When life feels rushed and fractured, how do we still show up as parents who care deeply? 

Parenting Perspective 

In the chaos of a busy life, it is easy for parenting to become a list of tasks rather than a relationship. Children, however, do not measure love in hours, but in moments of genuine connection. The key is to be intentional, even when you are stretched. 

Redefine Presence as Focused Attention 

You may not have long, uninterrupted hours, but you can create powerful “micro-moments” of connection. This is about quality, not quantity. When you speak to your child, put your phone down, make full eye contact, and truly listen, even if it is only for a few minutes. These small gestures of focused attention speak volumes. 

Create Small, Consistent Rituals 

Children thrive on predictability, which creates a sense of safety and love. Establish a few simple but consistent family rituals that you can protect no matter how busy you are. This could be a shared dua every morning, a five-minute check-in after school, or always reading a story together before bed. 

Manage Your Own Overwhelm 

A parent who is constantly distracted or stressed cannot be emotionally present. It is crucial to manage your own overwhelm. Agree with your spouse to protect small pockets of tech-free family time and support each other in being present. Remember that your child feels your stress, so your self-care is also an act of care for them. 

Offer Reassurance, Not Guilt 

Avoid over-apologising for being busy, as this can make a child feel like a burden. Instead, offer simple, honest reassurance. You can say, ‘Things are very busy at the moment, but I want you to know that you are the most important person in my world, and I am always here for you’. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam acknowledges the demands of this life but reminds us that our primary responsibility is the sacred trust of our families, which requires a sincere and present heart. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Mulk (67), Verse 15: 

‘It is He who made the earth tame for you, so walk among its slopes and eat of His provision, and to Him is the resurrection…‘ 

This verse affirms the nobility of seeking one’s provision in the world. However, it ends with the crucial reminder that our ultimate return is to Allah. This reminds us that while we must navigate our worldly responsibilities, we must never lose sight of our sacred duties—the most important of which is the family He has entrusted to us. 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that strength includes striving even when we are tired. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, 2664, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, while there is good in both.’ 

This hadith reminds us that true strength is not about having a perfect, stress-free life. It is about the resilience to remain present, loving, and steadfast for our families even when we feel overwhelmed. The effort a parent makes to connect with their child, even in the midst of a hectic day, is a mark of this strength that is beloved by Allah.