How can I protect my child’s sense of awe and wonder in a world where everything is clickable? 

Parenting Perspective 

In a world where everything is one click away, it is easy for children to lose the patience and curiosity that make awe and wonder possible. Instant answers and on-demand entertainment can crowd out the simple joy of discovery. Protecting this sense of wonder does not mean isolating your child from technology, but rather guiding them to slow down, notice, and appreciate the things that cannot be packaged into a short video or a quick fact. 

Balance Digital Speed with Slow Experiences 

Encourage activities that unfold gradually over time. This could include planting seeds and watching them grow, baking bread from scratch, or reading a compelling story one chapter per night. These slower rhythms teach children an important lesson: that some of the most rewarding experiences in life cannot be rushed. 

Limit Background Noise to Heighten Sensitivity 

If screens are always on, the constant stimulation can dull a child’s sensitivity to subtle beauty, such as a bird singing outside the window, the sound of rain, or the smell of a favourite meal cooking. Create regular tech-free spaces in your day, particularly during mealtimes or before bed, so their senses can remain attuned to the real world. 

Ask Questions that Invite Wonder 

Instead of providing instant explanations for everything, nurture their curiosity by responding with questions. You could ask, “What do you think makes the stars sparkle?” or “Why do you suppose this plant turns towards the light?” These wonder-inviting prompts allow children to explore their own thinking and develop their own theories before hearing a definitive answer, making the process of discovery itself a rewarding activity. 

Model Awe and Appreciation 

Children often learn how to wonder by watching the adults around them. Take the time to point out things that you find amazing, whether it is a beautiful sunset, a clever solution to a problem, or the intricate way a spider builds its web. When they see your genuine delight in the world, they learn that noticing and appreciating are valuable skills. 

By blending access to technology with intentional moments of slowness, curiosity, and shared discovery, you help your child maintain a sense of wonder that will make the digital world a useful tool, not an all-consuming cage. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam continuously invites believers to reflect deeply on the signs (ayat) of Allah Almighty in creation. Awe is not just a pleasant feeling; it is a doorway to faith, humility, and gratitude. When we guide our children to pause, notice, and ask questions about the world, we are training them to see beyond the surface and recognise the greatness of their Creator. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Aalai Imran (3), Verse 190: 

‘Indeed, in the creation of the layers of trans- universal existence and the Earth, and the alternation of the night and the day, are Signs (of the infinite truth) for those who possess (intellectual and rational) understanding…’ 

This verse reminds us that the natural world is filled with divine communication, waiting to be observed by attentive hearts and minds. 

It is recorded in Sahih Al Bukhari, Hadith 3208, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Reflect upon the creation, and do not reflect upon Allah Himself’ 

This profound guidance teaches us that reflecting on the universe, its complexity, and its beauty is a safe and powerful way to nurture faith. Our awe should be directed towards the signs of Allah, which leads us to appreciate His majesty without trying to comprehend His essence. By protecting your child’s sense of wonder, you are preserving not just their curiosity, but a direct pathway to deeper and more meaningful faith.