What kind of short breaks help my child feel fresh and ready again? 

Parenting Perspective 

Breaks with Light Movement 

Short breaks are a vital part of keeping your child’s mind engaged and their body energised. The most effective breaks are those that involve light movement and a shift in activity. Encourage your child to get up and stretch, take a few steps around the room, bounce a ball, or do a short and fun household chore like watering plants or tidying their bookshelf. Activities like these provide a physical reset and allow their brain to recharge. 

Avoiding Screens and Choosing Calming Alternatives 

Avoid screens during these short breaks, as they can often lead to overstimulation or disengagement. A five-minute cartoon or game might seem relaxing but can make it harder for a child to return to focused study. Instead, offer options that are calming or purposeful, such as listening to soft nasheeds, doodling, or preparing a simple snack together. You can ask, ‘What helps your brain feel better when it is tired?’ This opens a conversation about emotional awareness and self-care, helping your child build lasting habits of balance and wellbeing. 

Over time, your child will begin to associate breaks not with escape, but with renewal. By making these moments intentional, you teach them the value of listening to their body and returning to tasks with clarity and calm. 

Spiritual Insight 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Jumu’ahh (62), Verse 10: 

“Then when the prayer has concluded, then dispersed on the Earth and seek the benefaction of Allah (Almighty)… “

This verse teaches us the rhythm of life: periods of focus followed by action and movement. It affirms that breaks and changes in activity are not only natural but Divinely recognised as part of a healthy, productive life. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 5199, that holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: 

“Your body has a right over you. “

These words serve as a profound reminder that looking after one’s physical and emotional state is not indulgent, it is an act of responsibility and spiritual integrity. When your child takes time to refresh, they are not being lazy. They are honouring the body Allah Almighty has entrusted them with. 

Teaching your child that balance between effort and rest brings Barakah into their day gives deeper meaning to even the smallest pause. It turns a short break into a mindful reset, preparing them not just to study well, but to live with greater ease, awareness, and spiritual presence.