How do I balance urgent work calls with my child’s need for attention in the same moment? 

Parenting Perspective 

Trying to balance an urgent work call and a child’s immediate need for attention can feel impossible. The key in that moment is to send a clear, non-verbal signal that they have not been forgotten. As you take the call, try to make eye contact with your child, offer a reassuring touch on their shoulder, and whisper, ‘Just one minute’. The most crucial step is to follow through immediately after the call by giving them your complete focus. This simple loop of acknowledging them and then returning to them builds trust. 

Prepare for Predictable Interruptions 

If urgent calls are a regular feature of your work, it helps to prepare your child in advance. You can explain, ‘Sometimes I have to take important calls, but I promise I will always come right back to you’. For a younger child, you could create a special ‘waiting box’ filled with quiet activities they can only use during these interruptions. This helps turn a moment of frustration into a manageable and even enjoyable pause, reassuring them that your work does not outrank them. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islamic teachings remind us of the immense value of time and the blessings found in small, consistent acts of kindness and attention towards our families. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Asr (103), Verses 1–3: 

‘ By the (design of) time (by Allah Almighty); indeed, mankind shall surely (remain in a state) of) deprivation (moral deficit). Except for those people who are believers and undertake virtuous acts; and encouraging (cultivating within themselves and with one another the realisation and dissemination of) the truth and encouraging (cultivating within themselves and with one another the realisation and accomplishment of) resilience…‘ 

This profound oath reminds us that time is our most precious commodity and is easily lost. The way we balance our time between our worldly duties and our duty to connect with our loved ones is a reflection of our priorities and our faith. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 6464, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The most beloved of deeds to Allah are those that are most consistent, even if they are small.’ 

This principle teaches us the immense power of consistency. Even a brief but reliable moment of focused attention given to your child immediately after a work call can be more valuable than a longer, unpredictable one. It is in this consistency that they find reassurance of their place in your heart.