Parenting Perspective 

Resistance to morning and bedtime routines is very common in children. These are natural transition times, where a child must move from comfort to structure, or from play to rest. Responding with nagging or rushing only increases the stress for everyone involved. The key is to make these routines predictable, simple, and engaging, so your child knows what to expect and feels more in control. 

Keep Routines Predictable and Visible 

Children are less likely to resist when they know exactly what is coming next. Use a simple visual schedule, with pictures for each step of the routine, or a checklist for older children. Pointing to the chart reduces arguments and empowers your child with a sense of responsibility for their own routine, as the chart itself becomes the guide. 

Build Positive Associations 

You can reduce resistance by pairing necessary routines with calming or enjoyable activities. For the bedtime routine, including a short, beloved story or a special dua together can make the transition feel loving instead of restrictive. For mornings, playing a fun song or allowing your child to choose their own breakfast can help to motivate cooperation. 

Stay Calm but Consistent 

When your child resists, it is important to avoid long lectures or getting drawn into an argument. Use short, steady, and neutral reminders, such as, ‘It is bedtime now, let’s look at the chart to see what is next.’ If a rule is broken, apply a pre-agreed and calm consequence. Over time, your consistency teaches them that the routines are a non-negotiable part of the day. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam values the principles of structure and balance in our daily lives. Just as prayer has been appointed at fixed times, children also benefit from steady routines that guide them with clarity and consistency. Parents can reflect this wisdom by upholding these daily rituals with calmness. 

Morning and Evening as Times of Order 

The Quran marks the morning and evening as specific times for the remembrance and glorification of Allah, which teaches us that these are moments that should be approached with order, not chaos. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Rome (30), Verses 17: 

‘ So glorify Allah (Almighty), when you reach the evening (prayers of Maghrib and Isha) and when you reach the morning (prayer of Fajr).‘ 

The Prophetic Routine for Bedtime 

The prophetic tradition teaches that even the simple act of going to bed has a beautiful spiritual and practical routine, which should be approached with care and calmness. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2714, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘When one of you goes to his bed, let him brush off his bed with the inside of his lower garment, for he does not know what has come onto it after him, then let him say: In Your name, my Lord, I lie down, and in Your name I rise’ 

By handling resistance to routines with patience and steadiness, you are mirroring this divine balance of structure and gentleness. Your child learns that routines are not just rules for the sake of control but are calming rhythms that nurture both the body and the soul.