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How can changes in sibling relationships signal that one child’s gaming is dominating family dynamics? 

Parenting Perspective 

Changes in how siblings interact with each other are often one of the earliest and most reliable indicators that one child’s gaming is becoming an issue for the whole family. 

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An Increase in Conflict and Isolation 

Pay attention to the nature of sibling arguments. If conflicts are now frequently centred around the gaming child for example, their refusal to share a device, their bossy in-game attitude spilling into real life, or their neglect of shared chores it is a clear sign of imbalance. Equally, if the gaming child consistently isolates themselves and rejects invitations to play from their siblings, it shows a concerning withdrawal from family life. 

A Pattern of Imitation or Resentment 

Observe how the other siblings are reacting. Younger children may start to imitate the gamer’s obsessive behaviour or aggressive in-game language. Alternatively, you may see signs of growing resentment, with siblings complaining that they feel ignored or that the family’s mood and schedule are dictated by the gamer’s habits. 

A Disruption to Family Routines 

A major warning sign is when the entire family’s routine begins to bend to accommodate one child’s gaming. If family meals, prayers, or outings are consistently delayed because a child refuses to log off, or if family resources like the main television are monopolised, it shows that the hobby is no longer a personal pastime but is dictating the rhythm of the household

Restoring Balance with Gentle Structure 

To address this, re-centre the family on shared experiences. Introduce tech-free family time, create a fair screen-time schedule that applies to everyone, and proactively arrange activities that all siblings can enjoy together. Praising cooperative play and teamwork helps to reinforce the value of sibling harmony over solo screen time. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam places immense importance on the sanctity of family bonds and teaches that the wellbeing of one member affects the entire unit. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hujuraat (49), Verse 10: 

‘ Indeed, the believers are brothers (to each other); so, make peace with your brothers; and seek piety from Allah (Almighty) so that you may receive His Mercy.’ 

This verse establishes a core principle of faith: maintaining peace and love between believers. This applies with the greatest force to our own siblings. When a gaming habit begins to cause discord and arguments between children, it becomes a parent’s Islamic duty to intervene and restore peace. 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used a powerful analogy to describe the interconnectedness of the community. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, 2586, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

The believers are like one body; when one limb suffers, the rest of the body responds in sleeplessness and fever.‘ 

This beautiful hadith is a perfect description of a healthy family. When one child’s excessive gaming causes them to become isolated or creates conflict, it is like a limb that is in pain. The whole “family body” feels the effect through stress and tension. Gently correcting the imbalance is an act of healing for the entire family unit, restoring its health, unity, and spiritual connection. 

Click below to discover meaningful books that nurture strong values in your child and support you on your parenting journey

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