmed by noise or mess, tackle one thing at a time. Lower your expectations, a perfectly tidy house is less important than your calm. Be kind to yourself when you slip up. Apologising to your child when you lose your temper shows them that adults make mistakes too, and that love does not disappear because of hard moments. 

Asking for Help and Building ‘Patience Rituals’ 

Ask for help when needed. Talk to your spouse, a family member, or a trusted friend. Short breaks, fresh air, or five quiet minutes with a cup of tea can feel like a small rescue. Build small ‘patience rituals’ into your day: deep breathing, Dhikr, or simply repeating, ‘This moment will pass.’ Parenting is not about never losing patience, it is about returning to calm repeatedly, showing your child that even strong feelings can be handled gently. 

Spiritual Insight 

Patience and Sabr, are one of the greatest acts of worship for a parent. Allah Almighty knows your struggles and your daily efforts to stay calm. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Baqarah (2), Verse 153: 

‘O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient. ‘

This Ayah reminds you that patience is not a burden you carry alone, it is a doorway to Allah Almighty’s nearness. 

Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ faced burdens heavier than any of us, yet he remained the best example of forbearance and mercy. It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1828, that holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: 

‘Allah is not kind to him who is not kind to people. ‘

If kindness is beloved in general, it is even more beloved when shown to your own family in moments of stress. 

Make Dua a daily part of your patience practice. Whisper, O Allah Almighty, grant me Sabr and make my heart calm. Read about the Prophet’s ﷺ gentle dealings with children and family, his Sunnah offers endless reminders that kindness and patience go hand in hand. 

Every time you pause your anger, hold back harsh words, or speak softly when you feel like shouting, you are planting seeds of reward in your Akhirah. Trust that your struggle is seen and every moment of restraint is precious to Allah Almighty. May your patience be a means of closeness to Him, even on the hardest days.