What steps can make experiences more prized than objects? 

Parenting Perspective 

Children naturally gravitate toward objects because they are tangible, visible, and provide immediate satisfaction. Toys, gadgets, and gifts offer a clear, concrete reward, satisfying their short-term desire for pleasure. The emotional root of this preference is the brain’s natural attraction to instant gratification. Parents can gently shift this focus by teaching that experiences—shared meals, creative activities, adventures, or moments of learning—offer a joy that lasts far longer than any object. Unlike toys that can break, be forgotten, or become boring, experiences form enduring memories, emotional connections, and skills. 

Plan Meaningful Experiences 

Start with small, intentional experiences that can be embedded in daily life. A trip to the park, baking a cake together, storytelling, or reciting Qur’an side by side are all opportunities to show children that engagement, not acquisition, produces lasting joy. Afterwards, pause to reflect: “Do you remember how happy we felt baking that cake together? That happiness stayed with us all day, longer than any toy could.” Frame experiences as treasures in themselves, not as fillers between acquisitions. Over time, children begin to associate joy with participation, creativity, and togetherness rather than with what they can own. 

Reinforcing Through Reflection 

Reflection is crucial in teaching the value of experiences. Encourage children to retell stories of family moments or shared learning. Ask questions like: “What part of the day made you happiest?” or “Which moments do you remember the most?” Repetition of such reflections helps the brain encode experiences as emotionally meaningful and valuable. This makes the comparison between fleeting pleasure from objects and enduring happiness from experiences more tangible. Children start to internalise that memories, skills, and connection create deeper satisfaction than any material item. 

Micro-Action: The Memory Jar Ritual 

A practical step is to create a family “memory jar.” Each family member writes down moments of joy, learning, or shared experience on slips of paper. At the end of the month, read them together and celebrate the memories. Seeing the jar filled with experiences reinforces visually and emotionally that the family’s richest treasures are not bought in stores but created together. Another option is a “family journal” where drawings, reflections, or photos of experiences are collected, making intangible joy tangible and memorable. 

Spiritual Insight 

Connecting experiences to spiritual understanding powerfully reinforces their value. The noble Quran teaches that worldly items are fleeting, but meaningful deeds and actions endure. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Kahf (18), Verse 46: 

“Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one’s] hope…” 

This ayah draws attention away from material acquisition and toward what truly lasts: the actions, memories, and connections that define character and faith. When parents model and celebrate experiences of learning, giving, or gratitude, children see that these are the treasures that cannot be lost or diminished. 

The Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ reinforced the value of consistency in meaningful actions: 

It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 4237, that the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

“The most beloved of actions to Allah are those that are most consistent, even if small.” 

Experiences rooted in love, faith, creativity, and learning are enduring forms of action. Parents who prize these over material objects teach children to prioritise connection, growth, and spiritual fulfilment. By weaving these experiences into routines, pausing to reflect, and linking joy to spiritual and emotional growth, parents help children internalise that life’s richest treasures cannot be purchased.