Parenting Perspective 

When another adult begins doing school runs, many children feel unsettled, not because they dislike that person, but because routines represent safety. The child’s morning goodbye, the car ride, and the walk through the gate are all cues that shape their emotional rhythm. When that rhythm changes, anxiety can surface as clinginess, irritability, or silence. Preparing your child for this transition is not about dismissing their feelings, but about making the new routine predictable, trusted, and emotionally anchored. 

Name the Change Before It Happens 

Children cope better with what they can anticipate. A few days before the switch, calmly explain: ‘From Monday, Uncle Ahmed will take you to school instead of me. I have told him what you like to talk about on the way and how you like to wave goodbye at the gate’. This helps the child to imagine the scene ahead rather than feeling ambushed. Mention small, specific details, such as the route, the time, or the car, to replace uncertainty with mental images. The more familiar it feels, the less frightening it becomes. 

Transfer Your Trust, Not Just the Task 

The adult stepping in, whether a grandparent, relative, or friend, must become a safe extension of you. Let your child see your warmth and confidence toward them, as children take cues from how we regard others. A brief, cheerful handover can make all the difference: ‘You are going with Aunty Sara today, she is really looking forward to hearing your new song!’. Avoid anxious goodbyes that make your child sense tension. Instead, show reassurance in your tone and body language. 

Keep a Small Token of Connection 

For the first few days, send your child with a ‘connection object’, a handkerchief sprayed with your perfume, a tiny note, or a du’a card in their pocket. This gives them a physical reminder of your presence. For many children, this tangible comfort is enough to bridge the emotional gap between home and school. 

Maintain Emotional Continuity 

After the new arrangement begins, spend a few minutes each evening reconnecting over the story of their journey. Ask, ‘What did you and Uncle Ahmed talk about today?’. This helps your child to process the change, shows that you are still emotionally involved, and reaffirms that even when someone else drives, you remain their safe base. Over time, the child learns that love and care are not tied to who performs the school run, but to the bond that continues beyond it. 

Spiritual Insight 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Qasas (28), Verse 7: 

‘And We (Allah Almighty) thus inspired the mother of (Prophet) Musa (AS) that she should: “Breastfeed him, and when she has (reason to) fear for his life, then cast him into the river (in a basket); and then do not fear (for his safety), and do not grieve (for his loss); indeed, We (Allah Almighty) shall return him back to you…”.’ 

This verse reminds us of the profound faith of a mother who had to let go, trusting that Allah Almighty would protect her child beyond her sight. For every parent entrusting their child to another caregiver, the same message applies: do your part with love, caution, and preparation, then trust Allah Almighty’s protection to accompany your child. True security is not in your constant presence, but in the remembrance and reliance upon Him. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 2517, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Tie your camel first, then put your trust in Allah.’ 

This Hadith offers a balanced blueprint for such moments. Parents are called to act with both responsibility and faith. You prepare your child practically by communicating, rehearsing, and reassuring, and you also anchor your heart spiritually in tawakkul, or trust in Allah Almighty. The ‘tying’ of the camel is your thoughtful preparation; the ‘trust’ is the inner surrender that Allah Almighty will guard them through every journey. 

Each small handover becomes a living lesson in faith for your child. When they see you stay calm, smile, and whisper a du’a before they leave, they learn that safety flows not only from parental presence but from divine care. In teaching them to rely on Allah Almighty while accepting change, you help their hearts grow strong enough to face the world with both confidence and faith.