How do I help my child see that feelings can pass and change? 

Parenting Perspective 

Use Simple Metaphors 

When children feel overwhelmed by big emotions like anger, sadness, or worry, they often believe that feeling will last forever. This can make them panic or act out more than they need to. Helping your child understand that feelings come and go is a powerful way to give them hope and self-control. Use simple examples they can understand. You might say, ‘Feelings are like clouds in the sky. They look big, but they always move on.’ 

Remind Them of Past Experiences 

Talk about times when they felt angry or sad but later felt better. You can remind them, ‘Remember yesterday you were upset, but today you are laughing again?’ Create calm routines to help them ride out strong feelings, such as deep breathing, cuddling a soft toy, or resting quietly. When your child feels stuck, you could say, ‘It is okay to feel sad right now. This feeling will not last forever.’ Praise your child when they choose to pause and wait for the feeling to pass instead of lashing out. Over time, they will learn that no feeling is too big for them to handle, and that they do not have to be afraid when emotions feel strong. 

Spiritual Insight 

Our faith reminds us that every state of the heart, whether joyful or heavy, changes by the will of Allah Almighty. No joy or sadness stays forever. Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at 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).‘

These words reassure us that no feeling lasts without relief from Allah Almighty. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2594a, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: 

‘Gentleness is not in anything except that it beautifies it, and it is not removed from anything except that it makes it defective. ‘

By responding gently when your child feels trapped in their big emotions, you show them that they can trust your calm presence and Allah Almighty’s mercy. Teach your child a simple Dua to say when feelings feel stuck: ‘Ya Allah, help my heart feel better soon.’ Over time, they will learn that feelings are not storms to fear but clouds that pass, and that every emotion is known, counted, and lightened by Allah Almighty’s love and care.