Parenting Perspective 

Climbing is a natural part of a toddler’s development as they test their physical abilities and explore the world. However, when this exploration turns into constant climbing on furniture, it can become both unsafe and frustrating for parents. The calmest and most effective way to handle this is not through shouting, but by redirecting their energy towards safer alternatives, showing them what can be climbed rather than only what cannot. 

Acknowledge and Redirect 

Begin by calmly acknowledging your child’s natural desire: ‘I can see that you really want to climb right now.’ This simple statement shows that you understand their urge. Then, immediately redirect them to an approved activity: ‘The sofa is not for climbing, but you are welcome to climb on this cushion tower instead.’ Linking their innate need to a safe and approved activity helps to avoid unnecessary power struggles. 

Provide Safe Outlets 

Offer your toddler plenty of safe and appropriate opportunities to climb. This could include a small indoor slide, a set of foam blocks, or a designated pile of sturdy pillows. Taking them outdoors to climb on playground equipment is also an excellent way to satisfy their developmental urge. When children have a safe and accessible way to practise their skills, they are far less tempted to test unsafe boundaries. 

Be Consistent Without Anger 

Each time your toddler attempts to climb the furniture, you must calmly and consistently intervene. Gently lift them down and restate the simple rule: ‘Chairs are for sitting. The play mat is for climbing.’ Your consistency, when paired with a calm tone and redirection, helps them to learn the boundary without feeling criticised or shamed. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam guides parents to set boundaries with wisdom and patience, reminding us that a child’s natural instincts should be shaped and guided, not crushed. Discipline is always more effective when a parent redirects behaviour with kindness rather than reacting with harshness. 

Responding to Challenges with Peace 

The Quran teaches that responding to challenging behaviour with calmness and words of peace is a sign of true dignity and mercy. 

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”.‘ 

The Divine Love for Gentleness 

The prophetic tradition makes it clear that gentleness is a quality that is beloved to Allah and one that adds beauty to all of our interactions, including discipline. 

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

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

By calmly redirecting your toddler, you are mirroring this prophetic gentleness in your parenting. Your child learns not only safer habits but also that your guidance comes from a place of love, which builds both trust and obedience in the long run.