Parenting Perspective 

Weekends can quickly become filled with errands, family visits, and children’s activities, often leaving little space for a couple to connect. Protecting even a short walk together requires making it a deliberate ritual rather than a spontaneous wish. When children see this walk as a predictable part of the family routine, they are far less likely to resist, allowing parents to enjoy a moment of guilt-free reconnection. 

Establish the Walk as a Family Routine 

Introduce the walk as a non-negotiable part of your weekend rhythm. You could say, ‘Every Saturday after lunch, Mum and Dad take their short walk together. During that time, you will have your own special activity’. This predictability and clarity make it much easier for children to accept and adapt. 

Arrange an Engaging Alternative for Children 

Ensure your children have something enjoyable to look forward to during your walk. This could be: 

• A specially prepared snack or fruit plate. 

• A short, pre-approved cartoon episode. 

• Dedicated time with a grandparent or a sibling game. 

When they have their own pleasant activity to anticipate, they are more likely to view your walk as an act of balance rather than one of exclusion. 

Commit to a Distraction-Free Walk 

For this ritual to be truly effective, both partners must agree that mobile phones stay behind. This simple act signals to each other that the time is sacred and dedicated solely to connection, not multitasking. Even a brief 15 to 20-minute walk around the block can feel like a refreshing reset when it is completely undistracted. 

Prioritise Consistency Over Duration 

If your weekend schedule becomes unexpectedly busy, it is better to scale the walk down than to cancel it altogether. Even a five-minute stroll to the end of the street can keep the ritual alive. The true power of this practice lies in its consistency, not its length. 

Over time, this protected weekend walk becomes a reliable anchor for your marriage. It also sends a powerful message to your children: nurturing the parental relationship is a vital part of maintaining a healthy and happy family. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam encourages spouses to nurture mercy and affection through practical, everyday actions. Protecting a weekend ritual, such as a short, private walk, is a beautiful way to strengthen the bond that provides children with their core sense of emotional stability. 

The Importance of Unity and Harmony 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Anfaal (8), Verse 46: 

‘ And obey Allah (Almighty) and His Prophet (Muhammad ﷺ), and do not dispute (with each other) as it may weaken (your ranks), and would reduce your strength…’ 

While this verse addresses the broader community, its wisdom applies powerfully to the family. Unity and harmony between spouses are a source of strength for the entire household, and protecting moments of connection helps prevent the discord that can weaken a family’s foundation. 

The Virtue of Benefiting One’s Family 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 4250, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The most beloved of people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to people.’ 

This profound teaching reminds us that bringing benefit to others begins within our own homes. Spouses who make the effort to nurture one another are, in turn, bringing immense benefit and calm to their children. 

By keeping a short walk free of phones and children, you model balance, discipline, and love. This simple ritual quietly teaches your children that preserving the marital bond is an act of worship and a gift that strengthens the entire family.