How do I help my child handle feeling bored or frustrated in lessons? 

Parenting Perspective 

Normalise Their Feelings 

It is very common for children to feel bored or frustrated in class. They might find some subjects too easy, too difficult, or simply not interesting at that moment. If this feeling is not acknowledged, it can lead to daydreaming, disruptive behaviour, or a sense that school is pointless. Start by letting your child know that boredom and frustration are normal feelings, not a sign that they are a bad student. Use calm words: ‘Everyone feels bored sometimes. What we do with that feeling is what matters.’ 

Find Solutions Together 

Ask your child to describe which lessons feel dull or too difficult. Listen fully, without immediately jumping in with advice. Sometimes just talking about it helps them to feel heard. Together, you can come up with small ideas for them to try. If a lesson feels too easy, they could ask the teacher for an extra challenge. If something is too hard, you can practise at home in small steps and remind them that they can always ask for help in class. You can also practise phrases they can use, such as, ‘I am stuck. Could you help me understand this part?’ 

Teach Them How to Refocus 

Explain that it is normal for the mind to wander when we are tired or uninterested, but gently teach them ways to bring it back. Suggest they take quiet breaths, doodle key points, or break big tasks into tiny parts. Praise them every time they try to use these small tools, even if they do not always work. Over time, your warm encouragement helps your child to see that boredom and frustration are feelings they can manage, not reasons to give up on learning. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches us that knowledge is a gift and a trust, even when the process of learning feels dull or hard. Allah Almighty encourages us to seek beneficial knowledge and to handle any tests of patience along the way. Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Taaha (20), Verse 114: 

‘…And say: O my Sustainer, increase for me (the parameters of) knowledge.‘

Teach your child this simple Dua to say quietly when they feel restless in class. It reminds them that learning is not just about marks, it is an act that pleases Allah Almighty when done with sincerity. 

It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 225, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: 

‘Whoever follows a path in the pursuit of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise.‘

Share this Hadith with your child to show them that even on boring or frustrating days, trying to learn with patience brings blessings they cannot yet see. Remind them that Sabr is part of every journey. When they feel stuck, they can whisper: ‘Ya Allah, help me stay focused and benefit from this knowledge.’ Over time, these small spiritual habits will help your child see that every effort in the classroom, big or small, is seen and rewarded by Allah Almighty.