How do I handle it when conversations keep getting cut short because one of us is distracted by notifications? 

Parenting Perspective 

Constant interruptions from notifications can slowly degrade the quality of your conversations, leaving both you and your child feeling unheard and unimportant. A practical first step is to establish designated ‘notification-free’ zones or times, such as during meals or the bedtime routine. This does not require abandoning devices, but simply silencing alerts to protect your shared attention. You can also model this behaviour by saying aloud, ‘I am putting my phone on silent now so I can listen properly’, which clearly signals to your child that they are your priority. 

Agree on Shared Tech Etiquette 

If your child has their own device, it is crucial to involve them in setting boundaries. You could agree together that during family dinner, for example, all phones are silenced and placed in a basket. When interruptions inevitably occur, try to handle them with grace instead of irritation. Acknowledge the break and then consciously circle back to the original topic by saying, ‘You were telling me about your art project; I would love to hear the rest’. This normalises the act of returning to a conversation and preserves the connection. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islamic teachings consistently encourage us to be mindful and self-controlled in our actions, which includes managing the impulse to react to every digital alert. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Luqman (31), Verse 19: 

‘And be modest in your attitude and lower your voice (in dealing with people); as indeed, the harshest of all sounds, is the noise of the donkeys…’ 

This verse, advising moderation in one’s voice and pace, carries a deeper wisdom about being mindful and present. It encourages a state of calm focus in our interactions, which is the opposite of the scattered attention caused by constant notifications. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2609, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The strong man is not the one who can overpower others in wrestling, but the strong man is the one who controls himself when angry.’ 

This powerful Hadith teaches that true strength lies in self-control. In our modern world, this strength can be demonstrated by managing the powerful impulse to respond to every ping and vibration, choosing instead to remain present with the person in front of us. 

By creating shared boundaries, modelling focus, and patiently returning to interrupted conversations, you teach your child a vital lesson: that true connection requires not just shared time, but shared, undivided attention.