How can parents keep rules consistent on holidays without spoiling the sense of fun? 

Parenting Perspective 

Holidays are a time for fun and relaxation, but completely abandoning screen time limits can make it very difficult to re-establish structure later. The key is to be flexible with your rules without letting them collapse entirely. 

Aim to Flex, Not Collapse the Rules 

Start by communicating your approach clearly: ‘Because it is the holidays, our routine will be more relaxed, but our family’s health rules about screens still apply’. This normalises the idea that structure and fun can coexist, and it sets a predictable tone from the beginning. 

Create a ‘Holiday Version’ of Your Rules 

Instead of having no limits, simply create a relaxed version of your term-time rules. For example, if your child normally has one hour of screen time, this might be extended to two hours during the holidays. Frame it as a special holiday privilege, which helps them appreciate the extra time without seeing it as a free-for-all. 

Plan Engaging Offline Alternatives 

The best way to reduce screen time battles is to make offline life more appealing. Proactively plan exciting holiday activities, whether it is a picnic, a baking session, a family board game tournament, or creating a travel journal. When a child’s day is already filled with joyful, real-world connection, they are less likely to miss their screens. 

Set Clear Start and End Dates 

Be transparent about when the relaxed holiday rules begin and when they will end. This prepares your child mentally for the transition back to the normal school routine and avoids the shock and resistance that can come from a sudden return to stricter limits. 

With clear communication and gentle flexibility, parents can ensure holidays are filled with both happy memories and the sense of order that children need to thrive. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches us that even in times of celebration and ease, a believer maintains a sense of balance, purpose, and gratitude. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Yunus (10), Verse 62: 

‘ Unquestionably, indeed, those (people) that are the Friends of Allah (Almighty), no fear shall overcome them, and neither shall they grieve.’ 

This verse reminds us that true, lasting contentment the kind we seek on holidays is found in a life of balance and remembrance of Allah. Those who are mindful of Him find a deeper peace that is not dependent on unchecked indulgence in entertainment. 

Joy and gratitude should be expressed in ways that are pleasing to Allah. 

It is recorded in Al Adab Al Mufrad, 218, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘He who does not thank people, does not thank Allah.‘ 

This teaches that gratitude is an active, social virtue. One of the ways we show thanks for the blessing of a holiday is by enjoying it in a healthy, balanced way that strengthens family bonds and maintains good character, rather than allowing it to become a time of digital isolation. 

By adjusting screen rules without abandoning them, parents teach their children a profound lesson: that true joy and spiritual discipline can, and should, go hand in hand.