How can parents prevent their own device use from becoming a barrier to bedtime routines with children? 

Parenting Perspective 

Recognise the Value of Bedtime Connection 

The bedtime period is often when children feel most comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. If a parent is distracted by a device during these precious moments, the child can feel that they are less important than a screen, which can weaken trust and intimacy. Parents should therefore treat bedtime as a sacred, device-free space, showing their child that nothing is more important than listening to them, cuddling, or reading together before sleep. 

Create Clear Boundaries for All Devices 

One of the most practical steps is to establish a clear household rule: all devices are put away at least 30 minutes before a child’s bedtime. Placing phones in another room to charge overnight effectively removes the temptation for a parent to ‘just check’ one last message. This act of visibly stepping away from technology sends a clear message that family presence is always the priority. 

Make Bedtime a Tech-Free Ritual 

Parents can replace screen time with calm, connecting routines. This could include reciting du’as together, reading a story, or simply talking about the day’s events. These practices do more than just strengthen bonds; they help a child associate bedtime with warmth and security, rather than with digital distraction. When this becomes a consistent, tech-free ritual, children feel secure, loved, and valued. 

Spiritual Insight 

Nurturing Tranquillity in the Home 

Allah Almighty designed family relationships to be a source of peace, affection, and mercy. Quiet moments, such as bedtime, are a perfect opportunity for parents to nurture this tranquillity and build a loving home environment. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Rome (30), Verse 21: 

‘ And amongst His Signs (of the infinite truth) are that He (Allah Almighty) created for you, your (matrimonial) partners from your species so that you may find tranquillity from them; and designed between you love, tolerance and kindness; indeed, in this there are Signs (of the infinite truth) for the nations that have realisation.‘ 

Bedtime as an Act of Remembrance 

The prophetic tradition teaches that the moments before sleep should be filled with the remembrance of Allah Almighty. This practice brings peace and protection, turning bedtime into a spiritual act rather than a time for worldly distractions. 

It is recorded in Al Adab Al Mufrad, 13, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘When any one of you goes to bed, he should dust off his bed with the edge of his garment, and say the name of Allah, for he does not know what came onto it after him. And when he lies down, let him lie on his right side and say: “O Allah, I submit myself to You”’ 

Connection Over Digital Barriers 

By setting their devices aside and filling the bedtime routine with presence, warmth, and remembrance, parents ensure that technology does not become a barrier to connection. Instead, they transform bedtime into a deeply meaningful moment of calm and spiritual nourishment, strengthening both family bonds and faith.