How do I reward progress when the result is not there yet? 

Parenting Perspective 

Children often need encouragement throughout their journey, not just when they reach the final goal. If rewards are tied exclusively to outcomes, a child may feel discouraged and give up long before experiencing success. A more effective approach is to notice and celebrate the intermediate steps they take. For example, if they are learning to read, you can acknowledge the effort they put into sounding out new words, even if they stumble. When children feel that their hard work is seen and valued, they become motivated to continue. The key is to make these rewards proportional; not the full prize for completion, but a token of encouragement that keeps their spirits high. 

What to Acknowledge and Celebrate 

Focusing on the process helps your child build a growth mindset. Pay close attention to aspects of their work that demonstrate character and development, such as: 

• Consistency in showing up to try each day. 

• Improvements, even small ones, when compared to their previous attempts. 

• Perseverance when they face difficulties or feel frustrated. 

Practical Ways to Encourage Progress 

Small, consistent acknowledgements are often more powerful than large, infrequent rewards. Consider using a variety of methods to show your appreciation for their effort: 

• Verbal recognition: Highlight their specific effort with phrases like, ‘I love how you tried again without giving up’. 

• Small privileges: Offer an extra choice at dinner or a little more playtime before bed. 

• Visual markers: Use stickers or stars on a chart to show how many steps they have completed. 

• Shared rituals: Create a special high-five, handshake, or a mini family cheer for milestones. 

• Break rewards: Allow them for a brief, enjoyable pause for their favourite activity after a period of sustained effort. 

This approach teaches your child that growth is a gradual process, built over time. By rewarding progress, you are nurturing resilience, patience, and the inner drive needed to reach the outcome. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches us that Allah Almighty values sincere effort and intention, even if the result is not immediately apparent or complete. This principle provides a powerful framework for encouraging our children. 

The Divine Value of Sincere Effort 

The Quran reassures believers that no genuine effort is ever wasted, regardless of the outcome. This is a vital lesson for a child who is struggling with a task. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Aalai Imran (3), Verses 195: 

‘Then their Sustainer responded to them (saying): “Indeed, I shall not let the actions of any labourer amongst you go to waste, whether they are male or female, as some of you are from others (i.e. from the same human race)…”’ 

This ayah offers powerful reassurance that every step taken in sincere effort holds value with Allah. When we praise a child’s hard work, we are mirroring this divine appreciation and teaching them that the act of trying is itself a success. 

The Reward of Good Intentions 

The prophetic tradition further deepens this understanding by highlighting the immense value placed on intention. Even the desire to do good is recognised and rewarded. 

It is recorded in Mishkaat Al Masaabih, Hadith 2374, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘If a man intends to do a good deed but does not do it, Allah records it for him as a full good deed.’ 

This hadith is a beautiful reminder that good intentions and sincere attempts are rewardable acts. For children, this perspective is incredibly empowering. They learn that their efforts matter deeply, which nurtures patience and hope. This focus allows them to feel uplifted by the journey rather than feeling pressured only by the result.