What should I do when my child redoes a job badly to get out of it? 

Parenting Perspective 

When a child deliberately performs a task poorly to avoid responsibility, it can feel truly exasperating. The first step is to pause and observe the situation without an immediate show of frustration. It is helpful to recognise that this behaviour is often a strategy to regain a sense of control or to avoid discomfort, rather than being an act of pure defiance. Approach the moment calmly and frame it as a learning opportunity, not as a punishment. You can begin by stating your observation neutrally: ‘I can see you rushed through this job and it has not been done properly.’ Using specific, non-judgmental language prevents defensiveness and encourages your child to reflect on their actions. 

Encourage Reflection and Ownership 

Guide your child to take responsibility for their work without shaming them. Ask a simple question such as, ‘What do you think could make this better?’ Invite them to redo the task correctly, explaining how completing it with care contributes positively to the family. Offering limited choices, like ‘Do you want to redo it now or after a short break?’, gives them a sense of autonomy while still holding them accountable for the quality of their effort. 

Reinforce Effort Over Escape 

Make a point to praise genuine effort, even if the result is still imperfect: ‘I appreciate that you are trying again; now let us focus on doing it completely.’ Avoid the temptation to lecture or make threats, as these responses often reinforce the very avoidance strategies you are trying to discourage. Over time, your consistent and calm guidance will teach your child that trying sincerely is valued and that taking shortcuts to avoid responsibility is not an effective strategy. 

Spiritual Insight 

Integrity as a Core of Faith 

Islam places immense emphasis on sincerity (ikhlas) and honesty in every action, no matter how small. Doing a task half-heartedly or carelessly, even if unnoticed by others, contradicts the spirit of ihsan — doing one’s work with excellence. Teaching children that their effort is seen by Allah Almighty helps them understand that the true measure of success is not in avoiding a task but in completing it with sincerity and care. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Mulk (67), Verse 2: 
‘It is He (Allah Almighty) Who has created mortal expiration and life so that you may be tested; as to which one a few (conducts himself) in better deeds…’ 

This verse calls believers to focus not on the size or visibility of their deeds, but on their quality and intention. Parents can use this teaching to explain that every small task — from tidying their room to helping with dishes — is an opportunity to practise honesty and excellence before Allah, who values effort done with the right heart. 

Consistency and Sincere Effort 

The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ consistently taught that steadiness and sincerity in one’s actions outweigh grand but inconsistent efforts. 

It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 4237, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 
‘The most beloved of deeds to Allah are those done consistently, even if they are small.’ 

This hadith highlights the virtue of dependable, sincere effort. When parents respond to careless work with calm redirection instead of anger, they model accountability and integrity — traits that build both moral strength and spiritual maturity. Children gradually learn that doing a job properly is not about perfection or pleasing others, but about being trustworthy, disciplined, and mindful before Allah Almighty. Through this, even mundane household tasks become acts of worship and opportunities for moral growth.