How Can I Train Them to Use Quiet Footsteps in Shared Spaces? 

Parenting Perspective 

Children often move with a natural and boundless energy, which can mean running, jumping, or stomping through hallways, upstairs rooms, or other shared spaces without realising how much the noise can disturb others. Training them to use quieter footsteps is not about restricting their energy, but about building their awareness, respect for others, and self-control. 

Explain the ‘Why’ Behind Quietness 

Give your child a simple and relatable reason for the request, which helps them to see the purpose behind it. You could say, ‘When we walk with quiet feet inside, it helps the other people in our house to rest, read, or pray without being disturbed.’ By linking their behaviour to its direct impact on others, you are teaching them empathy. 

Show, Do not Just Tell 

Demonstrate the difference for them in a practical and memorable way. You can stomp heavily and say, ‘Listen to how noisy this is. It can bother people who are trying to concentrate.’ Then, walk softly on your tiptoes and say, ‘This way is gentle and kind. Can you try walking like a quiet mouse with me?’ These visual and physical examples make the lesson much more effective than words alone. 

Make a Game of Walking Softly 

You can build this habit without nagging by turning the practice into a fun and playful challenge. You could try games like: 

• ‘Who can walk the quietest to the other side of the room?’ 

• ‘Let us try walking like spies, without making a single sound.’ 

These playful challenges make the act of learning self-control feel enjoyable and engaging. 

Use Gentle Reminders 

Instead of using critical language like, “Stop stomping!”, try using a short, positive reminder phrase. A simple, ‘Quiet feet, please. Remember we are in a shared space,’ works much better than a scolding tone. These gentle prompts guide their behaviour without causing them to feel defensive. 

Acknowledge and Praise Their Effort 

When you notice your child making a conscious effort to walk more softly, be sure to acknowledge it. A warm comment like, ‘I really liked how quietly you walked past the living room just now. That was very thoughtful of you,’ makes the behaviour feel rewarding and appreciated. 

By patiently training your children through clear explanations, fun demonstrations, and consistent encouragement, you teach them that using quiet footsteps is a simple, everyday act of kindness and consideration for others. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches the virtues of mindfulness, humility, and gentleness, not only in our speech but also in our physical movements. Learning to walk softly and with consideration for others is a part of good Islamic manners (adab) and a reflection of the beautiful, dignified way of the Prophet ﷺ. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Luqman (31), Verse 19: 

‘And be modest in your attitude and lower your voice (in dealing with people); as indeed, the harshest of all sounds, is the noise of the donkeys.’ 

This verse is a direct command to be moderate and calm in our physical pace. It teaches us that showing respect for our surroundings is a quality that is demonstrated through both our movements and our speech. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2594, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Gentleness is not in anything except that it beautifies it, and it is not removed from anything except that it makes it defective.’ 

This profound hadith shows us that the quality of gentleness adds beauty to all of our actions, and this includes the very way that we walk. A quiet footstep is a more beautiful and considerate footstep. 

When children learn to use quiet footsteps in shared family spaces, they are actively practising the virtues of gentleness, consideration, and respect. These small but significant acts of physical awareness help to nurture their character, making them more mindful of the comfort of others and, in turn, more beloved to Allah Almighty.