Parenting Perspective 

When a child says they are weary of their responsibilities, the feeling often comes from a mix of being overwhelmed, feeling insecure, or simply wanting more autonomy. They may feel burdened by tasks and fear letting you down. Your role is to acknowledge this tension with empathy, while gently guiding them to see the value of their contributions. 

Acknowledge and Validate Their Fatigue 

Start by recognising the reality of their exhaustion: ‘I can see that all these tasks feel very heavy right now, and it is completely normal to feel tired sometimes.’ This validation reassures your child that their feelings are legitimate and that expressing frustration will not be met with disapproval. Naming the weight they feel can often lighten the emotional load. 

Reframe Responsibility as Empowerment 

Help your child to see that responsibilities are not just chores, but opportunities to build independence and confidence. You might frame it as, ‘Each small task you complete is a way of showing you care for our family, and it also helps you learn important life skills.’ By linking their duties to personal growth rather than mere compliance, they can begin to feel a sense of agency rather than fatigue. 

Introduce Choice and Small Steps 

Offer your child a voice in how their responsibilities are managed. Breaking a large task into smaller steps or giving them a choice—‘Would you prefer to help set the table or clear it afterwards?’—can reinforce their autonomy and reduce the feeling of being forced.¹ You can also ask them to identify one responsibility they feel they can handle tomorrow. Acknowledging their effort afterwards with a simple, ‘You handled that so well; thank you,’ reinforces that small wins build motivation. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam encourages a balance between effort and rest, recognising our human need for measured engagement. It places great value on fulfilling our duties with sincerity, not just with robotic compliance. Even at a young age, children can learn that their small, consistent acts contribute meaningfully to both family life and their own spiritual growth. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Insaan (76), Verse 2: 

‘Indeed, We (Allah Almighty) created mankind; from a drop of semen mixed (with other fluids); so that We may assess him (in his later life); then we made for him (the faculties of) hearing and seeing.’ 

This verse reminds us that life is inherently a test, and that the skills we develop, including patience and responsibility, are the tools through which we navigate its challenges. A child’s experience of fulfilling their duties, even when tiring, is a part of how they cultivate spiritual endurance and awareness. 

I 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.’  

Sharing this hadith can illustrate that contributing to the family, even in small ways, carries immense value and is a mark of a good character. When a child understands that their efforts are meaningful and appreciated, the idea of responsibility can transform from a heavy burden into a source of pride and spiritual growth. 

By validating your child’s feelings, reframing tasks as opportunities, offering them choice, and linking their effort to a higher purpose, they can learn that responsibilities are not only manageable but are a vital way to develop character, resilience, and a sense of meaningful contribution.