Parenting Perspective 

Discipline, even when necessary, can leave an emotional residue. At the end of the day, a child may feel distant or anxious, silently replaying the earlier correction. Intentionally closing the day with a connecting ritual is vital for reassuring them that your love is constant and that every day offers a fresh start. 

Simple Shared Activities 

Choose small, predictable rituals that invite calm interaction and signal safety. These shared activities should be calming and require no performance from the child. 

• Read a story together: Sharing a book creates a moment of quiet closeness. 

• Share one good thing: A simple script like, ‘Before we sleep, let us each share one good thing that happened today,’ shifts the focus from the day’s tensions to moments of gratitude. 

• Make Dua together: Praying together for a peaceful night and a good day tomorrow reinforces a sense of shared faith and security. 

Express Appreciation and Affection 

End the day by acknowledging your child’s effort, regardless of any mistakes that were made. Brief, sincere affirmations combined with physical affection can mend any feelings of disconnection. A simple statement like, ‘I really appreciate how you tried hard with your homework today,’ followed by a hug, reinforces that your love is not conditional on perfect behaviour. 

Encourage Gentle Reflection and Closure 

Invite your child to process the day constructively, building their emotional awareness. Ask simple, forward-looking questions that promote a growth mindset. For example, ‘What was something that made you feel proud today?’ or, ‘Is there anything we could try to do differently tomorrow?’ This practice of reflection and closure empowers them and reinforces that challenges are simply opportunities to learn. 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, discipline and love are intertwined. Ending the day with connection is a beautiful expression of mercy and compassion, reinforcing a child’s emotional and spiritual security. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Tahreem (66), Verses 6: 

‘O you who are believers, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire (of Jahannam) whose fuel is people and stones…’ 

This verse reminds parents of their duty to guide and safeguard their family. This protection is not just about discipline, but also about nurturing their emotional well-being and ensuring they feel secure in their parents’ love. 

It is recorded in Riyadh Al Saliheen, Hadith 2392, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The best of you is the one who is best to his family, and I am the best of you to my family.’ 

By ending each day with rituals of connection, parents are embodying this prophetic example of being ‘the best’ to their families. These moments reinforce love and trust, ensuring that children understand that correction is an act of care, not rejection, and that each new day begins with mercy.