Is it okay if my child sometimes prefers screen time over me, when I am low on energy? 

Parenting Perspective 

Yes, it is perfectly okay for this to happen in small, managed doses. Children naturally gravitate towards activities that offer quick stimulation, and when you are tired, allowing some limited screen time can give you the space you need to recharge without feeling guilty. The key is to ensure this does not quietly become the default replacement for real connection. 

Reframe the Choice, Don’t Personalise It 

Instead of personalising their choice and seeing it as ‘screens instead of me’, it is healthier to treat it as a temporary shift in their attention. Your child’s choice in that moment is often about seeking easy engagement, not a reflection of their love for you. Being mindful about the content they watch and the overall balance of their activities is what truly matters. 

Communicate and Plan for Reconnection 

Let your child know that you are taking a moment for yourself, and set a clear expectation that you will reconnect afterwards. You could say, “I am going to rest for a little while, and then we can do something together.” This simple act of communication honours your need for rest while reassuring them of the connection to come. On days when you have more energy, make a point of offering a simple bonding activity that easily competes with a screen, like sharing a snack or reading a book together. 

Aim for Balance Over Time, Not Perfection Daily 

The goal is not to be the perfect, ever-present parent every single day, but to achieve a healthy balance over the course of a week. When screens are used consciously and intentionally, they can be a useful tool for managing your energy while keeping your relationship with your child strong and secure. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam recognises that human energy levels fluctuate and that taking time to rest is a mercy, not a weakness, provided that our core responsibilities are not neglected. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Furqaan (25), Verse 47: 

‘And it is He (Allah Almighty) Who has designated for you the night as a cover (for respite), and sleep for your rejuvenation; and designated the day for re-energising (the Earth with automated light energy).’ 

This verse reminds us that rest is a natural and necessary part of Allah’s design for our wellbeing, allowing us to rise again for our duties. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1159c, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Your body has a right over you.’ 

This profound teaching establishes that caring for our own physical and emotional needs is an act of responsibility. By accepting that some days will require more rest than others, and balancing them with days of intentional connection, you preserve both your own wellbeing and your child’s sense of security.