Parenting Perspective 

When you reach for your phone instead of your child, it is not because you are failing as a parent; it is usually because you are overwhelmed, unseen, or searching for a pause you have not been allowed elsewhere. Social media often offers the illusion of adult connection, escapism, or control in ways parenting simply does not. That does not make you weak; it only makes you human. 

Pause with Compassion 

The first step is not to drop the phone out of guilt, but to pause with compassion. Ask yourself what you are using the screen to escape from. Is it loneliness? Emotional depletion? Mental clutter? Guilt without insight will only make the habit stronger. But gentle awareness gives you choice. 

Redirect Your Energy 

Rather than ‘quitting’ social media, redirect your energy in small, specific ways. You might set one hour in the day where the phone goes out of sight, and you tune into your child without a parallel scroll. The goal is not to be hyper-present all the time, but meaningfully available some of the time. 

Presence, Not Perfection 

Children do not need perfection, but they do need presence. Even brief moments of focused connection—eye contact, a question asked with care, laughter shared without distraction—can repair hours of disconnection. You can let go of guilt when you realise parenting is not about constant access, but about returning. And return is always possible. 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, being emotionally available for one’s child is not an abstract virtue. It is a part of fulfilling the trust Allah has placed in your care. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ did not only guide with grand gestures; he also gave undivided attention to children in moments others may have dismissed as small. 

The Prophetic Model: You Are a Shepherd 

It is recorded in Mishkat al-Masabih that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock.‘

[Mishkat al-Masabih,18:25] 

This hadith reminds every parent that their role includes safeguarding not only the physical, but also the emotional and spiritual wellbeing of those under their care. When your child senses that they matter more than a screen or your social media platform, it nourishes their self-worth and shapes their inner world. 

A Reminder That Time is a Test 

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 verse reminds us that time is not a neutral currency; it is a test, a gift, and a means of growth. Choosing to shift your time from comfort-scrolling to conscious parenting, even in small doses, is an act of spiritual courage. 

There is no need for guilt when you do not have that intention. Your awareness already signals that your heart is in the right place. Let that guide your next moment, not shame from the last one.