What if I work from my phone or laptop  how can I explain this to my child clearly? 

Parenting Perspective 

When you work from a phone or laptop, your child often cannot see the difference between ‘work time’ and ‘play time’. To them, a screen is a screen, and they may understandably feel that you are choosing a device over them. The key is to use clear, age-appropriate explanations and visible boundaries to help them understand the distinction. 

Explain the ‘Why’ in Their Language 

Use simple, concrete language that your child can easily understand. You could explain, ‘This is Mummy’s work on the computer. It is how we earn money to buy our food and your lovely toys’. Relating your work to their world helps them to connect the dots and see your screen use as a productive and necessary family contribution. 

Show Them the Difference 

Where possible, a quick demonstration can be very effective. Briefly show them what your work screen looks like perhaps a page full of words or numbers and then contrast it with a colourful game or video. You can explain, ‘See? This is my work, and that is for play. They are different’. This visual distinction can be very clarifying for a child. 

Create Clear ‘Work Signals’ 

Establish visible cues that signal to your child when you are “at work” and cannot be interrupted. This could be working in a particular chair or desk, putting on a specific pair of glasses, or even wearing a particular scarf. These physical ‘work signals’ help your child to visually distinguish between when you are available and when you need to concentrate. 

Offer ‘Micro-Connection’ Breaks 

If your work schedule allows, try to take very short breaks every so often to offer a moment of connection. Pausing for a quick hug, a smile, or to listen to a brief story from your child can be powerfully reassuring. It shows them that they are still your priority, even when you are busy working. 

When you explain the purpose of your work with consistency and warmth, you reduce misunderstandings and help your child learn to respect your work time without feeling neglected. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam recognises and honours the need to balance the duty of earning a living with the sacred responsibility of fulfilling family rights. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Jumu’ah (62), Verse 10: 

‘Then when the prayer has concluded, then dispersed on the Earth and seek the benefaction of Allah (Almighty); and remember Allah (Almighty) excessively so that you may be victorious…’ 

This verse teaches us that seeking lawful provision is a praiseworthy act, encouraged immediately after the Jumu’ah prayer, provided that we continue to remember Allah and our other duties. 

It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 2138, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘A man does not eat any food better than that which he earns from the work of his own hands.’ 

This hadith ennobles the act of working to provide for one’s family. By helping your child to understand the purpose of your screen use for work, you are not only protecting your bond but also teaching them that earning through halal means is a virtuous act of responsibility and care.