How do I end the morning on warmth even if the first half went badly? 

Parenting Perspective 

Every parent has experienced a morning that seems to spiral out of control, with spilled breakfast, slow dressing, raised voices, or tears. By the time you finally reach the front door, it is easy to feel drained, disconnected, and guilty. The good news is that it is always possible to reset the emotional tone before you part ways. How you end the morning matters far more than how it began. Children carry the feeling of those final moments with them into their school day. 

Acknowledge the Struggle Without Dwelling on It 

You do not need to give a long lecture or a detailed apology; a simple, sincere acknowledgement is often enough to repair the connection. This shows your child that you recognise the struggle they had, but that you are ready to move forward together in a positive way. 

• ‘This morning was a bit tricky, was it not? But I love you, and I am proud that we worked together to get ready.’ 

Creating a Ritual of Connection 

Establish a small, predictable ritual that you do every single morning before parting. These small rituals create a point of connection and reassurance, regardless of how chaotic the preceding hour may have been. 

• A warm, intentional hug at the door. 

• A special handshake, a fist bump, or a specific wave from the car. 

• A consistent phrase you repeat daily, such as, ‘Have a wonderful day. I will be thinking of you.’ 

Modelling How to Recover After Mistakes 

If you lost your patience earlier in the morning, modelling how to recover from a mistake is a powerful lesson for your child. This teaches them that making amends is a normal part of life and that your love for them is steady and constant, even through difficult moments. 

• ‘I am sorry I got frustrated earlier. Let us try to have a better morning tomorrow. I love you.’ 

• Child: (Still looking upset at the door) Parent: ‘I know the morning was hard for both of us. But here is your hug. Let us make sure we start the day with love.’ 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, great importance is placed not just on how we begin something, but also on how we end it. Just as our lives will be judged by their final deeds, a stressful morning can be redeemed by a warm and merciful conclusion. 

Forgiveness and Renewal 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Zumar (39), Verses 53: 

‘ Say (O Prophet Muhammad ﷺ): “O my servants, those of you who have transgressed against yourselves (by committing sin); do not lose hope in the mercy of Allah (Almighty); indeed, Allah (Almighty) shall forgive the entirety of your sins; indeed, He is the Most Forgiving and the Most Merciful”.‘ 

This verse is a beautiful reminder of the vastness of Allah’s mercy. It teaches us that forgiveness and a return to what is good can reset even the heaviest of hearts and the most difficult of mornings. 

The Prophet ﷺ on Expressing Affection 

It is recorded in Riyadh Al Saliheen, Hadith 383, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘When a man loves his brother, he should tell him that he loves him.’ 

This hadith teaches us that the open expression of love is a sunnah. For a child, hearing a sincere ‘I love you’ at the door is like a shield of warmth and security that they can carry with them throughout their day. 

By consciously choosing to end the morning with warmth, you show your child that mistakes and moments of stress do not have the power to erase love. You model the essential Islamic qualities of mercy, repair, and resilience, which will strengthen both their heart and their faith.