Parenting Perspective 

For many children, chores appear to be nothing more than physical labour—washing dishes, folding clothes, sweeping the floor. What they may not realise is that every chore holds a quiet lesson in service and patience. The challenge for parents is to translate these hidden lessons into words and experiences that children can understand. 

Service as an Act of Care 

Service begins with recognising that life is not only about oneself. When a child puts effort into a task that benefits the family, they practise the art of giving. Sweeping a shared room is not just cleaning; it is an act of care for those who use the space. Laying the table is not only about plates and spoons; it is preparing comfort for others. If parents help children see that chores are not merely about ticking off duties but about caring for the people they love, then the chores shift from being tasks to being offerings. 

Patience Through Repetition 

Patience is the second pillar hidden within chores. Many tasks are repetitive: laundry will always return, dishes never end. For a child, this repetition can feel tiresome, but it is also a training ground for resilience. Completing the same job regularly teaches them to stay steady even when the reward is not immediate. Psychologically, such experiences strengthen self-control and reduce the impulse to quit when faced with difficulty in other areas of life. 

Narrating the Meaning 

To highlight these values, parents can gently narrate the meaning as the child works. For example: ‘When you take time to finish this calmly, you are learning patience,’ or ‘The way you are helping us today is a form of service to your family.’ This commentary slowly builds an internal association between chores and virtues. 

Micro-Action to Try 

A small micro-action could be to choose one task a week and, after it is complete, ask the child: ‘What did you notice about yourself while doing this?’ This encourages reflection, helping them connect the chore with the inner qualities they are building. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam elevates everyday acts when done with sincerity, and chores are no exception. Service and patience are two qualities praised throughout the noble Quran and Hadith, and children can be taught that these values are not abstract—they are lived out in simple, daily actions. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Furqaan (25), Verse 63: 

‘And the true servants of the One Who is Most Beneficent are those who wander around the Earth with humility; and when they are addressed by the ignorant people, they say: “Peace be unto you”.’ 

This verse highlights humility and calm patience as marks of true servants of Allah Almighty. A child who practices patience through repeated chores is walking a similar path of training, learning to respond with calmness instead of frustration. 

It is recorded in Sahi Bukhari, Hadith 6029, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:  

 ‘The best among you are those who have the best manners and character.’ 

Here lies the essence of service: to be beneficial to others, even in small ways. Taking responsibility at home, sharing the workload, and easing another’s burden are all counted as beneficial deeds. 

Parents can tell their children that every time they wash dishes, tidy a room, or set the table with a patient heart, they are joining the beloved path of those who serve. Their service is not unnoticed, for Allah Almighty values even the hidden efforts.