Parenting Perspective 

Screens are quick fillers of time, but they often drain presence and connection. Analogue activities, like reading together, playing a board game, or crafting, bring families into the same space with focus and joy. To make them work in busy households, the key is to keep them accessible, simple, and light-hearted so presence is restored without stress. 

Keep Materials Visible and Ready 

Place a small shelf or basket in the living room with puzzle books, simple crafts, or a few favourite board games. If activities are tucked away, they get forgotten. When they are visible, children naturally pick them up. 

Start Small, Keep It Casual 

Even ten minutes of a board game or a single page of reading can reset presence. It does not need to be a long session. Short bursts feel achievable and prevent reluctance from older children who may worry about time. 

Rotate for Freshness 

Swap activities every few weeks: today’s craft supplies, tomorrow’s storybook pile, next week a new puzzle. A little rotation keeps curiosity alive without the cost of constant buying. 

Make It a Shared Joy, Not a Rule 

Invite with warmth: “Who wants to beat me in a quick round?” or “Shall we try this new bookmark craft?” Avoid framing it as a replacement for screens; instead, present it as something fun in its own right. 

By making analogue activities easy to start and part of daily rhythm, parents refill presence naturally. Children learn that joy and connection come most vividly from shared human moments, not endless digital stimulation. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches us that time is a trust and should be spent in ways that nourish both body and soul. Choosing wholesome, screen-free activities reflects balance and gratitude for the blessings of family and creativity. 

Qur’an Guidance 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Asr (103), Verses 1–3: 

‘By the (design of) time (by Allah Almighty); indeed, mankind shall surely (remain in a state of) deprivation (moral deficit), except for those people who are believers and undertake virtuous acts; and encouraging (cultivating within themselves and with one another the realisation and dissemination of) the truth and encouraging (cultivating within themselves and with one another the realisation and accomplishment of) resilience.’ 

This reminds us that protecting time from loss means filling it with meaningful activities that build connection and goodness. 

Hadith Reminder 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 6412, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘There are two blessings which many people lose: health and free time.’ 

This teaches us that free time is precious, and using it well (with creativity, bonding, and remembrance) is a form of gratitude to Allah Almighty. 

When parents choose analogue activities to refill presence, they show children that health, time, and togetherness are treasures. Each page turned, piece crafted, or game played becomes a way of valuing blessings, nurturing bonds, and using free time in ways that uplift both family and faith.