How to Speak Up Without Fearing You Do Not Love Your Child Enough 

Parenting Perspective 

It is entirely natural to feel that admitting your struggle might be seen as a failing in love, but this is not the case. Struggle does not negate affection; it often coexists with it. Recognising your limits is an act of care, not a sign of withdrawal. 

Honesty with Purpose 

Begin by remembering that the simplest way to speak up is through honesty with purpose. You might say to someone you trust, ‘I am finding today harder than usual, and I would appreciate a listening ear or a short break.’ This frames your admission as a need for support, not an apology for love. It keeps the focus on well-being, not on blame. 

Redefine Strength 

It may also help to redefine strength in your mind. Strength is not always showing up untouched; it is sometimes knowing when to ask for community to help you remain present. When your child sees you care enough to admit when things are tough, they learn that love does not demand perfection, it demands sincerity. 

Extend Kindness to Yourself 

Ask yourself that would you doubt another loving parent who admitted they were overwhelmed? The answer to this most likely would be no. Extend that same kindness to yourself. Speaking up can strengthen your ability to parent instead of weakening it. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam honours honesty, humility, and seeking support, not as a sign of weak faith, but as evidence of sincere, responsible belief. 

A Reminder that Allah Responds to the Distressed 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Namal (27), verse 62: 

‘Or Who is it that responds to the distressed people, when they call upon Him; and He (Allah Almighty) removes maliciousness…’ 

This Verse reassures us that expressing hardship and calling for relief is not only permitted, it is recognised and heard. Bringing real struggles into words is a form of prayer. 

Seeking Help Does Not Contradict Reliance 

It is also affirmed that if a person calls upon his mother or anyone else to help him in a matter in which that person is able to help, then this is permissible. This affirms that asking for help from those around you, when they are able to assist, is allowed, and does not conflict with reliance on Allah. 

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

 ‘The strong person is not the one who overcomes people by his strength, but the strong person is the one who controls himself when he is angry.’ 

[Sahih al-Bukhari, 78:141] 

 
This Hadith illustrates that strength lies in self-awareness and emotional regulation—not in hiding your distress, but in honouring your limits with grace. 

Your vulnerability is not a betrayal of love; it is an expression of trust in the support Allah has placed around you. When you speak up, you are not signaling weakness, you are teaching your child how to navigate life with sincerity, humility, and faith. You are not failing. You are modelling humanity, and that is one of the greatest gifts a parent can give their child.