What’s the best way to comfort them without reversing the boundary? 

Parenting Perspective 

It is possible to be both empathetic and firm. Comforting a child who is upset about a limit does not mean you have to give in; it means showing them that your love and support are constant, even when your boundaries are not negotiable. 

Acknowledge Feelings Without Changing the Limit 

Start by recognising their disappointment without hesitation. Saying, ‘I can see you are really sad that screen time is over,’ shows empathy without suggesting that you might change your mind. The comfort comes from feeling understood, not from the boundary being removed. 

Offer Physical and Emotional Reassurance 

A gentle tone, a hand on their shoulder, or simply sitting beside them can offer immense reassurance. This physical and emotional presence signals that their feelings are safe to express. You can then gently redirect their focus by saying, ‘I am here with you. When you are ready, let’s choose something else we can do together.’ 

Stay Consistent in Your Message 

Be mindful to avoid language that hints the rule might change if they protest for long enough. By combining warmth with unwavering firmness, you help your child learn the important lesson that comfort and limits can coexist. 

When a child experiences comfort without the rule changing, they begin to separate emotional regulation from instant gratification, a skill that benefits them in all areas of life. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches us that compassion and firmness are not opposites; they are complementary qualities of a balanced character. True mercy does not require us to compromise on what is right and beneficial for our children. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Fath (48), Verse 29: 

‘Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; and those with him are forceful against the disbelievers, merciful among themselves…’ 

This verse reminds us that a believer can, and should, be both strong in principle and gentle in their conduct with fellow believers. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 1920, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘He is not one of us who does not have mercy on our young and does not respect our elders.’ 

This teaches us that showing mercy and compassion to our children is a defining quality of a believer, even while we are guiding them with discipline. 

By combining empathy with consistency, you comfort your child’s heart while still nurturing their capacity for self-control and respect for healthy boundaries.