Parents are all pressed for time. Between managing household duties and childrens’ needs and demands, not to mention all the various social obligations in life, it is hard to balance it all. Add to that a full time job and it is definitely a challenge to get it all done.

As a Muslim, we have to ask Allah for help to accomplish our tasks. There is one hadith in which the Prophet (SAW) gave advice to his daughter who was feeling tired from all the household demands on her. He said “Shall I not teach you something better than what you asked for? When you go to your bed, magnify Allah thirty-four time, glorify Him thirty -three times and Praise Him thirty-three times. That is better for you than a servent.” (Sahih Bukhari:3502 and Muslim 27:27.) Another variation states to do this after every prayer. The arabic tasbeeh is Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar. By doing this, we will receive help from Allah and add blessings to our daily work. With the right intention, even mundane chores can be an act of worship.

Another way to look at our chores is from an angle of gratitude. Gratitude that we were able to have healthy children. Gratitude that we have a home to look after and food to cook. Gratitude that we have clothes to fold. Gratitude that we have family and friends to visit. Gratitude that we have intact bodies.

Remember to take it one day at a time, no one is guaranteed tomorrow!