Parenting Perspective 

Difficult study sessions often end with frayed tempers; your child is tired and frustrated, you are drained, and neither of you feels positive about the experience. If these final moments are consistently harsh, children can begin to form a negative association between learning and tension. Learning to end with kindness, even after a particularly rough session, helps your child to carry away a feeling of connection instead of conflict. 

Pausing and Setting the Intention to be Kind 

Even if the study time was deeply frustrating for you both, it is important to take one slow breath before officially closing the books. Remind yourself: ‘My child will remember how this session ends far more vividly than the specific mistakes we struggled with.’ 

Using a Gentle and Affirming Closing Phrase 

Replace any sighs of frustration with simple, affirming words that acknowledge their effort. This helps to validate their hard work, regardless of the outcome. 

• ‘You worked very hard today, thank you for that effort.’ 

• ‘I know that was a tough session, but you stuck with it and I am proud of you for that.’ 

• ‘We will try again tomorrow. The most important thing is that you gave it a go.’ 

Acknowledging Effort Over Outcome 

Even if the progress felt minimal, make sure to highlight something positive about their effort. Your focus should be on the process of persevering, not just the results. 

• ‘I saw you keep trying, even when you were feeling tired and frustrated.’ 

• ‘You read that middle paragraph much more smoothly than when we started.’ 

Ending with a Ritual of Connection 

A simple hug, a high-five, or even just a shared, warm smile can be enough to reset the emotional tone of your relationship. These small rituals protect your bond and send a powerful message: your love for them is steady and unconditional, even when homework is difficult. 

• Child: (Closes their book with a frustrated groan) 

• Parent: ‘That felt hard, did it not? Thank you for trying your best. Let us end with a hug and we can start fresh tomorrow.’ 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that kindness and patience are essential components of guidance, especially in moments when frustration is high. Choosing to close a difficult study session with warmth is a direct reflection of prophetic mercy. 

Mercy After Hardship 

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

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

This verse is a profound reminder that every struggle is followed by relief. In a parenting context, offering kindness after a period of difficulty is one way to bring that sense of ease and comfort to your child. 

The Prophet ﷺ on Gentleness 

It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 3689, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Allah is gentle and loves gentleness in all matters.’ 

This hadith teaches us that showing gentleness, especially at the end of a tense or difficult moment, is far more powerful and beneficial than a final corrective word or a display of anger. 

By making a conscious effort to end study time kindly, you teach your child that mistakes and moments of tension do not have the power to erase love. They learn that patience, mercy, and steady encouragement are fundamental to the process of learning, and are a vital part of living one’s faith every day.