How do I handle rainy days or travel days without defaulting to excessive screen use? 

Parenting Perspective 

Rainy days, long car journeys, or flight delays can tempt any parent to rely heavily on screens to keep the peace. While a small amount of screen time is perfectly fine, building a flexible plan of engaging, low-tech activities will help your child enjoy these times without becoming dependent on a device. 

Prepare a Special ‘Boredom-Busting’ Kit 

Prepare a small box or bag filled with travel-friendly, screen-free activities that are reserved only for these occasions. This could include card games, new colouring pads, sticker books, or mini puzzles. Keeping this kit stored away ensures its contents feel fresh, exciting, and special when you bring it out, making them a genuine treat. 

Create a ‘Rainy Day’ Theme 

For a long day stuck at home, create a simple theme to transform the mood. You could declare it a ‘camp-in’ day and build a blanket fort, tell stories by torchlight, and have an indoor picnic. A theme provides a loose structure for imaginative play, turning a boring day into a memorable adventure. 

Use the Journey Itself as Connection Time 

While travelling, use the time to connect with one another. You can tell family stories, play verbal games like ‘I Spy’ or ’20 Questions’, or listen to an audiobook or Quran recitation together as a family. These activities keep minds active and engaged while fostering a warm, interactive atmosphere. 

Use Screens Mindfully, Not by Default 

If you do decide to use screens, be intentional about it. Choose content that you can discuss afterwards, like a family-friendly film or an interesting documentary. This helps to keep the experience a shared and active one, rather than allowing each family member to retreat into their own passive, digital bubble. 

By having these engaging options ready, you can prevent boredom from automatically turning into screen reliance, while still making the day feel special and memorable. 

Spiritual Insight 

Days spent in close quarters, whether at home or on the road, are wonderful opportunities to practise patience and to deepen family connection if they are approached with gratitude. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Ibraheem (14), Verse 7: 

‘….If you show gratitude, I (Allah Almighty) will indeed, amplify them for you (provisions and sustenance)…’ 

This verse reminds us that making the most of the time we have together, even in challenging circumstances like a long journey, is a practical way of showing gratitude for the blessing of family. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2664, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, although there is good in both.’ 

This hadith teaches us that building resilience in our children including the ability to find joy and manage boredom without constantly relying on screens is an important part of strengthening their character. By turning rainy or travel days into opportunities for creativity and togetherness, you not only avoid excessive screen time but also cultivate precious memories and skills that your child will carry with them for life.