What daily habits can help my child enjoy slower activities after being hooked on fast-paced apps? 

Parenting Perspective 

Helping a child transition from the high-speed stimulation of apps to the gentle pace of offline activities requires patience and creativity. The key is to make these slower moments feel just as engaging and valuable. 

Introduce Slower Activities in Short Bursts 

When a child is used to constant digital stimulation, slower activities can feel boring at first. Begin by introducing them in small, manageable time slots, such as ten minutes of reading, building, or drawing. You can gradually increase the duration as their focus improves, which helps them to adapt without resistance. 

Create a Balanced Daily Routine 

Try to incorporate slower activities into the daily routine alongside more energetic play. Having predictable times for quiet activities like drawing, gardening, or puzzles helps children to accept them as a normal part of life, rather than as a punishment or a replacement for their favourite apps. 

Make Slower Activities Engaging 

Turn these quiet moments into special experiences. Reading a book under a blanket fort, listening to soft nasheeds while painting, or preparing a snack together can make the slower pace feel comforting and enjoyable, rather than dull. The goal is to build positive associations. 

Model the Enjoyment of Slower Moments 

Children are much more likely to value calm activities if they see the adults in their lives enjoying them. Share moments when you are sitting with a cup of tea, journaling, or quietly focused on a hobby. This normalises a slower pace of living as something valuable for everyone. 

By making slow-paced activities consistent and engaging, your child will gradually learn to find joy in them without needing constant high-speed stimulation. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches us to value balance and mindfulness, recognising that life is not meant to be lived in a constant rush. Slow, intentional moments create the necessary space for reflection, gratitude, and peace of heart. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Furqaan (25), Verse 63: 

‘ And the true servants of the One Who is Most Beneficent are those who wander around the Earth with humility; and when they are addressed by the ignorant people, they say: “Peace be unto you”.‘ 

This reminds us that moving through life with a calm and deliberate pace is a sign of dignity and a defining characteristic of a true servant of Allah. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 2012, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Deliberation is from Allah and haste is from Satan.’ 

This teaches us that taking our time to act with thoughtfulness is a blessing that brings about wiser and better outcomes, whereas rushing often leads to regret. 

By guiding your child to enjoy slower, more mindful activities, you are not only helping them find peace beyond screens but also nurturing a heart that values balance, reflection, and the beauty of life lived with patience and intention.