How do I help my child rediscover fun in board games, baking, or crafts after months of screen focus? 

Parenting Perspective 

After months of fast-paced screen entertainment, slower offline activities can seem dull to a child. The key is to reintroduce these hobbies in a way that feels fresh and exciting, not like a chore. It is best to start with short, low-pressure sessions instead of demanding a long commitment. For instance, rather than a full three-hour board game, you could play just a single, quick round. Instead of a complex baking project, start with simple cupcake decorating. This allows them to experience the joy without feeling overwhelmed. 

Blend Old with New 

A great way to ease the transition is to connect offline hobbies to their screen interests. If your child loves online adventure games, you could create a treasure hunt around the house. If they enjoy watching cooking videos, suggest you both watch a short one and then immediately try to recreate the recipe in the kitchen. By bridging the gap between their digital and physical worlds, the shift to a hands-on activity feels much more natural. 

Celebrate the Outcome 

Make sure to celebrate the tangible results of their offline efforts. This could mean proudly displaying a finished craft on the mantelpiece, inviting the family to a ‘tasting ceremony’ for their baked goods, or taking a fun photo of the board game in action. This recognition helps to reinforce the sense of pride and enjoyment that comes from creating something with their own hands. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam encourages us to engage mindfully with the world and to strive for excellence (ihsan) in all our actions, transforming even simple hobbies into acts of worship. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Aalai Imran (3), Verse 191: 

‘Those people who remember Allah (Almighty) while standing, and sitting, and whilst (lying asleep) on their sides; and they contemplate on the creation of the layers of trans universal existence and the Earth…’ 

This beautiful verse describes believers who are in a constant state of mindfulness and reflection. Hands-on, creative activities provide a perfect opportunity to cultivate this state, as they encourage us to slow down, focus, and appreciate the world beyond a screen. 

It is recorded in Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 1412, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Indeed Allah loves that when any of you does a job, he does it with excellence.’ 

The principle of ihsan (excellence) can be applied to all aspects of life. Encouraging a child to complete a craft with care or to bake with attention to detail transforms that activity into an act of worship, making it far more fulfilling than the passive consumption of digital media.