What is a good approach when my child demands more money for games on a trip? 

Parenting Perspective 

You are on a family trip, perhaps at a service station or a theme park, and your child’s eyes are wide with excitement as they keep asking for more money to play games. You have already given them some, but when you say no, the requests turn to pleading or even complaining. It is a moment many parents face: balancing generosity with responsibility, and joy with discipline. How you respond can help to shape your child’s relationship with both money and contentment. 

The Emotion Behind the Demand 

For a child, money is not a limited resource but simply a key that unlocks more fun. When you refuse their request, they may feel frustrated or left out, especially if they see other children still playing. Their demand is not a sign of greed, but an expression of immature excitement. They want the experience to last longer and cannot yet appreciate the need for boundaries. When you respond calmly, you are not just handling a request; you are teaching patience, gratitude, and emotional balance. 

A Gentle and Clear Response 

Your tone and expression in this moment matter more than your words. A firm ‘no’ delivered with warmth teaches discipline without creating emotional distance. 

You could try this calm script: 

‘I know you really want to keep playing. It is a lot of fun, is it not? However, we have already spent what we planned for games. We will save the rest of our money for something special later.’ 

After speaking, it is best to pause and let the silence do its work. Avoid over-explaining or bargaining; the simplicity of your words carries a quiet strength. If they insist or complain again, you can repeat gently, ‘I can see you are disappointed, but my answer is still the same. You have had a great time already; now let us focus on what is next.’ 

Connection Without Compromise 

It is natural to feel tempted to hand over a few extra coins just to keep the peace, especially in public. That momentary relief, however, can plant unhelpful patterns, teaching your child that persistence can override boundaries. Instead, remain calm and affectionate, offering your attention instead of more money. You might say, ‘Why do you not tell me which game was your favourite?’ or, ‘Let us take a photograph together here instead; that can be our memory.’ This keeps your connection alive without changing your stance. 

Reflecting on the Lesson 

Later, once calm has returned, you can use the experience as a teaching moment. You might say, ‘I know you wanted to play more earlier, but do you see how much fun you had even without spending more? Sometimes, being grateful for what we have is what makes a moment feel full.’ This gentle reflection helps your child to associate limits with peace, not with deprivation. 

Spiritual Insight 

Parenting often calls for a firm compassion, especially in moments when a child’s desire clashes with your guidance. Remaining calm when your child makes demands is not just good parenting; it is a spiritual discipline. You are teaching contentment, moderation, and gratitude, all of which are central to an Islamic character. 

The Value of Gratitude 

The Quran reminds us that true abundance flows from a state of gratitude, not from constant accumulation. When you gently guide your child to appreciate what they have already had, you are instilling a profound spiritual truth. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Ibraheem (14), Verse 7: 

‘And (remember) when your Sustainer made this declaration; (saying that): “If you show gratitude, I (Allah Almighty) will indeed, amplify them for you (provisions and sustenance)…’.’ 

Your calm refusal becomes an act of nurturing the heart, shaping a child who seeks joy in thankfulness rather than in constantly wanting ‘more’. 

The Mercy of Moderation 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught a balanced approach to life, free from both arrogance and extravagance. By limiting your child’s spending with kindness, you are protecting them from excess while modelling humility and moderation. 

It is recorded in Sunan Nisai, Hadith 2559, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Eat, give charity, and wear clothes without arrogance or extravagance.’ 

Your calm, gentle boundary is not an act of denial, but one of mercy. You are helping your child to learn that contentment brings more happiness than indulgence ever could. 

When your child demands more money for games and you hold your ground with patience, you are doing far more than just managing a moment. You are shaping a mindset. Your consistency teaches them that joy is not measured by how much is spent, but by how much is appreciated. 

For you, each act of restraint, every soft ‘no’ said with compassion, becomes an act of worship. You are embodying sabr and gratitude, the very qualities that can transform ordinary parenting moments into spiritual triumphs. One day, your child will remember not the game they did not get to play, but the calm, loving parent who taught them that peace, gratitude, and faith are the real treasures to carry through life.