Skip to main content
Categories
< All Topics
Print

How do I handle fights about ‘who touched my stuff’ daily 

Parenting Perspective 

Daily conflicts over personal belongings often stem from a child seeking to establish their own space and identity within the family unit. When a child asks who touched my stuff, they are expressing a need for security and control over their environment. As a parent, you must address the underlying need for boundaries while discouraging aggression. It is helpful to acknowledge the frustration of the child whose items were moved without permission. Use simple language to explain that everyone has a right to their own things. 

Click below to discover meaningful books that nurture strong values in your child and support you on parenting journey

Establishing Clear Boundaries and Permission 

Create a household rule that requires seeking permission before touching or using any item that belongs to someone else. You can say that asking first shows respect for the other person. If a child touches something uninvited, lead with a positive example by showing them how to ask correctly next time. Avoid making absolute claims that these fights will disappear instantly, as learning takes time. Providing each child with a specific shelf or container that is exclusively theirs can significantly reduce daily friction. This practical step gives them a sense of ownership and reduces the urge to monitor the belongings of others. 

Spiritual Insight 

Teaching children to respect the property of others is a fundamental lesson in character development. In our faith, honesty and respecting the rights of others are essential for a peaceful community. By guiding them to be mindful of what belongs to their siblings, you are instilling values of integrity and trust. This helps them understand that their actions should not cause distress or loss to those around them. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Nisa (4), Verse 29: 

‘O you who have believed, do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly but only in lawful business by mutual consent.’ 

This reminds us that we must teach our children the importance of mutual consent and the fair treatment of the property of others. It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2564, that holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The whole of a Muslim is sacred to another Muslim, his blood, his property, and his honour.’ 

This teaches us that respecting the belongings of others is a serious duty that fosters love and security within the home. Handling these disputes requires a calm and objective tone to avoid taking sides. When siblings argue, encourage them to find a solution together through compromise rather than through anger. This approach turns a daily frustration into an opportunity for growth and empathy. Ensure that you repeat these lessons using different sentence styles to keep the guidance engaging and effective for young minds. By maintaining consistency and teaching the value of permission, you help your children build a foundation of mutual respect that will serve them well throughout their lives. This steady guidance ensures that the home remains a place of safety where everyone feels that their individual space is truly honoured and protected. 

Click below to discover meaningful books that nurture strong values in your child and support you on parenting journey

Table of Contents