However, depending on the age of the children, it may be best to serve them ahead of time if they are little, but as children become older, respecting the breadwinner will set the tone for the rest of the family. The protocol is "husband," and no one begins eating until he does. In some cultures, it's considered impolite to start eating before the husband or father. This is especially true in Arab countries where women are taught from a young age that they should wait for their husbands to begin eating so that they don't appear greedy or ill-mannered. Starting food without the main course is also not recommended in Islam because God says in the Quran: "Eat from what you know to be good" (16:55). In conclusion, who eats first depends on the age of the children and the culture. In most cases, the husband starts eating first because this is the proper way to show respect.