How can I invite tasting new foods without pressure or bribery? 

Parenting Perspective 

Introducing new foods can feel like a battle. Parents often fall into two traps: pressure (“You must eat this”) or bribery (“If you eat this, you get dessert”). Both approaches create negative associations with food. A calmer, more respectful method encourages curiosity and builds trust around mealtimes. 

Make Tasting Optional but Encouraged 

Present the food gently. The key is exposure without force. 

• ‘This is something new. You don’t have to eat it all, but you can try one bite to see what it’s like.’ 

• Place a small portion on their plate without fuss. 

Use Positive Language, Not Pressure 

Instead of “You’ll like it” or “Don’t be fussy”, frame it as an adventure: 

• ‘This food has a new taste, let’s explore it together.’ 

• ‘I wonder what flavour you’ll notice first.’ 

Model Tasting Yourself 

Children copy what they see. Try the food first with enjoyment. This makes trying feel normal, not a test. 

• ‘I’m tasting mine now. It’s crunchy. Want to see what you think?’ 

Celebrate the Attempt, Not the Outcome 

Praise the act of tasting, even if they don’t like it. Avoid shaming if they reject it. Simply try again another day. 

• ‘Well done for giving it a try.’ 

• ‘That was brave of you to taste something new.’ 

Parent: ‘This is a new vegetable. You can taste a little if you’d like.’ Child: takes a small bite, then says they don’t like it Parent: ‘Thank you for trying. That’s enough for today. Maybe another time you’ll like it more.’ 

Spiritual Insight 

Inviting children to taste new foods can be linked to the Islamic value of gratitude. We do not need to love every food, but we are called to appreciate Allah Almighty’s provision without waste or complaint. 

Appreciating Allah’s Blessings 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Maaidah (5), Verses 88: 

‘ And consume from that nourishment (which has been provided) for you from Allah (Almighty), (which is) clearly lawful and absolute purification; and seek piety from Allah (Almighty), in whom you believe.‘ 

This reminds us that all food from Allah is a blessing, worthy of respect even if it is not to our personal taste. 

The Prophet’s ﷺ Gentle Example 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 3563, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘If he liked something, he would eat it, and if he disliked it, he would leave it without criticising it.’ 

This teaches us that food should be approached with gratitude and respect, not with complaints or pressure. 

By inviting your child to taste new foods gently, you encourage gratitude, curiosity, and respect. They learn that meals are about blessings and togetherness, not power struggles or bribes.