Parenting Perspective 

Mealtimes often slide into conflict when parents feel frustrated by how slowly a child eats, or by the mess left behind. Nagging, rushing, or scolding can quickly turn the table into a battleground, creating stress for everyone. The goal is to teach better habits while protecting the mealtime atmosphere, so food becomes a space of connection rather than conflict.

 

Focus on Atmosphere, Not Control 

Keep conversation light and positive. If every meal is filled with reminders like “Hurry up” or “Do not spill,” children begin to associate eating with tension. Instead, save corrections for calm teaching moments after the meal. 

Set Realistic Expectations 

Young children naturally eat slowly and may spill. A small cloth under their chair or using easy-to-hold cutlery can reduce stress. Over time, maturity will solve what pressure cannot. 

Use Gentle Cues Instead of Criticism 

If your child lingers too long, offer a time cue: “We will clear the table in ten minutes” rather than “You are always so slow.” For mess, provide napkins within reach and model wiping spills quickly and calmly without fuss. 

Model and Praise Effort 

Eat at a steady pace yourself and show neat habits, because children copy what they see. Praise effort over perfection: “I like how you used your napkin today.” This encourages gradual improvement without shaming. 

By shifting the focus from control to guidance, you preserve mealtimes as a place of warmth, patience, and family belonging. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that food is a blessing, and mealtimes should be filled with gratitude and calm, not quarrelling. Moderation, gentleness, and patience are emphasised over rushing or scolding. 

Guidance from the Noble Quran 

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 reminds us that calmness and gentle responses are marks of true believers, even at home. 

Teaching from the Hadith 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 1820, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The food of one is sufficient for two, the food of two is sufficient for three, and the food of three is sufficient for four.’ 

This teaches us that meals are meant to be shared with gratitude and simplicity, not made heavy by conflict or excess. 

By responding to slow eating or mess with calm cues, practical adjustments, and consistent modelling, you show your child that food is a blessing to be enjoyed together. They learn that mealtimes are not battles but moments of mercy, gratitude, and connection values that stay with them far beyond the dinner table.