My child imitates me by ‘pretending’ to be on the phone what does this mean, and how should I address it? 

Parenting Perspective 

When your child mimics your phone use, it is a clear sign that they are absorbing your daily habits and weaving them into their play. Children imitate the behaviours they see most frequently, not always because they understand the purpose, but because it is their way of rehearsing for adult life. While often a harmless phase, this imitation acts as a gentle mirror, reflecting just how prominent your device use is in their world. 

Reflect and Redirect 

The first step is not to feel shame, but to use it as a moment for reflection. Ask yourself if this is the behaviour you want them to associate with adulthood. If you realise your device is often in your hand, you can consciously model alternative habits. Let them see you reading a book, writing in a journal, or making dua. 

Turn Imitation into Learning 

You can also guide their imaginative play. If they are on a pretend call, join in by asking, “Oh, are you calling Grandma? What are you telling her?” This makes the game interactive and reinforces that phones are for connecting with people. Furthermore, enrich their world of play by offering a variety of non-tech toys, like a doctor’s kit or art supplies, so their imitation is not limited to technology. 

Spiritual Insight 

Children are an amanah, a trust, and our actions are their most powerful lessons. They learn far more from what we do than from what we say. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Saff (61), Verse 2: 

‘O you who are believers, why do you say (to others that) which you do not do (yourself)? …‘ 

This powerful question serves as a divine warning against hypocrisy. For parents, it is a stark reminder that our children notice any gap between our words and our deeds; our behaviour is always the loudest sermon. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 6029, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The best among you are those who have the best manners and character.’ 

Excellent manners and character are not just taught, they are demonstrated. If we wish for our children to develop virtues like presence, moderation, and empathy, we must first ensure these qualities are visible in our own daily conduct. 

By viewing this imitation as both a form of admiration and a call for reflection, you can adjust your habits, enrich your child’s play, and powerfully model that human connection is far more rewarding than a screen.