Parenting Perspective 

When parents openly discuss their struggles with paying rent in front of their children, the home can begin to feel unstable. A child’s home should be their ultimate place of safety, but overhearing these worries can make them fear losing it, creating a constant and gnawing anxiety that erodes their sense of security. 

Creating Emotional Insecurity in the Home 

A child’s world revolves around the stability of their home. Talk of rent stress, even if overheard, can introduce a level of adult worry into their life that they are not equipped to handle, making their primary place of safety feel uncertain. 

Fostering Feelings of Guilt and Burden 

Children often interpret financial conversations in a very personal way. They may feel guilty, thinking that their own needs are the reason for the family’s hardship. This guilt can grow into a silent burden, with children blaming themselves for circumstances that are completely beyond their control. 

The Impact on Daily Life and Learning 

Anxiety from financial worries can easily spill into a child’s schoolwork and social life. They may struggle to concentrate in class, feel reluctant to invite friends over, or become overly cautious about asking for anything. The stress of instability, even when only overheard, disrupts their natural, carefree development. 

The Long-Term Effects on Attitudes Towards Money 

Growing up surrounded by talk of financial stress can make children fearful of money matters. Some may develop an anxious need for control over their finances in adulthood, while others may learn to associate money only with conflict and fear. 

Guiding Children Through Financial Challenges 

Parents can manage this difficult situation with care. 

• Shield children from detailed financial stress while still offering honest and age-appropriate reassurance. 

• Frame any difficulties as temporary tests from Allah that can be managed with patience and faith. 

• Emphasise stability through consistent family routines, so that children still feel that life is predictable and safe. 

• Teach gentle lessons on gratitude and resourcefulness without overwhelming them with the family’s worries. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that while parents must be responsible with their finances, their ultimate reliance should be on Allah as the Provider (Ar-Razzāq). Discussing financial stress can be a burden, but framing these challenges through the lens of faith can transform a child’s fear into a lesson in resilience and dependence on Him. 

A Quranic Reminder on Divine Provision 

The Quran reassures believers that their provision is ultimately in Allah’s hands, and that true security comes from relying on Him. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Talaaq (65), Verse 3: 

‘…And whoever is reliant on Allah (Almighty), then He is Sufficient for him (in every way); indeed, Allah (Almighty) shall accomplish His command (in all matters); indeed, Allah (Almighty) has calibrated everything (in existence) with appropriate measure.‘ 

This verse teaches that provision is under Allah’s control, not dependent on visible means alone. 

The Prophetic Teaching on Balance and Care 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasised the importance of responsible financial planning to protect one’s family from hardship. 

It is recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 5354, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘It is better for you to leave your heirs wealthy than to leave them poor, begging from others.’ 

This hadith highlights that planning and protecting children from distressing worries is a core part of parental responsibility. 

By teaching children that Allah provides and that financial challenges are a normal part of life’s tests, parents can replace fear with faith. This approach nurtures resilience and gratitude, allowing children to feel safe and confident in their family’s love and in Allah’s promise, even during uncertain times.