What’s the best way to show my child that I can enjoy a meal without checking messages or watching videos? 

Parenting Perspective 

Children learn what is important by observing our actions. If you want to teach them that mealtimes are for connection, not screens, then modelling this behaviour yourself is the most powerful lesson you can give. 

Make the Decision Visible 

Before sitting down to eat, make a point of placing your phone on silent and putting it away from the table. You can even say, ‘I am putting my phone away now so we can all enjoy our meal together.’ This makes it an intentional, visible choice. 

Focus on Conversation and Presence 

Use mealtimes to engage your child in light and enjoyable conversation. Ask about their day, share a story from yours, or discuss something you know they are interested in. When the focus is on shared interaction, the table becomes a natural place for connection. 

Make the Atmosphere Enjoyable 

Even for simple meals, setting the table nicely and keeping the environment relaxed can make a big difference. The more pleasant and inviting the atmosphere is, the less anyone will feel the pull of a screen. 

Stay Consistent 

If you only put your phone away some of the time, the message is weakened. Consistency reinforces the value you are trying to teach. Over time, your child will come to see screen-free meals as the happy and expected norm in your home. 

By visibly prioritising presence over digital distraction, you show your child that meals are not just for eating but for building relationships and shared memories. 

Spiritual Insight 

In the Islamic tradition, mealtimes are considered moments of blessing (barakah) and gratitude. They are meant to be enjoyed with attentiveness, good manners (adab), and the remembrance of Allah. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Ibraheem (14), Verse 7: 

‘…If you become ungrateful, then indeed, My punishment is Meticulous (in execution)”.’ 

This reminds us that being present and showing gratitude for our food is a direct cause for receiving even more blessings in our lives. 

It is recorded in Riyadh Al Saliheen, Hadith 728, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘When one of you eats, let him mention the Name of Allah in the beginning. If he forgets to do so in the beginning, he should say: “In the Name of Allah in the beginning and in the end”.’ 

This teaches us that eating should be a mindful act, centred on the remembrance of Allah, not on worldly distractions. 

By setting your phone aside and giving your full attention to the meal and the people you are with, you are modelling the profound Islamic values of gratitude, presence, and good manners. These are lessons that will nourish your child far more than any meal.