What is the healthiest way to balance occasional digital treats with a lifestyle of minimalism? 

Parenting Perspective 

Frame Treats as an Occasional Joy, Not a Daily Need 

A minimalist lifestyle does not require a complete ban on digital entertainment. Parents can explain to their children that occasional digital treats, like a family movie night, are perfectly fine but should remain special rather than becoming a daily routine. By saying, ‘We enjoy these things sometimes so that they stay fun, but we do not need them every day,’ a family learns that enjoyment is healthier when it is balanced with discipline. 

Establish Clear and Consistent Boundaries 

To prevent these treats from turning into daily habits, parents must set clear and consistent boundaries around when and how they are permitted. This might mean reserving family movies for the weekend or allowing extra game time only after homework is complete. Consistent boundaries help children to learn self-control and to see digital treats as privileges that are earned, not as daily entitlements. 

Prioritise Meaningful Alternatives 

A minimalist approach works best when life is already filled with meaningful, non-digital activities, such as reading, walking in nature, or cooking together. When children experience the joy that can be found in these offline spaces, they no longer feel deprived by having less screen time, but rather enriched by it. The occasional digital treat then becomes a small bonus, rather than the centre of family life. 

Spiritual Insight 

Moderation is the Islamic Way 

Islam is a religion of the middle path. The Quran teaches believers to avoid extremes in all their affairs, whether it relates to spending money, time, or attention. This principle of moderation is the key to a balanced life. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Furqaan (25), Verse 67: 

‘ And it is those people that do not spend extravagantly, nor miserly; and (act in such a way) that is a balanced format between these two (extreme characteristics).‘ 

True Wealth is Contentment of the Soul 

The prophetic tradition redefines wealth not as the abundance of material possessions or entertainment, but as the inner state of contentment. True richness comes from gratitude and a heart that is at peace with what it has. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, 6446, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Wealth is not in having many possessions, but wealth is in contentment of the soul.’ 

Fulfilment Through Balance and Purpose 

By framing digital treats as occasional joys within a disciplined lifestyle, parents teach their children that true fulfilment is found in balance, gratitude, and contentment. Over time, children learn that minimalism is not about deprivation but about living with purpose and enjoying all blessings in moderation, for the sake of Allah Almighty.