What routines can I build around screen time to stop it from becoming a default babysitter? 

Parenting Perspective 

When screens become the ‘default babysitter’, the goal is not to banish them entirely but to consciously reframe their role in your child’s day. By building intentional routines, you can reposition screens as a limited tool rather than a constant crutch and encourage your child to naturally turn to other activities first. 

Assign Screens a Predictable Time Slot 

Children feel more secure and are less likely to complain when they know what to expect. Choose a set, predictable time for screen use each day—such as the hour after schoolwork is done or while you are preparing dinner—and stick to it. When your child knows exactly when screen time will happen, they stop asking for it constantly and are less likely to see it as an option whenever you are busy. This makes screen time a planned part of the day, not a reaction to boredom. 

Use the ‘Screen Sandwich’ Approach 

To prevent screen time from dominating the day, sandwich it between two non-screen activities. This structure ensures that a screen is just one part of a healthy, varied routine, not its centrepiece. For example: 

• Before: An activity that is physical or social, like playing outside or a board game. 

• After: An activity that is calm and focused, like reading, drawing, or a puzzle. 

This approach provides a natural transition both into and out of screen time, making it feel less jarring. 

Keep Screens in a Central Family Zone 

Avoid allowing screen time to take place in bedrooms or other private spaces. Keeping devices in a shared family area, like the living room, allows you to remain passively aware of the content and the duration of use. It also naturally limits the possibility of endless scrolling or prolonged gaming sessions without you needing to constantly monitor them. 

Prepare a List of Easy Alternatives 

Have a list of ready-to-go, no-preparation activities that your child can turn to when you are occupied. This could be a designated box of LEGO challenges, a fresh set of colouring books, an engaging audiobook, or a simple snack-making task they can manage themselves. Keep these alternatives easily accessible so that reaching for a screen is not always the path of least resistance. 

By giving screens a clear time, place, and structure, you can break the ‘default babysitter’ habit without turning your home into a constant battleground. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches us to live with tarteeb a sense of order and balance in all aspects of our lives. As parents, part of our trust (amanah) is to help our children spend their hours wisely, creating intentional space for what benefits their hearts, minds, and faith. Screens can have a place within this, but without clear boundaries, they can easily crowd out more meaningful pursuits. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Mu’minoon (23), Verses 1–3: 

‘Indeed, success is for the believers; those people who are focused in their prayers with true humility. And those people that abstain from frivolous gossip...’ 

This verse reminds us that true success is built on using our time for what is purposeful (khushu in prayer) and turning away from that which is empty or distracting (laghw). 

It is recorded in Sahih Al Bukhari, Hadith 5199, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Your body has a right over you, and your eyes have a right over you’ 

This hadith teaches us that balance is not optional; it is a right that we owe to ourselves and must teach our children. This includes how we rest our bodies and how we occupy our attention. By placing screens within a healthy, structured routine, you teach your child that time is a trust, and every tool even a screen should serve a beneficial purpose.