How do I rebuild connection after weeks of being home but too distracted to engage? 

Parenting Perspective 

Acknowledge the Gap with Warmth 

The first step is to acknowledge what has happened, without making excuses. A simple and sincere apology, such as, ‘I know I have been physically here but not really with you lately, and I am sorry for that. I want to change it’, can be incredibly powerful. It validates their feelings, lowers their guard, and opens the door for reconnection. 

Restart with Small, Predictable Moments 

When rebuilding a habit, consistency is more important than grand gestures. Choose one or two small, daily anchor points that you can commit to being completely device-free. This could be ten minutes of play right after school or a brief, focused chat at bedtime. Keeping your phone physically out of sight during these times makes your attention feel genuine and reliable. 

Use Micro-Resets During the Day 

When you catch yourself drifting back to a device, perform a quick ‘micro-reset’. This involves putting the phone down, making eye contact, offering a gentle touch on their shoulder, and asking one simple, inviting question. These small but frequent moments of returning to them are what rebuild trust over time. 

Invite Them In, Then Follow Through 

Let your child help plan a shared activity for the week, such as baking or going for a walk. When the time arrives, make sure you are present and enthusiastic. By following through on these small promises, you are teaching them that your words and intentions are reliable once again. 

Reconnection is not a single event, but a series of small, steady choices. Through a clear apology, consistent daily moments, and visible follow-through, your child will begin to feel your presence returning to them, not just your body returning to the house. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islamic teachings remind us that repairing relationships is a vital act of faith and that showing mercy to our children is a cornerstone of our belief. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hujuraat (49), Verse 10: 

‘Indeed, the believers are brothers (to each other); so, make peace with your brothers; and seek piety from Allah (Almighty) so that you may receive His Mercy…‘ 

This verse teaches us that mending and maintaining our relationships is a core part of faith. Making a sincere effort to repair a disconnect with our children is an act of worship that invites the mercy of Allah into our homes. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2319, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘He who does not show mercy to our children is not one of us.’ 

This powerful statement reminds us that mercy towards our children is an essential sign of a believer. This mercy includes the gentleness and focused attention required to mend a broken connection and re-establish a bond of trust.