Parenting Perspective 

Quiet children often hold their feelings close, and parents may worry that they are missing what really matters in their day. Pushing too hard can shut them down, but offering a simple daily invitation makes space for their voice in a gentle, safe way. A two-part check-in (one good thing and one hard thing) helps children practise gratitude while also learning to express challenges without fear. 

Keep It Gentle and Predictable 

Introduce the check-in at a regular time, such as dinner or bedtime, with a phrase like: 

“Shall we share one good thing and one tricky thing from today?” 

When it becomes routine, your child feels less pressure and more safety. 

Give Them Time to Think 

Quiet children often need a pause. Ask the question, then wait patiently. Silence shows you respect their pace and are not rushing them. 

Model by Sharing First 

Go first with your own answer: “My good thing was our walk, my hard thing was feeling tired at work.” This makes it easier for your child to follow, knowing honesty is welcome. 

Accept Small or Simple Answers 

Do not press for detail. If your child offers even one word, such as “Maths” or “Playground”, thank them and leave space for more another day. Validation builds trust over time. 

By keeping the ritual short, consistent, and low-pressure, you open a door for your quiet child to share daily glimpses of their inner world. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches us to reflect on blessings and hardships alike, as both are part of Allah Almighty’s wisdom. Helping children notice the good and the difficult each day builds gratitude, resilience, and reliance on Allah. 

Guidance from the Noble Quran 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Inshirah (94), Verses 5–6: 

‘Thus with (every) hardship there is facilitation (from Allah Almighty). Indeed, with (every) hardship there is facilitation (from Allah Almighty).’ 

This reminds us that every day holds both challenges and relief, and noticing both teaches balance and hope. 

Teaching from the Hadith 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2999, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Wondrous is the affair of the believer, for there is good for him in every matter, and this is not the case with anyone except the believer. If he is happy, he thanks Allah, and there is good for him; if he is harmed, he shows patience, and there is good for him.’ 

This teaches us that recognising both ease and hardship with gratitude and patience is part of faith. 

By inviting your quiet child to share one good and one hard thing each day, you nurture honesty and gratitude side by side. Over time, they learn that all experiences are valuable, and that Allah Almighty’s care surrounds them in both ease and difficulty.