Parenting Perspective 

Children often face teasing for doing the right thing, such as eating balanced meals, skipping harmful trends, or avoiding junk food. In those moments, your child might feel torn between fitting in and staying true to what they know is good for them. Helping them handle mockery calmly teaches self-respect, emotional intelligence, and quiet confidence. The goal is not to make them preachy or defensive, but to help them remain kind and steady in their choices. 

Help Them Understand the Root of Mockery 

Explain that teasing often comes from a place of discomfort, not superiority. Sometimes, children mock others to mask their own insecurity or to avoid feeling left out. Teach your child to see this with empathy rather than taking it personally. You can say, ‘When people laugh at good choices, it often says more about their own confusion than your mistake.’ This reframing helps your child interpret mockery through understanding, not hurt. 

Give Them Short, Grounded Replies 

Equip your child with simple, calm phrases that neither attack nor apologise for their choices. Examples include: 

• ‘I just feel better this way.’ 

• ‘It works for me.’ 

• ‘We eat differently at my house.’ 

• ‘That is okay; we all have our preferences.’ 

Such short replies protect their dignity while closing the door to further arguments. Encourage a calm tone, steady eye contact, and a small smile, as this shows confidence without arrogance. 

Turn Awkwardness into Strength 

Teach your child to redirect the energy of the conversation. If someone laughs, they can change the subject or offer a neutral response like, ‘You can try some if you want; it is actually nice.’ If the teasing continues, they should feel empowered to step away gracefully rather than retaliate. Role-play these scenarios at home so the words feel natural and easy to recall. Children who practise beforehand are more likely to respond wisely under pressure. 

Build Inner Validation 

Remind your child that doing what pleases Allah Almighty is more important than pleasing people. Let them know that you are proud of their effort to live healthily and consciously. When they understand that their self-worth does not depend on the approval of others, mockery loses its power. You can affirm this by saying, ‘You are choosing what helps your body and your soul, and that is real strength.’ Over time, such encouragement nurtures a courage that is rooted in faith and self-awareness. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam encourages moderation, self-discipline, and gratitude for what nourishes the body. The noble Quran and the teachings of the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ highlight that taking care of one’s health is both a moral and a spiritual duty. Being mocked for healthy choices is, therefore, a test of steadfastness in doing good. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Aa’raaf (7), Verse 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 verse teaches balance: to enjoy food but within limits, and to value self-control over indulgence. When a child chooses moderation, they are living this verse. Help them see that their mindful habits are not strange; they are acts of obedience. Eating well, sleeping properly, and avoiding harm are forms of gratitude to Allah Almighty, not reasons for embarrassment. 

It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 3349, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘No human ever filled a vessel worse than the stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Adam to eat a few mouthfuls to keep his back straight. If he must fill it, then one third for food, one third for drink, and one third for air.’ 

This Hadith beautifully captures moderation as a sign of wisdom and health. Share it with your child as a reminder that balance is not strange; it is prophetic. When others mock, they can smile inwardly, knowing they are following a Sunnah of care and restraint. 

Teach your child to anchor their choices in purpose, not popularity. The world may mock what faith refines, but Allah Almighty honours every effort made with sincerity. When your child answers mockery with calm conviction, they are not merely defending a meal; they are defending the values of gratitude, balance, and self-respect taught by Islam.