How can I make shared activities at home as engaging as what they see on a screen? 

Parenting Perspective 

Children are naturally drawn to screens because they offer instant rewards, vibrant visuals, and endless novelty. To make home activities just as compelling, the focus should be on creating moments that feel alive and interactive. You can turn ordinary tasks into small adventures; for example, cooking can become a ‘mystery ingredient’ challenge, or tidying up can be a race against a timer set to their favourite song. The aim is not to match the speed of a screen, but to infuse the activity with enough fun and connection to make it memorable. 

Add Layers of Interaction 

To make an activity feel truly immersive, try to involve as many senses as possible. When you are baking, let your child mix the dough with their hands, smell the different spices, and decorate the final product with complete creative freedom. The more agency and sensory input they have, the more deeply engaged they are likely to become. 

Celebrate the Outcome 

Screens offer instant gratification, whereas real-life tasks have a delayed payoff. You can bridge this gap by making a point to celebrate both the process and the result. Proudly display their artwork, take a photo of the meal they helped cook, or share their creations with family. This act of recognition is a powerful reward that helps hands-on activities feel just as satisfying as a digital achievement. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islamic teachings encourage us to find joy and gratitude in the tangible world around us and to seek blessings through small, consistent acts of connection. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Nahal (16), Verse 18: 

‘And if you try to calculate the provisions (procured for your sustenance) by Allah (Almighty), it is not even computable by you; Indeed, Allah (Almighty) is the most Forgiving and Merciful…‘ 

This verse draws our attention to the countless blessings in the world around us. Engaging with these tangible favours, whether it is the texture of soil in a garden or the smell of baking bread, cultivates a sense of gratitude and presence that screens often prevent. 

It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 4237, that the holy Prophet Muhammad $ﷺ$ said: 

‘The most beloved of deeds to Allah are those that are most consistent, even if they are small.’ 

When parents establish small but consistent shared activities, these moments accumulate over time. They can grow into beloved family traditions that hold a much deeper and more lasting joy than any fleeting digital entertainment.