What can I do when my child gets angry that an app update has changed their favourite game features? 

Parenting Perspective 

When an app update changes a beloved game, the frustration your child feels is genuine. For them, it can feel like a sudden and unfair loss. Your response can help them navigate this small disappointment and build the crucial life skill of adaptability. 

Acknowledge Their Feelings First 

Start by acknowledging how frustrating this must be for them. To a child, a sudden change in a familiar game can feel like a real loss, especially if they have spent time mastering certain features. You can sit with them and say something like, ‘I can see you are really upset that the game is not the same anymore. It must feel strange to have it change so unexpectedly.’ This simple act makes them feel heard and understood. 

Guide Towards Constructive Thinking 

Once they are a little calmer, you can gently shift the conversation from what has been lost to what can be done. Help them to channel their feelings into something productive by exploring constructive actions. You could discuss the new features, or even help them to write and submit feedback to the app developers. This teaches them problem-solving and shows that their opinion matters. 

This process helps them develop adaptability, turning a moment of frustration into a valuable lesson for the future. 

Spiritual Insight 

Helping a child to adapt to an unexpected and unwelcome change is a valuable opportunity to teach the Islamic virtue of patience (sabr). It is a chance to show them that our faith guides us to face all of life’s changes with calmness and trust in Allah’s wisdom. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Baqarah (2), Verse 286: 

‘ Allah (Almighty) does not place any burden on any human being except that which is within his capacity…’ 

This reminds us that even when a change feels difficult or frustrating, we have been given the strength and ability to adapt and move forward. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2609, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The strong man is not the one who is good at wrestling, but the strong man is the one who controls himself in a fit of rage.’ 

This teaches us that true strength lies in mastering our emotions when things do not happen as we had hoped or expected. 

By guiding your child to practise patience in this small situation, you help them cultivate resilience and understand that every challenge can be met with faith, calmness, and good character.