What can I say when a child shouts at lag or buffering? 

Parenting Perspective 

Lag, buffering, or slow internet feels intensely frustrating to children who expect instant results. Shouting at the screen is their way of releasing stress, but if unchecked it can grow into unhealthy habits of anger and impatience. Your response shapes whether they learn resilience or get stuck in constant irritation. 

Acknowledge the Frustration 

Start with empathy so they feel heard. Validation calms the intensity before you guide them. 

• ‘I know it is annoying when the game freezes.’ 

• ‘It feels hard to wait when the video will not load.’ 

Offer a Calm Script for Waiting 

Give your child words to replace shouting. Model these words yourself when things lag, so they see another way to respond. 

• ‘It is loading, I will wait.’ 

• ‘This is taking longer than I wanted, but I can stay calm.’ 

Redirect Their Focus Briefly 

Encourage them to do something small while waiting. This turns the pause into a manageable break. 

• Stretch their arms, take a sip of water, or count to 20. 

• Suggest: “Let us see who can take three deep breaths before it loads.” 

Reinforce Positive Reactions 

When they handle buffering without shouting, notice it. 

• ‘You waited quietly, that showed real patience.’ 

• ‘I liked how you took deep breaths instead of shouting.’ 

A mini-dialogue example: 

Child: (shouts at the screen) ‘Why is this so slow?!’ 

Parent: ‘I know it is frustrating. Try saying, “It is loading, I will wait.” Let us take a deep breath while it sorts itself out.’ 

Spiritual Insight 

Small delays, like buffering, are daily opportunities to practise sabr. Teaching children to respond calmly to these pauses reflects the Islamic value of patience in all circumstances. 

Patience With Delays 

This reminds us that strength lies in steady patience, not in angry reaction. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Anfaal (8), Verse 46: 

‘And obey Allah (Almighty) and His Prophet (Muhammad ﷺ), and do not dispute (with each other) as it may weaken (your ranks), and would reduce your strength, and show resilience; indeed, Allah (Almighty) it is with those people who are resilient.’ 

The Prophet ﷺ on Controlling Anger 

This Hadith shows that when irritation rises even over something small calming the body helps calm the heart. 

It is recorded in Sunan Abu Dawood, 4782, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘When one of you becomes angry while standing, let him sit down. If the anger leaves him, well and good; otherwise, let him lie down.‘ 

By responding gently when your child shouts at lag, you teach them that technology may be fast, but character grows through patience. Over time, they will see delays not as disasters but as training grounds for resilience and faith.