What should parents do when children keep bargaining for “just ten more minutes” and it works every time? 

Parenting Perspective 

When a child’s plea for “just ten more minutes” consistently works, it teaches them that boundaries are negotiable. Breaking this habit requires parents to be loving but unshakeable in their resolve. 

Stop Negotiating and State the Rule Clearly 

The first step is to stop the bargaining process entirely. During a calm, neutral moment, explain the new approach: ‘From now on, when we say screen time is over, it means it is over. We will not be adding extra minutes, so that the rule is fair and clear for everyone’. This resets the expectation in their mind. 

Hold the Boundary Without an Emotional Debate 

The next time your child tries to bargain, your response should be calm, brief, and predictable. Use a simple, empathetic phrase like, ‘I know it is hard to stop when you are having fun, but our time is up now’. Then, follow through by helping them switch off the device. Do not get drawn into lectures or justifications; the less emotional energy you give the request, the faster they learn bargaining is no longer effective. 

Use Visual Timers to Increase Transparency 

To reduce feelings of unfairness, use a visual timer that the child can see. When the timer goes off, it signals the end of the session neutrally. You can then immediately redirect their focus by asking, ‘The timer is finished! What shall we do next?’ This shifts their mind from negotiation to the next activity, giving them a sense of control over what comes after. 

Children stop pushing boundaries when they learn they are firm. Gentle, consistent follow-through is far more effective at breaking the bargaining cycle than any lengthy explanation or argument. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches the importance of discipline, self-control, and clarity, warning that repeatedly giving in to small desires can lead to bigger problems. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Maryam (19), Verse 59: 

‘Then after them they were followed by those successors, that neglected their prayers, and followed their lustful desire…’ 

This verse warns that the habit of following desires, even seemingly small ones like a child’s plea for more game time, can set a precedent. If left unchecked, it can lead to a character that prioritises its own wants over more important duties, like prayer or family responsibilities. 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ guided us towards decisiveness and clarity. 

It is recorded in Riyadh Al Saliheen, 592, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Leave that which causes you doubt for that which does not cause you doubt.‘ 

This principle is a wonderful guide for parenting. The path of inconsistent bargaining is full of “doubt” and conflict. The path of a clear, firm, and predictable boundary is the one of “certainty” that leads to peace in the home. By holding a steady line, parents are not just stopping an argument; they are choosing a path of clarity and discipline, which is a lifelong gift for their child rooted in Islamic wisdom.