How can parents involve children in choosing halal entertainment options for the whole family? 

Parenting Perspective 

Involving children in the selection of family entertainment is a powerful way to teach them discernment and responsibility. It transforms a potential point of conflict into an opportunity for connection and guidance. 

Start with an Open Discussion 

Begin by creating a shared understanding. Have a family meeting to discuss what makes entertainment “halal” and “wholesome” in your home. Ask for everyone’s ideas on the kinds of shows, films, or games they enjoy. This validates their preferences and makes them feel like respected members of the team. 

Create a Collaborative ‘Approved’ List 

Work together to create a go-to list of family-approved options. Let each family member, from the youngest to the oldest, contribute suggestions. You can then rotate whose turn it is to pick from the list each week. This simple system ensures fairness and gives everyone a sense of ownership over the choices. 

Encourage Critical Thinking 

When your child suggests a new show or game, use it as a chance to build their critical thinking skills. Ask them, ‘What is it about? Do you think it aligns with our family’s values of kindness and respect?’ This helps them learn to evaluate media thoughtfully for themselves, rather than just passively consuming what is popular. 

Celebrate Their Thoughtful Contributions 

Make the experience of choosing and watching together a positive one. Prepare snacks, get comfortable, and praise your children for their thoughtful suggestions. When they feel that their good choices are seen, appreciated, and celebrated, they are more likely to make them in the future. 

By making this a collaborative process, you do more than just filter content; you nurture a child who is a confident, critical, and responsible media consumer. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam champions the principle of mutual consultation (shura) and teaches that investing in one’s family is the most rewarding of all deeds. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Shuraa (42), Verse 38: 

‘ And those people that respond to (the commandments of) their Sustainer, and establish prayer, and conduct their affairs between each other through consultation…’ 

This verse highlights consultation as a key characteristic of a healthy believing community. Applying this principle within the family by involving children in decisions about entertainment builds unity, mutual respect, and a shared sense of purpose. 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that our greatest investment is in our family. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, 995, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Of the dinar you spend as a contribution in Allah’s path, or to set free a slave, or as a sadaqa given to a needy, or to support your family, the one yielding the greatest reward is that which you spent on your family.‘ 

While this hadith speaks of financial spending, its principle extends to the “spending” of our time, effort, and guidance. The time a parent invests in thoughtfully guiding their child’s media consumption and nurturing their character is the most valuable and rewarding “spending” of all.