Parenting Perspective 

Every parent has days marked by exhaustion or stress, when it feels much easier to let the usual rules slide. However, inconsistency can confuse a child and often leads to more boundary-testing in the long run. The key is to maintain the core rules even on difficult days, while also giving yourself permission to simplify your routines without abandoning the structure completely. 

Focus on Core Rules 

When you feel stretched thin and overwhelmed, prioritise the most important family boundaries, such as those related to safety, respect, and key routines like bedtime. Less critical rules can perhaps be relaxed for a day, but your child should see that the core rules are never negotiable. This helps to preserve their sense of security, even when the day feels unsettled. 

Use Short, Calm Reminders 

On a difficult day, you may not have the energy for long explanations. Instead, lean on simple, consistent phrases like, ‘It is still bedtime,’ or ‘We always use gentle hands.’ The consistency of your words matters more than your energy level. Calm repetition reassures your child that the rules have not changed just because you are feeling tired. 

Plan Small Supports for Yourself 

Prepare in advance for those inevitable hard days by creating simple support systems. This could be having visual charts ready to do the reminding for you, simplifying the evening meal, or asking your spouse or another family member to step in for a short while. These supports allow you to uphold the rules without having to rely solely on your own willpower. 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, the qualities of perseverance and consistency are deeply valued, especially when life feels difficult. The Quran and Sunnah remind us that the actions we perform regularly, even if they are small, are the ones that have the most lasting power and blessing. 

The Promise of Ease with Hardship 

The Quran offers a profound reassurance that difficult times do not last forever, and that ease will follow hardship. This promise encourages believers to remain steadfast. 

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).’ 

The Value of Consistent Deeds 

The prophetic tradition teaches that consistency in our good deeds is more beloved to Allah than grand but infrequent actions. This principle applies beautifully to the daily, patient efforts of parenting. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 6465, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The deeds most beloved to Allah are those that are consistent, even if they are few.’ 

By holding firm to your key rules on hard days, you are reflecting the Islamic values of patience and perseverance. Your child learns that your guidance is reliable, and at the same time, they see in you a powerful example of resilience and faith.