Parenting Perspective 

Children are quick to notice when a parent’s attention drifts from them to a phone. Even when both parents are in the room, if one is absorbed in their screen, a child can feel overlooked and may conclude that devices are more important than family. Protecting a child’s sense of value requires intentional habits that place people before screens. 

Create Tech-Free Family Zones 

Agree on specific times or places where phones are put away, such as during meals or the bedtime routine. You can announce this in a positive way: ‘This is our family time, so the phones can wait’. Making this a shared family practice shows your children that connection is a priority for everyone. 

Use Physical Signals of Presence 

When your spouse is engaging with the children, put your phone face down and make eye contact with them. Small gestures like kneeling to their level or pausing what you are doing send a clear message: ‘You are more important to me right now’. 

Explain Your Phone Use 

If you must check your phone for an urgent reason, explain why. Saying, ‘I just need to reply to this important message for work, and then I will be right back with you’ helps your child to understand that the device is a tool, not a competitor for your love. 

Work Together as a Couple 

Agree with your spouse that you will both gently remind each other if one of you slips back into the habit of scrolling while the children are present. A united effort shows them that both parents value being present with the family. 

By setting these boundaries and making a conscious effort to be present, you can teach your children that family attention will always be more important than any digital distraction. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches moderation in all things and the importance of prioritising human connection, especially within the family. Being present with warmth and mercy is central to fulfilling the sacred trust (amānah) of parenthood. 

A Quranic Reminder on Protecting Your Family 

The Quran commands believers to protect their families, a duty which includes safeguarding their emotional well-being by giving them our time, love, and full attention. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Tahreem (66), Verse 6: 

‘ O you who are believers, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire (of Jahannam) whose fuel is people and stones…’ 

This reminds us that protecting our family is an obligation, and this includes protecting them from feeling neglected. 

The Prophetic Teaching on Family Excellence 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that a person’s true excellence in the sight of Allah is measured by how kind and present they are with their own family. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 3895, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The best of you are those who are best to their families.’ 

This teaches us that our character at home is a measure of our faith, not our engagement with worldly distractions. 

By consciously prioritising your spouse and children over your phone, you are fulfilling the great trust of being a parent. Your children learn that they are valued above all devices, and that true love is shown through presence, attention, and mercy.