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How can I teach my child about healthy food choices?

Parenting Perspective

Educating a child on nutritious food options calls for consistency, involvement, and demonstration. Children learn by example, and when parents demonstrate nutritious eating, they are more likely to practice the same. Meals need to be served with colourful, well-balanced plates comprising vegetables, fruits, lean protein, and whole grain foods. Letting children go shopping and participate in cooking helps them comprehend the origin and intention of their food. Using simple descriptions such as “this helps you grow strong” or “this gives you energy” creates a positive food vocabulary. Don’t call foods “bad,” but instead teach moderation. Establish a routine of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and scheduled snacks, leaving space for enjoyment without guilt. Consistency over time creates habits for a lifetime. Praise and encourage, don’t criticize, to encourage better choices.

Spiritual Insight

Allah Almighty says in the noble Quran at Surah Al Aa’raaf (7), Verse 31: ‘…And eat and drink and do not be extravagant (wasteful), as indeed, He (Allah Almighty) does not like extravagance.’ It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 2380 and Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 3349, that holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: ‘A human being fills no worse vessel than his stomach. It is sufficient for a human being to eat a few mouthfuls.’ It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 3671, that holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: ‘No father gives a better gift to his children than good manners.’ Teaching healthy eating with discipline, gratitude, and moderation is a form of  Tarbiyah (nurturing) and part of Islamic character building. When food is understood as a blessing from Allah Almighty, children learn to respect it, eat moderately, and use it to strengthen their body for Ibadah. This combination of rational engagement and religious teaching helps form a sound, lasting foundation in both health and faith.

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