Parenting Perspective 

Some children are naturally more sensitive to noise and high-energy games, which can easily leave them feeling anxious or overstimulated. For these children, tactile play, which involves activities that engage the hands and the sense of touch, can provide immense comfort, a sense of grounding, and an opportunity to connect without pressure. Parents can thoughtfully create an environment where this type of play feels safe, inviting, and becomes a consistent part of their routine. 

Choose Gentle, Hands-On Activities 

Introduce your child to simple materials like playdough, kinetic sand, soft fabrics, or even a small bowl of water with smooth stones. These materials allow children to relax through calming, repetitive motions without the need for constant conversation or loud noise. Crafts such as threading beads, drawing with crayons, or simple paper folding can also serve as wonderfully soothing outlets. 

Create a Calm and Inviting Play Corner 

Dedicate a small space in your home that can serve as a quiet corner, perhaps with a soft mat, a basket of tactile toys, and warm, gentle lighting. By ensuring this space is separate from the noise of siblings or screens, a child learns that it is their personal safe retreat, where play can feel predictable and calm. 

Join Your Child in Quiet Engagement 

You can simply sit beside your child and mirror their actions, perhaps by rolling your own piece of playdough or stacking blocks in silence. This demonstrates that you respect their pace and shows them that connection does not always need words. You can occasionally add gentle, observational comments like, “This feels nice and soft,” to model calm reflection. 

This form of quiet, tactile play not only helps to reduce a child’s anxiety but also profoundly strengthens the bond of trust between parent and child. It communicates to children that they can engage on their own terms, which in turn fosters confidence and emotional security. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam places a high value on gentleness and recognises the diverse temperaments and needs of all individuals, including children. Therefore, adapting the style of play to suit a child’s unique temperament is a beautiful act of mercy that reflects the character of the Prophet ﷺ. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Furqaan (25), Verses 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 reminds us that a calm and gentle disposition is a sign of spiritual strength, and creating a quiet, peaceful environment for an anxious child is a practical application of this principle. 

It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 3689, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Allah is gentle and loves gentleness in all matters.’ 

This profound hadith teaches us that every interaction, including the way we play with our children, should be infused with tenderness and sensitivity. 

By offering quiet tactile play instead of loud games, parents align their actions with both their child’s needs and the Islamic values of gentleness and mercy. In this context, such play becomes more than mere entertainment; it is a powerful form of nurturing that reassures a child emotionally, builds their confidence, and affirms that they are loved and valued exactly as they are.