When a Child’s Joy and Calmness are Only Found in Screens 

Parenting Perspective 

It can be disheartening for parents to see their child’s only moments of genuine joy or calm occur in front of a screen. This pattern signals a growing reliance on digital content for emotional regulation and can leave parents feeling disconnected and concerned. The goal is not to shame the child, but to gently reawaken their natural capacity for finding happiness in the world around them. 

Notice Without Criticising 

Accusatory statements like ‘You never laugh with us anymore’ will only build a wall of defensiveness. Instead, make a warm and gentle observation that invites connection: ‘It is wonderful to see you laughing so much. I would love it if we could find things to laugh about together, too’. This expresses a desire for connection, not a criticism. 

Create Opportunities for Shared Joy 

Be intentional about creating a low-pressure, playful family atmosphere. Plan activities that are naturally engaging and likely to bring about shared laughter, such as playing a silly board game, cooking a favourite meal together, or telling funny stories. Children are more likely to rediscover joy in family life when it feels genuinely fun, not forced. 

Balance Screen and Real-World Bonds 

While gradually setting limits on screen time, focus on providing meaningful alternatives. Use their digital interests as a bridge. For example, if they enjoy watching funny videos, make a point of sharing jokes or humorous stories in person. This helps transfer the source of their amusement from the screen to the family circle. 

Model Calmness and Joy Yourself 

Children learn their emotional cues from their parents. When you model patience, find humour in everyday life, and express joy in simple, offline moments, you become a living example. This constantly reminds them that happiness and calm are readily available in the real world, no screen required. 

By gently and consistently creating positive offline experiences, parents can help their child rediscover the profound happiness and peace that come from genuine human connection and the simple warmth of family life. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam guides us to the ultimate source of all positive emotions. It teaches that true, lasting joy and tranquillity are divine gifts, found not in passive entertainment, but in the active cultivation of faith, gratitude, and loving companionship. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Yunus (10), Verse 58: 

‘Say, in the bounty of Allah and in His mercy in that let them rejoice; it is better than what they accumulate…’ 

This verse directs our hearts to the true source of rejoicing. It teaches us that the joy derived from reflecting on Allah’s mercy is far superior and more lasting than any pleasure we can accumulate from worldly amusements. 

It is recorded in Riyadh Al Saliheen, Hadith 627, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The most beloved of deeds to Allah are those that bring happiness to a fellow Muslim.’ 

This profound hadith teaches that one of the highest forms of worship is actively bringing joy to others. It shifts the pursuit of happiness from a solitary act of consumption to a shared experience of kindness and connection. 

By anchoring a child’s understanding of happiness in faith, gratitude, and family connection, parents guide them away from a dependency on screens. They learn, over time, that the most profound joy and calm are those that are shared with loved ones and rooted in an awareness of Allah’s blessings.