What can I do when my child ignores instructions at the escalator? 

Parenting Perspective 

For a child, an escalator can be both thrilling and intimidating; its moving steps and shifting rhythm are fascinating but can also be confusing. When your child rushes ahead, ignoring your instructions, it is rarely an act of defiance, but more often a sign of sensory excitement or impatience. The goal is not to correct them through fear, but to slow the moment down, helping your child to connect a feeling of safety with a calm focus. 

A Ritual for Safety 

Children respond best when they know exactly what to expect. Before approaching an escalator, it is helpful to pause together and use a short, consistent script every time. 

‘We stop, we hold hands, and then we step on together.’ 

This pre-routine sets the tone for focus and predictability. Repetition helps to build an automatic recall; the more often they hear the same words, the more quickly they will respond, even when distracted. It is important to keep your tone steady, not sharp. If you sound calm, they are more likely to remain calm. 

Practise Through Play 

Before a busy outing, you can practise at quieter times or through pretend play at home. Using a low step, you can act out each movement: ‘Step on, feet apart, hold on, and stand still.’ Turning it into a game and rewarding their attentiveness with small praise helps them to remember the actions when it matters. If your child moves ahead, it is best to stop completely instead of chasing after them. You can crouch down to their eye level and say, ‘We cannot get on the escalator until we are holding hands.’ This restores a calm authority and shows that safety cannot be rushed. 

Praise the Process 

When they follow your instructions properly, be sure to name the specific behaviour you appreciate: ‘You waited until I said we could go. That shows good self-control.’ Children feel proud when their effort is recognised. This approach helps to train their mindfulness, teaching them that listening is a key part of staying safe. 

Spiritual Insight 

Children’s excitement at an escalator can mirror how easily our own hearts rush ahead without reflection. Islam teaches believers to move with awareness, to act deliberately, with humility and self-control. By helping your child to pause and listen before stepping onto an escalator, you are nurturing the inner discipline that the Quran and Sunnah both honour. 

Moving with a Quranic Awareness 

The Quran reminds us that even the way we move should reflect a sense of humility and care. Teaching your child to slow down and listen before stepping onto an escalator is a small expression of this principle. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Israa (17), Verse 37: 

‘And do not walk around the Earth in an insolent manner; indeed, as you will never be able to change the shape of the Earth, and you will never grow taller than the mountains.’ 

This transforms an everyday movement into an act of mindful presence, a moment of respect for safety, balance, and self-control. 

The Prophetic Example of Gentle Authority 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ modelled a calm authority that was firm yet compassionate. When you guide your child without shouting, you are reflecting this beautiful prophetic gentleness. 

It is recorded in Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith 4808, 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.’ 

Your composed tone teaches more than your words ever could: that real strength is quiet, kind, and protective. 

Helping your child to listen at the escalator is really about building a sense of safety through serenity. Each calm reminder and every patient pause turns a moment of risk into one of rhythm, and anxiety into trust. Over time, your child learns that following instructions is not about control; it is about care. 

Spiritually, these small habits shape their character. They teach mindfulness before action, gentleness in guidance, and gratitude for protection. When a child learns to pause, hold on, and move safely under your calm direction, they are also learning the deeper rhythm of faith: steady, aware, and always mindful of the balance that Allah Almighty loves.