Parenting Perspective 

Throwing food or objects during mealtime is often a sign of emotional imbalance rather than defiance. It can result from frustration, sensory overload, or the struggle to express difficult emotions. Rather than punishing the reaction, the aim is to guide the child towards safer, more constructive responses. 

Respond with calm structure 

• Remain neutral and avoid raising your voice 

• Say firmly: Throwing is not safe. We consume food with appreciation 

• Remove the food without drama and allow the child to start over 

• Redirect to a calming activity, counting, breathing, or a sensory tool 

• When calm, reflect: In the future, what could you do instead? 

• Offer choices: squeeze a soft object or signal for help 

Help your child understand that having strong emotions is allowed, but expressing them through throwing is not acceptable. With consistent feedback and emotional support, they begin to make better choices. 

Spiritual Insight 

Allah Almighty states in Surah Al Israa (17), Verse 27: 

‘Indeed, those who are extravagant (i.e. wasteful of their wealth) these are the brothers of the Satan…. ‘

Even in anger, throwing food dishonours the blessings we are given. This verse teaches us that wastefulness, especially in emotionally charged moments, distances us from Allah Almighty’s mercy. 

The Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ never wasted food nor responded with anger. It is narrated in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 3279: 

‘When any one of you drops a mouthful, he should pick it up and remove any of the filth on it, and then eat it, and should not leave it for the Satan…. ‘

Gently introduce this concept to your child by saying: 

• O Allah, help me use my hands with kindness and not with anger. 

When emotional outbursts are met with spiritual grounding and respectful firmness, children gradually learn that their actions carry weight and that even the smallest morsel deserves reverence.