Parenting Perspective 

Parents often fall into the habit of asking a long list of questions in the morning rush: ‘Have you brushed your teeth?’, ‘Is your school bag packed?’. While these checks can feel necessary, they also create stress and can leave a child feeling micromanaged. A better approach is to agree on a clear ‘readiness signal’, a small sign your child can give you to show that they are ready for the day without you having to ask. 

To create this routine, you can establish a clear signal together. Agree on a simple action that will become their marker of being ready. This could be: 

• Standing at the door with their shoes on. 

• Placing their school bag on the table near the exit. 

• Giving you a thumbs-up or saying a short phrase like, ‘All set!’ 

It is important to make it consistent by using the same signal every morning so it becomes a habit. When they give the signal, respond with warmth and encouragement, such as, ‘I see you are ready, great job!’ This reinforces their independence and makes the routine feel positive. Finally, once the signal is established, you must reduce over-checking. Trust the system you have created and let the responsibility grow gradually with your child. 

By shifting from constant reminders to one clear readiness sign, you can ease morning tension and show your child that you trust them. This strengthens both their confidence and their independence. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam encourages parents to foster a sense of responsibility and trust within the family. Giving children ownership of their actions, even in small, everyday matters, is a part of nurturing them to become mature and responsible believers. 

Guidance from the Noble Quran 

The Quran reminds us that each person acts according to their own way, and that taking personal responsibility is a sign of being well-guided. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Israa (17), Verse 84: 

‘ Say (O Prophet Muhammad ﷺ): “Each person acts according to their own temperament, so your Sustainer is fully aware as to who is the one, who (has chosen to be on) the rightly guided pathways”.‘ 

This teaches us that allowing a child to develop their own responsible manner is part of their growth. 

Teaching from the Hadith 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that responsibility is a central part of faith, and that even children can be guided to carry their small duties with a sense of trust. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 893, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock.’ 

This shows that nurturing responsibility in children is part of fulfilling our own duty as parents. 

By recognising a child’s readiness signal without constant questions, you affirm their growing independence. They learn that being trusted is an empowering feeling and is part of living responsibly in the sight of Allah.