Parenting Perspective 

When family outings begin to be measured by how much money was spent, rather than by the quality of the time shared, children can lose sight of the real purpose of these moments. Family outings are meant to strengthen bonds and create happy memories. Reducing them to a financial comparison shifts the focus from connection to competition, which can erode the warmth that should define family life. 

The Loss of Family Togetherness 

The primary goal of a family outing should be to foster a sense of togetherness. When the emphasis is on spending, children may learn to value the transaction more than the interaction, which can weaken family bonds over time. 

Creating Feelings of Inadequacy 

A child may feel embarrassed or disappointed if their family’s outings are more modest compared to the luxurious experiences of their peers. This can harm their confidence, making them believe their family is less successful. Instead of cherishing the love and attention they receive, they may become restless, dissatisfied, or even resentful. 

The Weakening of Gratitude and Simplicity 

When outings are linked to how much is spent, simple joys like a picnic in the park or a walk together can lose their value in a child’s eyes. This fosters a belief that happiness only comes from expensive activities, which weakens their sense of contentment and gratitude for small blessings. 

The Long-Term Consequences 

This mindset can have lasting effects. 

• A Materialistic Worldview: A child may grow up equating the amount of love they receive with the amount of money spent on them. 

• Strained Family Bonds: Parents may feel pressured to overspend, while children may feel a sense of entitlement. 

• Shallow Joy: Their idea of happiness can become fragile and dependent on constant material indulgence. 

Guiding Children Towards Real Joy 

Parents can counter this harm by emphasising shared experiences over expenses. Highlighting gratitude by pointing out small but beautiful details, such as nature or a fun conversation, helps to ground children in the moment. Creating family traditions that celebrate togetherness, not consumption, teaches the lasting values of love and unity. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that the time a family spends together is a blessing, and its value is found in the love and connection that are shared, not in the amount of money spent. Judging the success of an outing by its cost is a form of materialism that contradicts the Islamic values of simplicity and gratitude. 

A Quranic Reminder on Excess and Moderation 

The Quran warns against making spending a measure of joy, reminding families that wasteful behaviour is a sign of ingratitude. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Israa (17), Verses 26-27: 

‘…And do not squander your wealth, extravagantly. Indeed, those who are extravagant (i.e. wasteful of their wealth) these are the brothers of the Satan, as the Satan has always been ungrateful to his Sustainer.’ 

This verse teaches that excess distracts from gratitude and is spiritually harmful. 

The Prophetic Teaching on Sincere Spending 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that the best spending is that which is done with a sincere intention to care for one’s family. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 995, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘A dinar which you spend in the cause of Allah, a dinar which you spend in freeing a slave, a dinar which you give in charity to a needy person, and a dinar which you spend on your family. The greatest of these in reward is the one that you spend on your family.’ 

This hadith shows that the value of spending lies in the intention to care for family, not in extravagance or competition. 

By teaching children that outings are about love, laughter, and shared time, parents can instil in them the values of gratitude and simplicity. This nurtures emotional stability, strengthens family bonds, and protects children from the emptiness of judging life through purely material measures.