How to Recognise When You Need to Stop 

Parenting Perspective 

When your body keeps moving but your tone becomes short and your presence feels dulled, it is your inner self signaling a need to pause. Being constantly ‘on’ may seem like dedication, but when emotional strain begins to appear in the speech you use with your child, affecting your tone and conversations, that is an alarm telling you that you need a moment. 

Set Gentle Internal Check-Ins 

The first step is tuning into that alarm and checking what is going on. Try setting gentle internal check-ins at transition points in your day: before school drop-off, after lunch, before bedtime. Ask yourself, ‘Am I still connected to this moment, or am I just running on habit?’ If the answer is not clear, that is your sign to take a breath. It does not have to be a full break. It can be a moment to soften your shoulders and exhale so you can relax. 

Re-enter with Softness 

Stopping does not mean abandoning your responsibilities. It means re-entering them with softness. You could say aloud to your child, ‘I am feeling stretched; I will sit for five minutes to refill.’ This does not just benefit you; it teaches your child that honouring your limits is an act of strength, not failure. 

Change the Rhythm 

If stopping entirely feels unreachable, try changing the rhythm. Light a candle before dinner prep. Turn on a recitation as you fold laundry. Even one small sensory shift can recalibrate your nervous system and gently interrupt the fatigue loop. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam does not call you to burnout by working excessively nor does it ask you to overburden yourself. It calls you to intentional effort paired with care of the body, heart, and soul. 

A Reminder That Responsibility Should Not Crush the Soul 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Taaha (20), verses 2-3: 

‘’We have not sent down to you the noble Quran to cause you distress (by the non-conformity of it by the people), except it is only a realisation for that person who is astonished (by the power of Allah Almighty).’ 

This Verse reminds us that even divine responsibility was never meant to crush the soul. Your striving as a parent must also allow space for compassion, towards yourself. 

The Prophetic Model: Your Self Has Rights Over You 

It is recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Verily, your own self has rights over you. ‘

[Sahih al-Bukhari, 67:133] 

This Hadith clarifies that Islam does not elevate constant productivity above balance. Meeting your emotional edge with mercy is an act of Deen, not defiance. 

Stopping, then, is not retreat. It is a return, to presence, to warmth, to your child’s eyes looking for your softness. The moment you pause and breathe with intention, you are not giving up. You are coming back to what truly matters and is valuable to you.