How do I respond when my child says there is no time before school? 

Parenting Perspective 

When a child declares, ‘there is no time’, it is rarely a simple statement about the clock. More often, it is an expression of feeling overwhelmed by the morning rush, a lack of motivation, or the perception that eating is an inconvenience. The parental challenge is to address this underlying feeling while gently preserving the important habit of consuming Sunnah or other healthy foods. The goal is not to win an argument about time, but to teach prioritisation, introduce ease into the routine, and maintain a positive connection to these blessed practices without escalating stress.  

Leading with Empathy and Understanding 

Before offering any solutions, the most crucial first step is to validate your child’s feelings. A simple, empathetic response like, ‘I understand, mornings can feel very hectic, and it feels like there is no space for anything extra,’ can immediately diffuse tension. This acknowledgement shows that you are on their side, not just trying to enforce a rule. It opens the door to a collaborative conversation rather than a conflict. It is also vital to avoid shaming or guilt-inducing language. Phrases such as ‘you always skip it’ or ‘it only takes a minute’ can make a child feel defensive.  

The Strategy of Micro-Habits and Quick Wins 

The most effective way to counter the ‘no time’ argument is to make the habit so small and quick that it requires almost no time at all. Introduce the concept of a ‘one-minute Sunnah snack’. This involves having ready-to-eat, single-portion items available that can be consumed in seconds. Prepare a small dish the night before with one or three dates, a few almonds, or a single fig. You could also have a spoon with a drop of honey ready to go. The goal is to make the action so simple that it feels easier to do it than to ignore it. You can also create micro-routines by linking the snack to another established morning action.  

Fostering Ownership Through Collaboration 

To achieve long-term success, your child needs to feel a sense of ownership over the routine. Shift the dynamic from you telling them what to do, to both of you solving a problem together. Ask for their input: ‘Since mornings are so rushed, what do you think is the easiest and fastest Sunnah food we could have ready?’ This collaborative problem-solving empowers them and makes them more invested in the outcome. Involve them in the night-before preparations, such as choosing the snack, washing the fruit, or placing it on the breakfast table.  

Spiritual Insight 

The struggle with time in the morning is a modern challenge, but the Islamic tradition offers timeless wisdom to navigate it. The emphasis in our faith is consistently on the quality and intention of an act, not merely its size or duration. When a child feels pressured for time, it is an opportunity to teach them a profound spiritual lesson: that a small, mindful act of obedience can carry immense weight and bring blessings into their day. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Aa’raaf (7), Verse 31: 

‘…And eat and drink and do not be extravagant (wasteful), as indeed, He (Allah Almighty) does not like extravagance…’ 

This verse provides the perfect spiritual response to the feeling of having ‘no time’. It reminds us that the Islamic approach to consumption is rooted in moderation, not excess. A child does not need a large, time-consuming breakfast to fulfil their spiritual or nutritional needs. This divine guidance teaches us to value quality over quantity. A single date eaten with the intention of following the Sunnah and giving thanks to Allah is more aligned with this principle than a large meal eaten hastily and without presence. 

It is recorded in Riyadh Al Saliheen, Hadith 1851, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Allah is Pure and, therefore, accepts only that which is pure. Allah has commanded the believers as He has commanded His Messengers by saying: ‘O Messengers! Eat of the good things, and do good deeds.’ (23:51) And He said: ‘O you who believe (in the Oneness of Allah )! Eat of the lawful things that We have provided you.’ 

This beautiful hadith offers a powerful motivation for a child to take a moment for self-nourishment. To be beneficial to others—to be a focused student in class, a kind friend in the playground, or a helpful child at home—one must first have the physical energy and spiritual clarity to do so. Taking a moment to consume a Sunnah food is an investment in oneself for the sake of others.