< All Topics
Print

How do I read nutrition labels with my child?

Parenting Perspective

Reading food labels with a child teaches them how to make accountable food decisions. Start off with discussing serving size and how all the nutrients are proportionate to it. Demonstrate how to find sugars, fats (particularly trans fats), sodium, and levels of protein. Teach them to scan for short lists of ingredients with familiar items. Teach them to steer clear of added sugars and artificial colours. Apply simple comparisons (e.g. ‘this cereal contains too much sugar, let’s look for one which has less’) to make them interested. Keep it interactive while shopping and build curiosity, not pressure. Reading labels makes children more confident about selecting food that will make their body and mind strong.

Spiritual Insight

Allah Almighty says in the noble Quran at Surah Al Baqarah (2), Verse 286: ‘Allah (Almighty) does not place any burden on any human being except that which is within his capacity…’ It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 893, that holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: ‘Every one of you is a shepherd, and every one of you is responsible for his flock.’ It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2699, that holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: ‘Allah Almighty will ask every shepherd about his flock, whether he took care of it or neglected it…’ The noble Quran and Hadith emphasise responsibility, knowledge, and moderation. Teaching children how to understand what they eat is part of protecting their body and soul an act of responsible guardianship in Islam.

Table of Contents

How can we help?