What’s the best way to get extended family involved in screen-free bonding without making it seem forced? 

Parenting Perspective 

Encouraging screen-free time with extended family requires a gentle and inclusive approach. The key is to make the alternative so appealing that putting phones away becomes a natural choice, not a forced rule. 

Invite, Do Not Instruct 

Family members may feel defensive if they are told directly to put their devices away. Instead, simply invite them into activities that are naturally absorbing and fun. Suggesting a group cooking project or a family board game allows screen-free interaction to happen by default. 

Make It About Shared Enjoyment 

Choose activities that everyone, from young children to grandparents, can enjoy together. Simple things like board games, family trivia, or a short walk can spark conversation and laughter across generations. When the focus is on shared memories, participation feels organic. 

Use Food as a Connector 

Mealtimes are a natural opportunity for connection. You can plan a ‘cook together’ session or a themed dinner where everyone contributes. When people are busy preparing, serving, and enjoying food, there is far less temptation to reach for a device. 

Highlight the Benefit, Not the Restriction 

The language you use matters. Instead of saying, ‘Let’s have some time without our phones,’ you can frame it more positively: ‘Let’s spend the evening playing that game together.’ Shifting the focus away from what is being lost makes the experience feel inviting, not restrictive. 

By creating engaging, shared experiences and framing them as opportunities to connect, extended family members are more likely to embrace screen-free time willingly. 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, strengthening the ties of kinship (silat al-rahim) is a deeply virtuous act that carries immense reward. Time spent together in love and mutual care is not only enjoyable but is also spiritually significant. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Muhammad (47), Verses 22–23: 

‘ Then if by any chance you (O hypocrites) were given authority (to govern); you would cause (immoral) anarchy on the Earth and sever your ties of association (focused only on self-interest). These are the people who have earned the curse of Allah (Almighty)…’ 

This reminds us of the profound importance that Islam places on actively maintaining and nurturing our family bonds. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 5984, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him maintain his ties of kinship.’ 

This teaches us that making a conscious effort to keep family connections alive and healthy is a defining sign of a believer’s faith. 

By inviting extended family into screen-free bonding activities rooted in joy, contribution, and togetherness, you are not only fostering happy memories but also fulfilling a core Islamic value of preserving and strengthening family ties.