Parenting Perspective 

Picky eating can test a parent’s patience, especially when mealtimes turn into power struggles. While it is tempting to bribe with dessert or shame a child into eating, these tactics can damage trust, make food emotionally charged, and even increase resistance. Instead, the aim should be to create a calm, positive environment where the child can explore food without pressure. 

Offer Choices Within Limits 

Serve one or two items you know your child will eat alongside new foods. Presenting options gives them a sense of control without turning the table into a restaurant. 

Normalise Exposure Without Pressure 

Encourage your child to have at least a small taste, but avoid forcing or bargaining. Sometimes repeated, calm exposure over days or weeks builds acceptance far better than pushing in one meal. 

Keep Mealtimes Relaxed 

Avoid comments like “Why are you so fussy?” or “You never eat properly.” These create shame and may harm a child’s confidence. Instead, talk about positive topics unrelated to food, letting eating happen naturally. 

Model the Behaviour 

Eat the same foods with enjoyment and let your child see you trying new things. Children learn more from what they observe than from what they are told. 

Use Encouragement, Not Bribes 

Praise effort, not outcome: “I noticed you tried the carrot today; that is brave.” This builds courage and curiosity rather than reward-seeking behaviour. 

By replacing shame and bribes with patience, modelling, and encouragement, you create a healthier relationship with food and a calmer atmosphere at the table. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam places emphasis on moderation, gratitude, and avoiding waste when it comes to food. Picky eating can be managed best when parents model thankfulness and gentle encouragement, teaching children to respect Allah Almighty’s blessings without harshness or manipulation. 

Guidance from the Noble Quran 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Aa’raaf (7), Verses 31: 

‘O children of Adam, take (appropriate) measures to beautify yourself (before you appear) at any place of worship (for Prayer); and eat and drink and do not be extravagant (wasteful), as indeed, He (Allah Almighty) does not like extravagance.’ 

This reminds us that food should be eaten with balance and respect, avoiding both wastefulness and compulsion. 

Teaching from the Hadith 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 1818, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The believer eats in one intestine, and the disbeliever eats in seven intestines.’ 

This teaches us that believers eat with moderation and gratitude, not greed or excess. 

By approaching picky eating with calm patience, modelling gratitude, and avoiding bribes or shaming, you show your child that food is a blessing from Allah Almighty. They learn that mealtimes are moments of peace and thankfulness, not battles, and that respect for food is part of faith.