How can parents show children the peace of stillness when they are used to constant background noise? 

Parenting Perspective 

Normalise Quiet as a Comfort, Not a Void 

Many children are so accustomed to constant background noise from televisions or music that they feel restless in its absence. Parents can help by reframing silence as a gift, not an empty space. Explaining, ‘Quiet helps our hearts to rest, just as sleep helps our bodies to rest,’ can be very effective. By intentionally introducing short, calm moments into daily routines like meals or car rides, children can gradually learn that stillness is soothing, not boring. 

Model Contentment in Silence 

To teach this effectively, parents must first model comfort in stillness themselves. Sitting calmly without instinctively reaching for a device, reading a book, or quietly enjoying a cup of tea all demonstrate how to embrace calm. Children learn by observation that true peace comes from mindful presence, not from constant external stimulation. 

Create Gentle Transitions to Stillness 

Rather than imposing an abrupt silence, it is better to guide children towards it gradually. Parents can create gentle transitions, such as lowering the volume of background noise over time, introducing a quiet story time into the daily schedule, or playing a soft Quran recitation instead of a loud television show. This approach helps children to associate stillness with beauty and comfort, rather than feeling deprived of sound. 

Spiritual Insight 

Tranquillity as a Divine Gift 

Islam teaches that tranquillity (sakinah) is a divine gift. Allah Almighty created human beings to find peace and affection in calm connection with one another, not in a state of endless noise and distraction. 

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.‘ 

Calmness is from Allah, Haste is from Shaytan 

The prophetic tradition contrasts the states of the heart, teaching that a sense of calm and patient deliberation is a blessing from Allah, while a feeling of haste and agitation is from Shaytan. Quiet moments allow for reflection and barakah to enter our lives. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, 2012, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Calmness and patient deliberation is from Allah, while haste is from Shaytan.’ 

Stillness as a Source of Strength 

By modelling a love for silence, creating gentle transitions away from noise, and linking stillness to the peace that comes from Allah, parents can help their children make a profound discovery. They learn that true rest for the heart is found not in constant sound, but in calm and mindful presence. Over time, stillness can become a source of comfort and beauty, enriching both family life and spiritual growth.