How to Help a Child Who is Restless After Watching Videos 

Parenting Perspective 

If your child seems noticeably restless or fidgety after watching rapid-fire videos, it is often a sign that their nervous system is overstimulated. Their brain has been put on high alert by the constant, fast-paced changes on the screen, making it difficult to transition back to a normal, calmer state. As a parent, you can help them reset and establish habits that prevent this from happening. 

Acknowledge the State Calmly 

Avoid scolding them for their restlessness. Instead, calmly observe what is happening: ‘I can see you have a lot of jumpy energy after watching those videos. How about we do something to help your body feel calm again?’. This frames the restlessness as a physical state to be managed, not a behavioural problem to be punished. 

Introduce Calming Breaks 

The key is to introduce activities that deliberately slow them down. Gentle, sensory activities like deep breathing, simple stretches, drawing, or listening to quiet Quran recitation can soothe an overstimulated mind. Physical activity, like playing outside, is also an excellent way to release pent-up energy in a productive manner. 

Structure Screen Time Wisely 

Proactively manage their media consumption to prevent overstimulation. Set clear limits on how long they can watch fast-paced content without a break. A simple rule like, ’20 minutes of videos, then a 10-minute offline break’ can make a huge difference. Also, encourage a healthier media diet that balances fast entertainment with slower, more engaging content. 

Model Self-Regulation 

Children learn how to transition away from screens by watching you. When they see you intentionally put your phone down to read a book, go for a walk, or simply have a conversation, it normalises the act of ‘resetting’. Your example is their most powerful teacher in self-regulation. 

Through this empathetic and structured approach, you teach your child that their restlessness is not a personal failing but a predictable outcome of overstimulation, and you empower them with the tools to manage it effectively. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islamic teachings cherish the state of tranquillity (sakinah) and promote the balance required to maintain it. The physical and mental restlessness that follows excessive entertainment is a clear sign that moderation has been lost and that the heart’s peace is at risk. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Yunus (10), Verse 7: 

‘Indeed, those who do not expect to meet Us and are satisfied with the life of this world and feel secure therein, and those who are heedless of Our signs…’ 

This verse warns against becoming so engrossed in the distractions of this world that we become heedless of our ultimate purpose. This heedlessness is a direct cause of a spiritually unsettled state. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2588, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘There is no forbearance except that it adds to a person’s dignity, and no one is humble for the sake of Allah but Allah will raise him in status.’ 

This prophetic wisdom teaches that true dignity is found in patience and forbearance. The humility we show for the sake of Allah elevates our status, whereas a state of constant restlessness and irritability diminishes our spiritual composure. 

By framing calmness as a spiritual strength and a gift from Allah, you help your child appreciate that moderation is the key to inner peace. They can learn, over time, to balance their desire for entertainment with the practices that truly soothe and nourish the soul.