Parenting Perspective 

Children often view praise as a reward for a single achievement, risking the belief that their work is complete. To counteract this, share narratives that frame success as a signpost on a continuing journey. This helps children internalise that praise is a checkpoint along a lifelong path of growth, not an endpoint. 

1. Narratives of Persistence 

Use personal or historical accounts to highlight that significant achievements are built on gradual, persistent effort, not sudden talent. 

• The Struggling Learner: Recount the story of someone who successfully memorised the Quran or mastered a skill, emphasizing the weeks of dedication, reflection, and adjustment along the way, not just the final moment of success. 

• The Family Struggle: Share a relatable story from your own life where you struggled with a skill or task and only succeeded after repeated attempts. This models that learning is continuous and valuable at every stage. 

• The Core Message: Frame the lesson by saying: ‘See how every day of practice built up to this moment? Your consistent effort matters just as much as the outcome.’ 

A micro-action is to set aside two minutes after celebrating a success to recount one short story that demonstrates growth over time. End with a reflective question like, ‘Which part of your effort today reminds you of the patience in that story?’ 

2. Stories of Collaborative Growth 

Highlight teamwork or collaborative projects to show how consistent, small contributions accumulate into meaningful results. 

• Team Contribution: Use phrases like: ‘Look at how every small idea or task added up to this big achievement!’ 

• Building and Experimenting: Reinforce that learning is a process of building, experimenting, and improving, not a one off victory. This ensures children see their effort as part of a larger, ongoing construct. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam emphasises that effort, perseverance, and sincere intention are valued above isolated achievements. Framing stories around these principles teaches children that Allah Almighty rewards ongoing effort and mindful learning, fostering patience and continual growth. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran in Surah Al Kahf (18), Verse 7: 

‘Indeed, We (Allah Almighty) have designated certain luxuries in what is in the Earth, so that We (Allah Almighty) may test them, as to which one of them (behaves) with the best conduct.’ 

This verse underscores that life is a testing ground where effort and learning carry meaning beyond immediate recognition. Praise, when linked to this effort and growth, mirrors this divine wisdom. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 6464, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The most beloved deeds to Allah are those done consistently, even if they are few.’ 

Using this teaching, parents can frame stories to show children that every repeated effort and incremental improvement is spiritually and personally valuable. Each story becomes a bridge to reflection, helping children appreciate the continuity of growth and the significance of persistent effort under the blessings of Allah Almighty. 

By connecting praise to narrative, reflection, and intention, children learn that recognition is not the end, but a signal to continue, explore, and grow. This mindset nurtures resilience, curiosity, and humility, cultivating a lifelong love for learning.