How do I explain to my child why I turn off notifications during prayer or family time? 

Parenting Perspective 

Explaining why you silence your phone is a powerful way to teach your child about priorities and respect. When they understand the ‘why’ behind your actions, the lesson becomes about values, not just rules. 

Keep the Explanation Simple and Relatable 

Children learn best when we connect our reasoning to their own experiences. You could say, ‘I am turning off my notifications now so I can give my full attention to my prayer, just like when you do not want to be interrupted during your favourite game.’ This helps them to link your choice to a feeling they understand: the desire for focused, uninterrupted time. 

Link It to Respect for the Moment 

Explain that silencing notifications is not about ignoring people, but about showing respect for the present moment. You can say, ‘Some things deserve our whole heart and mind, so I pause everything else to make sure I am fully present.’ This teaches them that different moments require different levels of attention. 

Model It Consistently 

If you only silence your phone occasionally, the lesson will not be as strong. Make it a visible and consistent habit. The repeated action of turning your phone over or putting it away demonstrates that being present is a deliberate choice you make every day. 

By keeping the explanation concrete and showing the behaviour consistently, you help your child see that presence is a value worth protecting. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches us to give our full attention to acts of worship and to be completely present in our interactions with others. Digital distractions can reduce the quality of our prayers and weaken our human connections. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Mu’minoon (23), Verses 1–2: 

‘ Indeed, success is for the believers; those people who are focused in their prayers with true humility.‘ 

This reminds us that khushu, or humble, focused concentration, is a key ingredient for a successful and accepted prayer. 

It is recorded in the famous collection of Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 796, that the companions of the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ described his perfect manners, noting that: 

‘when he turned, he would turn his whole body.’ 

This teaches us that giving our complete physical and mental focus is a profound form of respect, both in our worship of Allah and in our dealings with people. 

By explaining and modelling your choice to silence notifications, you teach your child that some moments are sacred. They deserve our undivided attention, free from the constant pull of digital alerts.