How do I reassure my child that their voice matters in a home full of digital noise? 

Parenting Perspective 

In a home filled with the constant hum of devices, it is easy for a child to feel that their voice is just another sound competing for attention. Reassuring them that they are heard and valued comes from consistent, intentional actions that prove their words take priority. 

Practise Intentional Listening 

• Pause and give full focus: The moment your child starts speaking, make a habit of stopping what you are doing on your device, making eye contact, and giving them a clear signal that you are listening. 

• Establish daily screen-free times: Create guaranteed moments for undistracted conversation by making shared meals, bedtime, or car journeys protected, device-free zones. 

• Show engagement in your responses: Instead of offering brief acknowledgements like ‘uh-huh’, ask interested follow-up questions that show you have absorbed what they have said. 

These simple but consistent practices help your child feel seen, valued, and confident that their voice is important enough to rise above any distraction. 

Spiritual Insight 

The Sunnah, or way of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, places a great emphasis on the etiquette of active listening and giving our due attention to others as a sign of respect and good character. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Qaaf (50), Verse 37: 

‘Indeed, in this there is a realisation for those who have a heart, and those who pay attention, whilst they are (attentively) observant…’ 

This powerful verse reminds us that true listening is an act of the heart and mind. To truly benefit from what is being said, we must be fully present and engaged, a principle that is vital in our family connections. 

It is recorded in Riyadh Al  Saliheen, Hadith 636, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Make things easy and do not make things difficult, give glad tidings and do not repel people.’ 

This beautiful guidance teaches us to be sources of ease and encouragement. By creating a warm and open atmosphere for communication, we make it easy for our children to approach us and share what is on their minds, rather than repelling them with our distraction. 

By being intentional in the way you listen and respond, you help your child build a deep and lasting trust that their voice will always be heard and valued, no matter how much digital noise fills the world around them.