Guiding Children Through Anger in Times of Change 

Major life transitions such as moving house can provoke strong emotional responses in children, particularly anger. These responses often reflect deeper feelings of anxiety, confusion, or loss of control. Children thrive on predictability, and when routines, familiar spaces, or friendships are disrupted, their sense of security is shaken. Younger children may express distress through tantrums or defiance, while older children may become withdrawn or irritable. These behavioural shifts are not simply disobedience; they are often calls for reassurance and stability. 

Parenting Perspective 

Providing Stability and Emotional Validation 

To support your child, offer structure where possible. Maintain consistent routines around meals, sleep, and family time. Use simple language to explain what is happening and what to expect. Let your child express their emotions through drawing, journaling, or storytelling. Name their feelings calmly: ‘It sounds like you are feeling angry because everything feels different.’ This validates their emotions while modelling respectful expression. Offer small choices to restore a sense of control, such as picking their own bedding or setting up a corner of the new home. As time goes on, the combination of emotional recognition and small, secure routines helps children process their anger and rebuild resilience during transition. 

Spiritual Insight 

The Promise of Ease with Hardship 

Allah Almighty says in Surah Al Inshirah (94) Verse 5–6: 

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

This doubling emphasises Allah Almighty’s promise that difficulties carry relief within them. This verse is a source of strength and perspective during times of upheaval. It assures parents and children alike that change, though challenging, is within their capacity to endure. Big transitions test the emotional equilibrium of a household, and it is natural for both adults and children to feel unsettled. Islam teaches that emotional honesty and resilience can co-exist. 

The Divine Cure for Emotional Distress 

It is recorded in Shahih Bukhari, Hadith 5678 that the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught: 

‘There is no disease that Allah has created, except that He also has created its treatment. ‘

Emotional distress is not exempt from Divine healing. Encourage your child to say, ‘Hasbiyallahu la ilaha illa Huwa’ (Allah is sufficient for me, there is no deity except Him). Reciting this reflection together can anchor the heart during uncertainty. Your calmness, rooted in Tawakkul (trust in Allah Almighty), becomes a spiritual shield for your child. By responding with compassion and stability, you are not only supporting their emotional development but also nurturing their faith in Allah’s wisdom and mercy through life’s inevitable changes.