Are there screen activities that still support connection, even when I am not fully present?

Parenting Perspective

Yes, not all screen time has to be isolating. While in-person connection is always ideal, certain screen activities can still nurture a child’s sense of closeness, creativity, and emotional safety, even when you are not fully available. The key is to be intentional about the content you choose and how you frame the activity, turning it into a bridge for future connection rather than a barrier.

Choose Content That Sparks Later Conversation

If you cannot be physically present while they are on a screen, you can still maintain a thread of connection by selecting content that invites a conversation later. A short nature documentary, a problem-solving game, or a cooking tutorial can all become shared points of discussion after the fact. This approach keeps a dialogue open between you, even if you were not there when they first watched it.

Prioritise Interactive Over Passive Media

Whenever possible, guide your child towards activities that require them to think, create, or communicate, rather than just passively watch. This could be building something in a creative application, making a video call to a grandparent, or following an instructional drawing video. Interactive media leaves a child feeling engaged and accomplished, not just passively entertained.

Leave Behind ‘Connection Prompts’

Before you step away, you can set your child up with a small “mission” that invites sharing later. You could ask them to save a funny clip to show you, take a screenshot of their best

creation, or prepare a small project to present to you when you are available again. In this way, they feel your interest and involvement even in your physical absence.

Ensure a Safe, Values-Aligned Environment

The foundation for any independent screen use is safety. Ensure that any activity they engage in respects your family’s values and Islamic guidelines. Setting up parental controls, using pre-approved applications, and choosing child-friendly platforms are essential steps to ensure they are not exposed to harmful or inappropriate content while they are unsupervised.

When screens are used thoughtfully, they can still act as a bridge. By curating safe, interactive, and conversation-worthy activities, you can maintain a sense of connection, even during the times you cannot be right there with them.

Spiritual Insight

In Islam, connection is not limited to physical presence alone; it also includes emotional care, guidance, and the sacred duty of protecting one another from harm. Even when you are not sitting beside your child, your role as a guardian continues in the choices you guide them to make. This, too, is part of fulfilling the trust (amanah) that Allah Almighty has given you as a parent.

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Tahreem (66), Verse 6:

‘O you who are Believers, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire (of Jahannam) whose fuel is people and stones…’

This powerful verse reminds us that safeguarding our families includes guiding their daily choices, even in seemingly small matters like entertainment and media consumption.

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1829a, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

‘Every one of you is a shepherd, and every one of you will be asked about his flock’

This hadith teaches us that parental responsibility is a continuous state. Our role is to provide direction and protection in all circumstances, whether we are physically present or not. By thoughtfully guiding your child’s screen activities, you not only reduce their risk of exposure to harmful content but also show them that your care for them extends beyond the moments you are together.