What can I say when my child complains that family time is ‘boring’ without screens? 

Parenting Perspective 

When a child complains that family time is ‘boring’ without a screen, it is often a sign that their brain has become accustomed to high levels of digital stimulation. The key is to respond without defensiveness, validating their feeling while gently reintroducing them to the quieter, deeper joys of shared, slower-paced activities. 

Acknowledge Their Feelings Without Judgment 

Before you try to solve the problem, first acknowledge their feeling with empathy. Instead of immediately correcting them, you could say, ‘I hear that you are feeling bored right now. It can feel different when the screens are off.’ This simple act of validation makes them feel understood and lowers their resistance to what comes next, opening the door for positive connection. 

Introduce Small Twists to Familiar Activities 

You do not need to plan an elaborate event to make screen-free time interesting. Often, adding a small, novel twist to a familiar activity is enough. You could play a favourite board game in teams, cook a new recipe together, or set up a simple family challenge, like building the tallest cushion fort. Even simple changes can make old routines feel fresh and exciting again. 

Invite Them to Co-Create Family Time 

Give your child a sense of ownership over your shared time by inviting them to contribute ideas. Ask them what they would like to do together as a family when the screens are off. When they feel like a co-creator of the family’s fun, their engagement and enjoyment will naturally increase. This turns it into ‘our time’ instead of ‘your rule’. 

Make Screen-Free Connection a Consistent Ritual 

Make dedicated, screen-free family time a regular and predictable part of your week, even if it is just for a short period each day. When it becomes a natural expectation rather than an occasional interruption to their usual routine, children are far more likely to accept it and even look forward to it. 

By showing your child that family time can be both warm and enjoyable without a screen, you help them rediscover the value in shared moments that are slower but ultimately more deeply rewarding. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that time spent in good company, especially within the family, is a blessing from Allah that should be actively nurtured and protected. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Shuraa (42), Verse 23: 

‘Say (O Prophet Muhammad ﷺ): “I do not ask from you any reward (for bringing this message to you) except that you should (sincerely) love those people who are near to you…”’ 

This verse highlights that nurturing mutual care and affection within our family bonds is so important that it was mentioned as the only ‘reward’ the Prophet ﷺ was to ask for. This elevates the act of spending quality time together to an act of faith. 

It is recorded in Riyad Al Saliheen, Hadith 627, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The most beloved of people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to others.’ 

This teaches us that serving and uplifting one another, even through simple, joyful family activities, is a way of becoming beloved to Allah. By patiently encouraging screen-free family moments, you are fostering the love, connection, and mutual benefit that will nourish your child’s relationships for life.