How do I teach my child to make Dua when they feel sad or worried? 

Parenting Perspective 

Dua for Every Feeling 

Children often experience sadness or worry that they cannot fully explain. Teaching them to make Dua in these moments gives their heart a safe place to rest. Start by showing your child that Dua is not only for big problems but for every small feeling too. When your child says, ‘I feel sad,’ listen without rushing to fix it. You could say, ‘It is okay to feel sad. Let us ask Allah Almighty to help your heart feel better.’ 

Make it a Gentle Habit 

Practise simple phrases they can remember. For example, ‘Ya Allah, make my heart happy again,’ or, ‘Ya Allah, help me with my worry.’ Keep it gentle and natural. If your child is shy, you can start by making the Dua out loud together. Use bedtime as a calm moment to remind them: ‘If you feel sad at night, you can always talk to Allah Almighty before you sleep.’ Share your own simple Duas when you feel down so they see this is something that grown-ups do too. Praise them any time they whisper a Dua, no matter how small. Over time, these little moments help your child build trust that Allah Almighty is always listening, and they never have to hold their worries alone. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam honours Dua as a beautiful act of hope and connection. Allah Almighty invites us to call on Him at any time, for anything our hearts carry. Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Ghaafir (40), Verse 60: 

‘And your Sustainer stated: Pray to me and I will respond to you…‘

Teaching your child this Ayah helps them to see that their sadness or worry is never too small for Allah Almighty to hear. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 3372, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: 

‘Dua is worship.‘

This shows us that every whisper of the heart is precious and brings a child closer to their Creator. You can encourage your child to say a simple prayer when worries feel big: ‘Ya Allah, take away my sadness and give me peace.’ This gentle practice helps them turn their heart towards the One who knows every worry before they even speak. By planting this habit early, you teach your child that Dua is not just words but a soft rope that ties their heart to Allah Almighty’s endless mercy.