Parenting Perspective 

When children rush through chores, their true motivation is usually not laziness but eagerness. Play holds instant rewards, while chores feel like an obstacle to overcome quickly. The result is sloppy effort—crumbs left on the table, clothes half-folded, or toys shoved under the bed—because their attention is fixed on returning to what excites them. This is not defiance but a sign that the child has not yet linked quality in work with pride and responsibility. 

Naming the Real Drive 

Children are naturally drawn to what feels enjoyable. The mistake parents often make is to equate rushing with disrespect. In reality, the child is protecting their playtime. Recognising this drive helps parents shift from anger (‘You never do things properly!’) to guidance (‘I see you want to get back to play, but let us see how we can finish this well first’). 

Teaching Quality Through Presence 

One way to counter sloppiness is to model presence in the task. If you fold one shirt slowly and hand it to your child, saying, ‘This is what done properly looks like,’ you turn quality into something visible. Children learn by imitation, not lectures. Even a five-minute demonstration can slow their pace and give them a new benchmark. 

Linking Pride to Effort 

Instead of only correcting what was missed, highlight the difference between rushed and careful work. You might say, ‘When the dishes are washed properly, the kitchen looks fresh and welcoming. That is the result of your effort.’ Children need to connect chores to visible outcomes. Over time, they learn that neatness brings satisfaction, not just delay in play. 

Micro-Action to Try 

Next time your child rushes a chore, do not scold. Invite them to redo just one small part carefully, then compare both results side by side. The contrast teaches more than repeated nagging. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islamic teaching emphasises ihsan, excellence in every deed, no matter how small. Rushing to finish without care contradicts this spirit. Even ordinary tasks like sweeping, cooking, or washing are acts of trust, showing respect for the home Allah Almighty has blessed us with. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Mulk (67), Verse 2: 

‘It is He (Allah Almighty) Who has created mortal expiration and life so that you may be tested; as to which one a few (conducts himself) in better deeds; and He is the Most Cherished and the Most Forgiving.’ 

Notice the verse does not say ‘most deeds’, but ‘best in deed’. Quality, not speed, defines value in the eyes of Allah Almighty. 

It is recorded in 40 Hadith Al Nawawi, Hadith 17, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:  

‘Verily Allah has prescribed ihsan (proficiency, perfection) in all things.’  

Teaching children that even small chores deserve care instils in them a habit of ihsan. When they slow down and complete tasks with attentiveness, they are not only helping the family but also training their hearts to value sincerity over haste. 

Chores done properly become silent lessons in excellence. By linking play with joy and chores with pride, you help your child discover that satisfaction comes not from rushing through life, but from giving their best in whatever they do.