What does emotional neglect look like in everyday parenting, and how can I avoid it? 

Parenting Perspective 

Signs of Emotional Neglect 

Frequent disconnection, such as ignoring your child’s attempts to share, hurrying through their emotions, or letting screens take the place of your attention, are common signs of emotional neglect. You might awaken distracted or far away. 

How to Prevent It 

Make a commitment to basic daily routines, such as reading a bedtime story, checking in mid-afternoon, and sitting together at breakfast, to prevent this. These moments only need to be regular and focused; they do not have to be lengthy or flawless. These repeated actions prevent emotional drift over time. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam values attentive care and equitable treatment of children. Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Nisa (4), Verse 9: 

“And let those people (who are the guardians and executors of orphans) be anxious… that you may attained piety from Allah (Almighty) and speak with (the poor and the orphans, with) appropriate words of comfort.” 

Neglect can breed injustice. The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ ensured emotional presence in all his dealings, even during busy periods. It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 144, how he addressed children gently and affectionately: 

“When Husain was playing in the street, the Prophet ﷺ stretched out his hands towards him, and the child started to run here and there. The Prophet made him laugh until he caught him, then put one hand under his chin and the other on his head and kissed him.” 

Taking care of emotional needs is a mandatory part of being a parent.