How do I handle a child who rushes chores in order to stop doing them? 

Parenting Perspective 

It can be frustrating to watch your child rush through chores, leaving tasks half-done or poorly completed. Yet this behaviour is not usually defiance; it often comes from wanting to finish quickly so they can return to something more enjoyable. The key is to teach them that doing a job well is more valuable than doing it fast, and that family responsibilities require care.

1. Break Jobs into Clear Steps 

Children sometimes rush because chores feel vague or overwhelming. Instead of ‘Tidy your room’, say: ‘Put your toys in the basket, then fold the blanket.’ Small, specific steps help them focus without cutting corners. 

2. Connect Effort to Real Benefits 

Show them why carefulness matters: ‘When you sweep properly, crumbs will not stick to our feet.’ Linking effort to comfort or order makes the outcome meaningful, not just another demand. 

3. Gently Hold Them Accountable 

If a chore is rushed, calmly ask them to redo it: ‘The plates are still greasy, let us wash them again.’ Over time, they learn that rushing only delays their freedom, while carefulness gets them done sooner. 

4. Model and Guide 

Demonstrate the standard yourself (wiping a table slowly, stacking books neatly) then invite them to copy. Children learn better when they see, not just when they are told. 

5. Praise Careful Effort 

Instead of focusing only on mistakes, highlight improvements: ‘I like how you lined the shoes properly this time.’ Recognition motivates them to keep slowing down and taking pride in their work. 

Handled consistently, these steps teach children that chores are not hurdles to rush through but opportunities to build responsibility and contribute meaningfully to family life. 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, even small daily acts can carry great reward if done with sincerity. Teaching children to approach chores with care is not just about clean rooms; it is about training the heart to value excellence (ihsan) in all matters. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Qasas (28), Verses 77: 

‘And seek (to discover) from what Allah (Almighty) has bestowed upon you for the abode in the Hereafter; and do not forget your (true) functionality in this world; and show favour (onto others) as Allah (Almighty) has shown favour upon you…’ 

This reminds us that doing good is not limited to big acts of worship. Even in simple household duties, showing care and consistency reflects gratitude to Allah Almighty. 

It is recorded in Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 1412, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Allah loves that when one of you does a job, he does it with excellence.’ 

This teaches us that thoroughness in any task, even sweeping the floor or folding clothes, is beloved to Allah Almighty. 

When parents guide children to slow down and take care with chores, they are not only shaping responsible habits but also instilling the spiritual value of ihsan. Over time, the child learns that care in small matters builds character, pleases Allah Almighty, and contributes to a home filled with peace and barakah.