Parenting Perspective 

Prepare before you go 

Children are naturally tactile learners, and shops overflow with bright, tempting objects that invite exploration. Expecting a young child to resist this impulse without preparation is unrealistic. Before entering a shop, pause outside and set a clear, calm rule: ‘We will use our eyes, not our hands, unless I say it is okay’. Keep your tone gentle but serious, as young minds respond best to short, concrete phrasing and repetition. 

You can practise this skill at home through games, such as playing “look, do not touch” using various household objects. Praise your child’s self-control when they succeed. This helps to strengthen their impulse regulation in a fun way before they face real-life tests. If your child struggles, you can hold their hand inside the shop to provide a physical reminder of the boundaries. Gradually loosen your hold as they demonstrate more responsibility. 

When temptation wins, respond without humiliation. Whisper calmly, ‘That belongs to the shop; we cannot touch it without permission’. Guide them to return the item. Turning mistakes into moments of correction, rather than scolding, keeps their dignity intact. Reinforce the link between self-control and trust: ‘When you remember the rule, I know I can trust you in big stores too’. Over time, that trust will become their internal compass. 

Model respectful behaviour 

Children imitate the behaviour of adults. If you handle items carefully and ask before testing or picking something up, they learn etiquette through observation. Narrate your actions aloud: ‘I am just looking with my eyes. I will ask the shopkeeper before I touch this’. Seeing patience modelled in real-time makes the lesson more tangible. 

After shopping, praise their effort: ‘You kept your hands to yourself most of the time, that was very respectful’. Remind them that not touching items is not about control, but about showing care for the property of other people. Teaching this distinction nurtures empathy, not fear. 

Spiritual Insight 

Qur’anic guidance on honesty and restraint 

Islam teaches that self-control and respect for the property of others are essential qualities of a believer. Even a small act, such as touching or taking what is not yours, carries moral significance. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Israa (17), Verse 34: 

‘And do not come close to the wealth (committed) for the orphan, except with those (ideas and assistance) that may prove helpful (in increasing the wealth), until (the orphan) reaches the age of maturity; and fulfil all your promises, as indeed, you will be questioned about all the promises that you have made (in this life).’ 

This verse reminds us that property is sacred, whether it is large or small. Teaching your child not to touch shop items without permission instils this consciousness early on. It is the understanding that what belongs to others must be treated with honour and care. 

Prophetic teaching on safeguarding property 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 1739, that during his Farewell Sermon, the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Indeed, your blood, your property, and your honour are sacred to one another like the sanctity of this day of yours, in this month of yours, in this city of yours’. 

This profound teaching establishes that respecting the possessions of others is not a matter of politeness alone; it is part of faith. When you remind your child, ‘This does not belong to us’, you are echoing the call of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to protect the trust and rights of others. 

Making restraint an act of worship 

Invite your child to see restraint as a form of strength. You could whisper before entering a shop: ‘Ya Allah, help me to look with my eyes and respect the things of others’. When they succeed, you can express that Allah Almighty is pleased with their effort. 

In time, they will realise that self-control is not about restriction but about dignity. Each moment they resist unnecessary touching, they are practising Amanah, which is fulfilling a trust with their eyes, hands, and heart. Through this awareness, everyday errands become a form of spiritual training, and respect becomes their natural way of honouring Allah Almighty in public and private life.