How can parents show presence and attentiveness even when carrying devices with them? 

Parenting Perspective 

Practise Active Listening and Make Eye Contact 

While carrying a device is often unavoidable, true presence is demonstrated through body language and focused attention. A parent can show they are fully engaged by maintaining eye contact, nodding, and responding thoughtfully when their child speaks. Simply putting the phone face down on a table or holding it to the side while listening sends a clear message that the child is valued, even if a device is nearby. 

Be Transparent About Your Device Use 

Instead of trying to check a message secretly during a conversation, it is much better to be transparent. A parent can say, ‘I just need to send a quick reply to this, and then you will have my full attention.’ This honesty and transparency prevents the child from feeling ignored and also models how to manage digital interactions respectfully. The key is to ensure these interruptions are brief and to return one’s full focus to the child immediately afterwards. 

Create Rituals That Prioritise Connection 

Parents can establish small but significant rituals where a device might be physically present but is clearly secondary. For example, keeping phones in a pocket during a family walk or setting them to silent during meals are powerful habits. These consistent, small actions reassure children that while devices may be necessary to carry, they will never take priority over a genuine family connection. 

Spiritual Insight 

The Sincerity of True Presence 

The Quran teaches us that Allah Almighty is closer to us than our own jugular vein, knowing even the whispers of our souls. This reminds us that true presence is a matter of the heart. The closeness and sincere attention we offer our families are valued by Him who is ever-present. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Qaaf (50), Verse 16: 

‘ And indeed, We (Allah Almighty) have created mankind, and so We have full knowledge of all the (thoughts he) murmurs within himself; and We (Allah Almighty) are closer to him than his jugular vein.‘ 

Goodness Begins in the Home 

The prophetic tradition consistently reminds us that the best measure of our character is how we treat our families. Being attentive and kind in the small, everyday moments at home is a profound reflection of our faith. 

It is recorded in Riyadh Al Saliheen, 278, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The best of you are those who are best to their families.’ 

Proving Presence Through Priority 

By combining active listening, transparency, and consistent rituals, parents can show their children that carrying a device does not have to mean having a divided heart. True presence is proven not by the complete absence of technology, but by the clear priority given to family over screens, an act which reflects sincerity and balance in the sight of Allah Almighty.