What small conversation openers can I use when my child seems more interested in their tablet than talking? 

Parenting Perspective 

It can be difficult to compete for attention when a child is fully absorbed in a tablet. Rather than demanding they stop immediately, it is often more effective to use gentle conversation openers that meet them in their world. By showing curiosity about what they are doing on screen—for example, asking, ‘What level are you on now?’ or, ‘Who is your favourite character in that game?’—you show respect for their activity. This simple validation can build a bridge towards deeper conversation later on. 

Use Gentle, Open-Ended Questions 

Another approach is to use light, open-ended questions that are unrelated to the screen but easy for a distracted mind to answer. Simple prompts like, ‘If you could have any superpower, what would it be?’ or, ‘Guess what our cat did today?’ can gently pull their attention. It is important to avoid questions that sound like tests or judgments, as this can cause a child to become defensive and withdraw. 

Build ‘Soft Start’ Habits 

Before you need your child to put their tablet away, try to develop a habit of a ‘soft start’. Initiate a quick, positive exchange before making your request. This simple step helps to ease the transition from screen time to shared time, and it helps your child associate your approach with pleasant interaction rather than just interruption. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islamic teachings and the way of the Prophet ﷺ encourage us to meet people, including our own children, with warmth and to show interest in what matters to them. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Nisa (4), Verse 86: 

‘ And when you are greeted with a welcome, then greet them with (a welcome that is) even better than that, or (at least) return it (in the same manner)…’ 

This principle of responding to a greeting with something equal or better can be applied to attention. By responding warmly even to a child’s distracted state, we can open the door for a richer and more meaningful exchange to follow. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2319, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘He who does not show mercy to our children is not one of us.’ 

Part of showing this mercy is being willing to enter their world before asking them to enter ours. By acknowledging what they find interesting, we show them that they, and their interests, are valued. 

By using small, friendly, and relevant openers, you can gently re-establish connection and show your child that a conversation with you can be just as engaging as anything on a screen.