How can we design weekend activities that make our child forget about devices without feeling deprived? 

Parenting Perspective 

The most effective way to reduce device use is not to focus on restriction, but to fill the time with something even more compelling. The goal is to make real-world experiences so engaging that screens naturally fade into the background. 

Focus on Engagement, Not Restriction 

Plan outings or projects that stimulate their curiosity, physical movement, or creativity. A family picnic with outdoor games, a visit to a local museum, or a home cooking challenge can be so absorbing that they do not feel the absence of their device. 

Involve Your Child in the Planning 

Ask your child for their own ideas for the weekend. This simple act gives them a sense of ownership over the plan and makes it feel less like a parent-imposed activity. Even if you guide their choices, the fact that they had input reduces resistance and increases their excitement. 

Build Anticipation in Advance 

Talk about the upcoming activity during the week. You can drop hints about a surprise, or let them help with preparations, like packing snacks or choosing a trail for a walk. The excitement leading up to the day becomes a rewarding part of the experience itself. 

Add Variety to Keep It Fresh 

If the same activity is repeated every weekend, it can start to feel predictable. Try to rotate between different types of fun, such as outdoor adventures, indoor creative projects, and social gatherings with friends or relatives. Keeping weekends interesting creates new memories. 

By making weekends about connection, novelty, and shared joy rather than about avoiding devices, you naturally shift the focus away from screens. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam encourages wholesome recreation that strengthens family bonds, benefits the body, and uplifts the spirit. Intentional time spent together is a beautiful way of fulfilling our duties towards our family. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Furqaan (25), Verse 74: 

‘ And those people that say: “O our Sustainer, Grant to us (those circumstances that make) our spouses and our offspring, a comfort for our eyes; and make us from those that have attained piety, and a role model”.‘ 

This reminds us that finding comfort and goodness in our family life is a blessing we should pray for and actively work towards. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 55, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘When a Muslim spends something on his family with the intention of earning reward, it is regarded as charity for him.’ 

This teaches us that the time and effort we spend creating beneficial and joyful moments for our family are considered acts of worship when done with a sincere intention. 

By designing weekends around shared experiences and mindful presence, you create moments that are both enjoyable and spiritually enriching, making the pull of screens naturally weaker.