One bite of broccoli

Broccoli on the plate, Baby Mo's mouth locked tight. I used to force it, and we'd both end up crying. This time Umi tried another way: I ate the broccoli myself first, saying "mmm, yummy."

Baby Mo watched. Curious. I didn't order, just offered one little floret: "Want to try just one?" He bit the tip. His face unsure, but he chewed. One bite. That was the victory.

Appetite can't be forced, only invited. A child forced to eat learns to hate the table; a child calmly offered learns that trying is safe. Umi didn't need him to finish a plate — I needed him to not be afraid to try.

"Eat from the good things We have provided for you, and be grateful to Allah." (Qur'an, Al-Baqarah 2:172)

The rest of the broccoli? Still on the plate. But one bite today is worth more than a forced plate with tears.