What small, visible choices can I make to show my child that I value real-world conversations over online chatter? 

Parenting Perspective 

The most powerful lessons we teach our children are through our daily, often unspoken, actions. To show them that you value real conversations more than online chatter, your choices must be visible, consistent, and intentional. 

Pause and Give Full Attention 

When your child comes to speak with you, make a point of pausing what you are doing. Putting your phone face-down and turning your body fully towards them is an unmistakable physical sign that you are choosing them over whatever is happening online. 

Establish ‘No-Screen’ Conversation Zones 

Create predictable times and spaces where real-world conversation is the priority. This could be during mealtimes, car journeys, or bedtime chats. These regular, screen-free pockets of time show your child that some moments are reserved purely for connection. 

Verbally Prioritise the Interaction 

Make your choice explicit by using simple phrases. For example, ‘I will check that message later on; I want to hear what you are saying right now.’ This turns an unspoken action into a clear, teachable moment about valuing the person in front of you. 

Celebrate the Joy of Connection 

After a good conversation, you can briefly reflect on it. Saying, ‘I really enjoyed our chat just now,’ reinforces that real-world connection is not a chore or a duty but something that is genuinely rewarding and enjoyable. 

By combining consistent actions with gentle explanations, you show rather than simply tell that face-to-face interactions hold a special priority in your life. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam places great emphasis on the importance of giving people our full attention and treating their words with respect, especially when they are physically present with us. This is a core component of beautiful manners (adab). 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hujuraat (49), Verse 11: 

‘…And do not insult each other; and do not call each other by (offensive) nicknames…’ 

This prohibition is rooted in a deeper principle of honouring others, and giving someone our undivided attention is a fundamental way we show them that honour. 

It is recorded in the famous collection, Musnad Ahmad, that the companions of the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ described his perfect manners, noting that: 

‘when he turned, he would turn his whole body.’ 

This teaches us that even with his many great responsibilities, the Prophet ﷺ made every person he spoke to feel completely valued by giving them his full and undivided focus. 

By following this beautiful prophetic manner visibly pausing, turning your full attention, and listening with sincerity you show your child that people always matter more than screens, giving them a living example to carry into all their future relationships.