My toddler pushes my phone away when I am using it. How should I respond to that boundary? 

Parenting Perspective 

When a toddler pushes your phone away, they are communicating a powerful and direct message: they want you, right now. This is not a sign of defiance, but an instinctive attempt to say, “Please look at me, not the screen.” The best response is to avoid frustration and instead pause, put the phone down, and acknowledge their need. Saying something as simple as, “I see you want my attention. I am here,” accompanied by eye contact and a warm tone, can validate their feelings, even if you only have a moment. 

Honour the Message Behind the Gesture 

This physical action is one of your toddler’s first attempts at setting a boundary. By honouring it, you teach them that their needs are valid and that you are a safe person to communicate with. This simple act of respect builds foundational trust and can reduce the need for them to use more disruptive behaviours to get your attention. 

Create Predictable Phone-Free Moments 

If this happens frequently, it can be helpful to create predictable phone-free windows in your day. Let your child see you intentionally put your phone on a shelf, perhaps saying, “Now is our time together, so I am putting this away.” These consistent patterns help your child feel secure and valued, reducing the constant push-pull for your attention. 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, our character is often revealed in how we respond to the needs of others, particularly the most vulnerable in our care. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Furqaan (25), Verse 63: 

‘And the true servants of the One Who is Most Beneficent are those who wander around the Earth with humility; and when they are addressed by the ignorant people, they say: “Peace be unto you.”…‘ 

This verse beautifully illustrates the principle of responding with peace and gentleness, even when faced with an interruption. A child’s push for attention is not harsh, but it calls for the same merciful and patient response. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 5997, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘He is not one of us who does not show mercy to our young’ 

This foundational teaching reminds us that showing mercy to our children means valuing their attempts to communicate. Their expressions, even when clumsy or inconvenient, are deserving of our compassionate attention. 

By respecting your toddler’s simple signal and creating predictable moments of presence, you transform a small interaction into a powerful lesson, building a foundation of emotional trust that can last a lifetime.