Restoring Calm After a Challenging Day 

Following a challenging day, stress may subtly remain in the household, impacting both adults and children. Children often experience difficulties managing their emotions after school or social situations, particularly if they have encountered disappointment, too much stimulation, or conflict. During these moments, individuals might lack the words to describe their emotions and may show their distress by pulling away, reacting strongly, or resisting authority. 

Parenting Perspective 

Shifting the Environment with Calmness 

As a parent, changing the home environment starts with demonstrating calmness rather than trying to exert control. Take a moment to evaluate how you are feeling. After that, create a smooth change in the environment by lowering the lights, providing a warm beverage, or playing gentle background sounds. The sensory signals assist the nervous system in restoring balance and indicating a sense of emotional security. 

Reconnecting and Allowing for Reflection 

Establish a calming practice, such as reading out loud, engaging in soft dialogue, or participating in quiet activities side by side, to help rebuild connection without rushing to enforce compliance with behaviour expectations. If your child is experiencing a tough time, it is important to avoid hasty corrections. Instead, wait until they are composed and then provide an opportunity for reflection. For instance: ‘It appeared that you were experiencing some difficulties earlier. Would you prefer to discuss it or illustrate it instead?’ As time passes, these methods assist children in developing self-control and recognising that home is a space for emotional healing, rather than a place that must be flawless. 

Spiritual Insight 

Finding Peace Through Remembrance 

Allah Almighty reminds us in Surah Al Ra’ad (13) Verse 28: 

‘..Indeed, it is only with the remembrance of Allah (Almighty) that one can (and does) find peace of mind and heart.  ‘

This verse reminds us that emotional rest and spiritual stillness are intertwined. A household does not need to be free from hardship in order to feel peaceful; rather, it requires intentional moments of Dhikr, gratitude, and mutual care. 

The Power of Collective Remembrance 

It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 3791 that the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘No people sit in a gathering remembering Allah, But the angels surround them, mercy covers them…and Allah remembers them before those who are with Him. ‘

This Hadith highlights the spiritual potency of collective remembrance. After a tense day, you might invite your family to sit quietly together and recite a short remembrance, such as ‘SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi’ ten times. For younger children, guiding them through a simple breathing exercise followed by a soft prayer like Ya Allah, bring calm to our home can help them feel anchored in both love and faith. By making space for small spiritual routines, parents teach that calmness is not something to force, but a presence to welcome with patience, compassion, and intention.