Can I use screen time as a springboard for real-life imagination? 

Parenting Perspective 

Yes, absolutely. When used with intention, screen time can become a powerful catalyst that inspires children to create, explore, and imagine in the real world, rather than replacing those vital activities. The key is to consciously treat screen time not as an endpoint, but as the first step in a hands-on, open-ended creative journey. This approach not only balances digital engagement with offline creativity but, more importantly, teaches children to see technology as a useful tool rather than a final destination. 

From On-Screen Stories to Real-Life Role Play 

After your child watches an animated adventure or an engaging story, encourage them to continue the narrative off-screen. They could act out their favourite scenes, invent new characters to join the story, or create an entirely new ending. This simple transition turns a passive viewing experience into an active, imaginative one, building crucial skills in storytelling and creative problem-solving. 

From Digital Designs to Physical Projects 

Use the inspiration from a screen to fuel a hands-on project. After they have watched a craft or cooking video, gather the real materials and try making the item together. If a building game sparks their interest, provide them with blocks, cardboard, or clay so they can create a physical version of their digital designs. This helps to ground their digital fluency in tangible skills. 

Spark Curiosity with ‘What If’ Questions 

Engage their minds beyond the confines of the plot by asking open-ended, imaginative questions after a show or game has finished. You could ask, “What if that hero lived in our city? What would they do?” or “How would you have solved that problem differently?” These ‘what if’ prompts stretch their imagination and encourage flexible, creative thinking. 

Connect Digital Themes with Outdoor Exploration 

Use screen time to build excitement for real-world adventures. If they watch a documentary about animals, you could plan a follow-up trip to a local farm, nature reserve, or zoo. If they are fascinated by videos about space, spend an evening stargazing together in the garden. Connecting digital themes to real-life experiences makes learning more memorable and deepens their curiosity about the world. 

When you consistently frame screen time as the first chapter in a larger creative story, it becomes a healthy bridge to richer activities, not just an isolated block of entertainment. 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, our minds and senses are considered a trust (amanah) from Allah Almighty, given to us to be used for beneficial reflection and wholesome action. Using screens as a spark for real-world creativity aligns beautifully with this principle, as long as the activities that follow benefit the child’s skills, thinking, and heart. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hashar (59), Verse 18: 

‘All those of you who are believers, seek piety from Allah (Almighty); and let every person anticipate (the consequences of) what they have sent forth (in the Hereafter) for the next day; and seek piety from Allah (Almighty); as indeed, Allah (Almighty) is fully Cognisant with all your actions…’ 

This verse serves as a powerful reminder to be mindful of how we use our time and mental energy, ensuring our present actions are planting good seeds for the future. 

It is recorded in Shu’ab al-Iman that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Allah loves that when one of you does something, he does it with excellence.’ 

This teaching encourages us to pursue quality and purpose in all our endeavours. By guiding a child to take inspiration from a screen and then build upon it with care and effort in the real world, we are teaching them this principle of ihsan (excellence) in a practical way. This turns a potentially passive habit into a meaningful practice of exploration, skill-building, and gratitude for the abilities Allah has given them.