Parenting Perspective 

When children see their parents at home, they often assume they are fully available, even during an important work call. Without clear guidance, they may interrupt for minor things, leaving parents feeling flustered and the child feeling frustrated when they are dismissed. A simple and consistent script can help a child to understand when interruptions are not permitted, while also reassuring them that their urgent needs will always be met. 

Teach the Script in Advance 

Before you need to make a call, take a moment to explain the new rule calmly and clearly. 

‘When I am on a work call, it is my focus time. This means I cannot be interrupted unless it is a real emergency, like if someone is hurt or there is a danger. If it is not urgent, please wait until I have finished. As soon as the call is over, you will have my full attention.’ 

Use a Visual or Physical Signal 

You can reinforce this script with a physical cue that your child can easily see. This could involve wearing headphones or placing a coloured card on your desk or door. For younger children, a visual signal makes the abstract rule much more concrete and easier to follow. 

Praise Your Child for Waiting 

After you have finished your call, make sure to praise your child for their patience. You could say, ‘Thank you for waiting so patiently, that really helped me. Now I am all yours’. Linking praise directly to their patient behaviour helps to reinforce it positively. 

Consistency Builds Trust 

If you do not give your child your full attention after the call as you promised, they are more likely to test the boundaries next time. Following through consistently ensures that the rule feels safe and reliable, not like a rejection. 

By combining a respectful script with clear signals and consistent follow-through, you can help your child to understand that these boundaries are a normal part of family cooperation. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam places great value on honesty, discipline, and fairness. Modelling these qualities, even in the small details of daily life like managing work calls, teaches children that respecting commitments is an important act of integrity. 

A Quranic Reminder on Keeping Your Word 

The Quran reminds us that failing to act on what we say is a serious matter in the sight of Allah. This applies to all of our promises, including the small ones we make to our children. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Saff (61), Verses 2-3: 

‘O you who are believers, why do you say (to others) that) which you do not do (yourself)? It is highly detested by Allah (Almighty) that you say (to others) that which you do not do (yourself).‘ 

This reminds us that acting with consistency is a mark of faith. 

The Prophetic Teaching on Respecting Boundaries 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that a sign of a person’s good character is their ability to respect boundaries and to refrain from interfering in matters that do not concern them. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 2317, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘A sign of a man’s excellence in his Islam is leaving what does not concern him.’ 

This teaches us that respect for boundaries is a part of good manners and sound faith. 

By teaching your children this script and modelling reliability, you help them to see that discipline and patience are part of our Islamic character. They learn that while their needs are important, respecting boundaries is also an act of love and faith.