BY NUR AZIRA TUKIRAN

International Institute for Halal Research and Training( INHART), International Islamic University Malaysia( IIUM)

AND

BY NUR HANISAH TUKIRAN

Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia( IIUM)

While these can be useful, many may overlook one of the most important influences on a child’ s early development: food.

Food is not only needed for growth and energy. It also plays an important role in brain development, oral muscle strength, behaviour, and the everyday interactions that help children learn language.

In many ways, food is truly more than a meal.

BUILDING THE BRAIN

The early years of life are a critical period for brain development. During this time, children begin to recognise sounds, understand words, form sentences, and learn to express their feelings and needs.

To support these milestones, the brain needs proper nutrition.

Nutrients such as protein, iron, zinc, iodine, healthy fats, and vitamins are essential for growth and learning. Iron helps carry oxygen to the brain, while healthy fats are important for brain cell development.

Protein supports tissue growth and repair, while fruits and vegetables provide vitamins and minerals needed for overall health.

When children do not receive enough nutritious food, they may struggle with focus, memory, learning, or communication.

On the other hand, regular meals with balanced nutrition can support stronger cognitive and language development( Omand et al., 2021).

Healthy meals do not need to be expensive or complicated. Everyday foods such as rice, fish, eggs, beans, vegetables, fruits, milk, and whole grains can provide valuable nourishment for growing children.

LEARNING TO SPEAK

Many parents may not realise that eating and speaking rely on the same body parts. The lips, tongue, jaw, and throat all work together during chewing, swallowing, and producing speech sounds.

When babies move from milk to pureed foods, then to soft foods, and eventually to more textured meals, they are doing more than learning to eat. They are also developing the muscles and coordination needed for speech.

Chewing suitable foods helps strengthen jaw movement, tongue control, and oral coordination. These are the same skills children use when producing sounds such as“ m”,“ b”,“ p”, and“ t”.

Children who are gradually introduced to age-appropriate food textures often gain valuable oral experience. If children remain too long on only smooth or blended foods, they may miss some opportunities to practise chewing skills.

Of course, safety and age readiness must always come first, but gradual progression is beneficial. In simple terms, every chew can help prepare the mouth for clearer speech( Somaraki et al., 2024).

MEALTIME IS LANGUAGE TIME

One of the best places for children to learn a language is not always the classroom. Very often, it is the dining table at home.

Mealtime creates a natural opportunity for children to hear language, respond, ask questions, and join family conversations.

Unlike formal learning sessions, these interactions happen naturally and repeatedly each day.

Parents do not need expensive tools or special training to support language development during meals. During meals, they can talk about the food on the table, which helps children learn naturally.

Offering simple choices, such as milk or water, encourages participation and understanding. When a child uses a single word, parents can gently expand it.

For example, if the child says“ juice”, the parent can respond,“ You want orange juice”. These simple conversations expose children to new vocabulary, sentence patterns, turn-taking, and listening skills.

Even toddlers who are not yet speaking much are learning through these moments. They hear words in meaningful situations and begin to connect sounds with actions, objects, and feelings. Over time, they imitate words and build confidence in communication.

Family mealtimes can also help children learn manners, patience, and social interaction. They learn how to wait for their turn, listen when others speak, and express preferences politely.

Eating together whenever possible also matters. Even one shared family meal a day can strengthen relationships and create meaningful conversation time. Reducing distractions such as television or mobile phones during meals can further improve communication.

Through these small, consistent moments, mealtime becomes more than eating. It becomes a daily space for language learning, social development, and family connection.

CARE AND PURPOSE

For many families, food is more than nourishment. It is also connected to values, responsibility, and gratitude. In Islam, choosing food is not only about whether it is permissible( halal), but also whether it is beneficial, clean, and wholesome.

This wider understanding reflects the concept of toyyib food that supports health and wellbeing.

When parents provide balanced meals, practise good hygiene in food preparation, and encourage moderation, they are nurturing children in ways that benefit both their bodies and minds.

Nutritious meals that support growth, learning, and healthy development are closely aligned with these values.